MEA-backed e-VBAB program to digitally empower African countries
India's telecom consultancy and engineering firm Telecom Consultants of India Limited (TCIL) has rolled out e-Network initiative in as many as 14 African countries, and aims to digitally connect underserved institutions and hospitals with Indian experts
Muntazir Abbas
December 21, 2019, 11:57 IST
India's telecom consultancy and engineering firm Telecom Consultants of India Limited (TCIL) has rolled out e-Network initiative in as many as 14 African countries, and aims to digitally connect underserved institutions and hospitals with Indian experts.
"First, it was a dedicated network Pan Africa project using submarine optic fibre cable and satellite for connectivity. Now with the availability of connectivity, the program is now rechristened to e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB)network project," TCIL chairman Rajiv Gupta told ETT.
The ambitious e-VBAB program is backed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is an extension of the Pan-African e-Network initiative that aims to offer free tele-education courses in various academic disciplines.
"Of the total 54 countries, we have so far signed agreements with 15 nations," the top official added.
The state-owned company is utilising the existing network to deliver Internet-based solutions, which according to Gupta, turn out to be cost-effective.
"Many stakeholders such as Indian universities and hospitals have been included, and such institutions in Africa will also be brought under fold, We'll be using missions and taking local people, and using social media to spread awareness," Gupta said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has so far entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between various African countries including Mali, Benin, Guinea and Eritrea to deploy services.
The e-VBAB initiative, according to TCIL, would provide free tele-education courses to 4,000 students every year from African countries over a period of five years.
"We are very optimistic about the prestigious program that aims to digitally empower African nations. Such an initiative demonstrates India's capabilities internationally," TCIL Director— Technical Kamendra Kumar told ETT, and added that the state-run firm would fully adhere to timelines.
Spearheaded by Kumar, the program connects Indian experts with African professionals across education, healthcare and technology domains.
India's engineering company is also in discussions with the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and IT for the formation of skill-based experience centres.
In August this year, west African nations— Benin and Guinea – have entered into an alliance with India during the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's three-day visit.
Originally conceived by the former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam, the e-network project (PAeNP) for e-education and tele-medicine between India and the African Union seeks to connect 55 nations to enable access for sharing expertise between India and African states in the areas of tele-education, telemedicine, and e-governance.
Telecom Consultants of India Limited
TCIL
Digital India /	52 mins ago