Microsoft to open Mozambican centre

Microsoft announced that the company will be opening a software learning centre in the Science and Technology Park in Maluana, situated in the Mozambican province of Maputo.

Chairman of Microsoft Africa Cheick Diarra made the announcement while on a visit to Mozambique, and pledged to visit the centre three times a year to help train staff and participate in learning sessions for Mozambique’s planned Space Agency.

“Diarra expressed his satisfaction with the vision of Mozambican government in transforming into reality the dream of building a technology park that will help train up highly skilled staff that can make a major contribution to boosting the national economy,” wrote AIM.

Mozambique’s Science and Technology Minister Venancio Massingue added that the country sees the software giant as priority partner, and the country has an agreement that allows the Mozambican public sector access to Microsoft products at better prices. Massingue also added that he hopes the agreement will attract more investment from international companies.

“Close links between the government and Microsoft date back to a meeting in Cape Town in 2006 between Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and Microsoft Chairman, Bill Gates. As a result of these ties, a partnership agreement was signed last November, which gives Mozambique access to a package that of 9,500 software license for desktops and web servers of public institutions,” AIM added.

Charlie Fripp – Acting Online editor