Local  graduates stand to benefit from a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) trainee programme from a pan-African  computer software solutions company known as Twenty Third Century Systems (TTCS), a statement from the firm indicates.

The firm seeks to develop the continent’s skills base through the programme.

"Researchers tell us that the application of ICTs have increased operational efficiencies by 80 per cent, and also minimised human error and reduced the risk of corruption,” said Misheck Sibanda, the chief secretary to the Zimbabwean President at the launch of the training programme last week in Harare. The Zimbabwe-based company has presence in Rwanda, Zambia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Malawi and Botswana.

He urged businesses to increase their use of ICTs in order to increase efficiencies.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the TTCS group chief executive, Ellman Chanakira, said the programme would develop a ‘continuous pipeline’ of human resources across Africa to support the ever-growing portfolio of projects.

"Our biggest drive as an organisation is to transform Africa through the use of ICTs. Information is the new currency of the world, and in today’s world, technology and information are inextricably attached,” he noted.