In a time of great trouble for the world, given the global financial crisis, Silatech and Cisco (an Anchor Technology Partner) have joined hands in developing an Invitational Technology Platform. The initiative is designed to provide jobs and to help the youth in the Middle East and Northern Africa improve their information and communication technology skills by developing industry programs like Cisco Networking Academy.

Both Silatech and Cisco will carry their weight in the development of the Invitational Technology Platform. The former also plans a partnership with several local, regional and international technology organizations to help with their expertise in the project. This effort will be supported by local universities and by young developers from the Middle East and North Africa.

"Technology is an important catalyst for harnessing the intellectual and creative energies of young Arabs. Cisco is a global leader not only in creating advanced technology solutions but in their approach to developing ICT skills and talent globally. We are pleased to leverage their expertise to help Arab youth reach their full potential.” Rick Little, Silatech's chief executive officer, stated.

Business development services, as well as training, will be offered to small- and medium-size entrepreneurs, which will also be provided with financial services and access to markets and supply chains. The youth in the Middle East and Northern Africa will receive assistance with skill development and job placement services.

The chief globalization officer for Cisco and EVP, Cisco Services, Wim Elfrink, said, "We are proud to collaborate with Silatech to address the skills gap as well as create entrepreneurs and the leaders of tomorrow among the upcoming youth in the Middle East and North Africa. This is another key milestone in our journey to help develop talent, foster innovation and leverage growth in key regions around the world."

 

Silatech is set up as a social enterprise created to promote job creation, entrepreneurship, and access to capital for young people. Unemployment has become a serious problem worldwide and it is the most important issue that the company is trying to solve through partnerships with leaders, corporations and organizations all over the world. Cisco is a renowned brand in network communications hardware and software, which offers people innovative and complete solutions for people to connect, communicate and collaborate.