Microsoft and UNIDO start up Uganda computer refurbishment initiative

Archiv – The people of the country of Uganda can now look forward to acquiring cheaper computers following the launch of a refurbishment company, claimed to be the first of its kind in Africa.Uganda | The people of the country of Uganda can now look forward to acquiring cheaper computers following the launch of a refurbishment company, claimed to be the first of its kind in Africa.
The Uganda Green Computer refurbishment initiative is supported by a public-private partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Microsoft, the Government and the local private sector. The company was launched by the country’s Prime Minister, Apolo Nsibambi, about 10,000 computers will be refurbished at the company In Uganda’s capital Kampala this year.
Microsoft Corporation was represented by its Corporate Vice President, Will Poole. Under the project, used computers will be imported from the United Kingdom, refurbished and then sold through the established eight district business information centres, already opened countrywide. Each computer will cost about US$ 182. The purpose is to make computers affordable.
’This company will refurbish and supply affordable computers to SMEs and other sections of the community, thus enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of enterprises through use of information technology,’€™ Nsibambi said. Consequently, the surge in the availability of computers is expected to improve information communication technology and thereby the economy, given the linkage that they enjoy, according to UNIDO Director General, Kandeh Yumkella.
Patrick Bitature, the chairman of the company, said, the first batch of refurbished computers will go on the market in the next seven days, although they are already sold out. ‘€˜This is the last step in clearing the barriers to inaccessibility to computers due to high costs,’€™ he said.