Speaking at a recent convening of the China-India-Brazil-Africa (CIBA) Business Forum, a global business representative and regulation organisation, Gupta said that while the body represents half the worlds population (3565.7 billion), it reflects less than a quarter of total global Internet users (22.3%).
Gupta agrees with the World Bank Report that access to IT is key to success in world markets.
“The World Bank, nearly a decade ago, pointed out that poor countries and poor communities were falling behind more rapidly than ever before with the rapid development of information technologies. The so-called information superhighway was not going into the villages and slums without telephones, electricity, or safe water. For poor people and communities the promise of the new information age still remains remote. So it is up to companies like ours to engage in partnerships with governments in the South to make this dream a reality,” says Gupta.
“This also falls in line with the United Nations Millennium Declaration, particularly its reference to the need to ensure that the benefits of information and communication technology are available to all. This declaration also stressed the role of public-private partnerships in addressing socio-economic challenges including job creation and reduction of poverty,” he adds.
Sahara has identified access to technology as one of its key functions of its corporate social responsibility program.
“The rationale behind this strategy is based on the principle that providing PCs alone will not meet urgent needs, specifically among rural communities. However, connectivity with desktop PCs enables immediate interaction and facilitates communication. This can do much to alleviate problems,” Gupta continues.
The increase in popularity of mobile and wireless technology has been singled out by the Forum as offering substantial opportunity. This is a significant international trend can be used extensively in the campaign to drive home the benefits of ICT, Gupta continues.
“PCs are growing, but mobile is growing faster. Its popularity is reinforced by increased functionality and proliferation of product, high quality solutions and data capability,” says Gupta. “Operators will need to find value added services, 3G, WiFi and WiMax can create a continuum and PC broadband is not moving fast enough.”
Gupta believes the CIBA Business Forum has a critical role to play in encouraging partnerships that will help drive initiatives going forward.
“While we see our origin steeped in the PC industry, our exposure to the CIBA markets through investment in Africa and India and strong association in China, show us that we have to research and look at opportunities in addition to the PC as being the platform. To this end, we actively seek out partners with whom to drive these initiatives. As these solutions required across all of CIBA, important to look at creating forums that will drive the conditions for this movement to which we at Sahara remain committed,” he says.
“We realise that if all countries are to benefit, we must define an inclusive, long-term vision and approach for the future – that is our philosophy and that is why we engage in public-private partnerships. Providing greater access to technology, developing ICT skills and facilitating application of these skills is critical,” Gupta concludes.
