MIT AND HARVARD LAUNCH JOINT IT PROJECT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab and Harvard University have launched a joint project in Ghana to explore ways of collaborating with countrywide IT initiatives and policy frameworks.

The project aims to establish Ghana as a possible Information Technology Gateway in sub-Saharan Africa. The two institutes have been holding consultations with private sector operators in the IT industry to assess the viability of the project.

Last week, Dr. Michael Best, a representative of MIT Media Lab was, in the country to hold a seminar with media representatives, seen as the frontliners in the initiative. In an interview with Choice FM, Dr. Best said the project was very important because it would spread the benefits of information technology to the doorstep of the average African. According to Dr. Best, the project could act as a core engine to development by way of support to existing economic activities through new efficiencies in agriculture, small enterprises and labour. However, said Dr. Best, certain policy measures ought to be put in place to facilitate the initiative.