BY EMEKA AGINAM, in Malaga, Spain
To deliver better education opportunities, greater medical access and improved economic life   for people across Africa, Samsung Electronics is seeking the support of government and other stakeholders to deliver the potential of digital village project.

With some of the elements of the initiative already in Nigeria like Samsung Engineering Academy, the digital village offers complete educational infrastructure, power generation capabilities to enable the growth of small businesses, ability to harness the energy of the sun to minimize running cost, among others to remote villages in Africa.

Already kicked off in  many  African countries including South Africa, Gabon, Ethopia, among others,  the Director, B2B and IT Solutions, Samsung Africa in a world press conference,   Thursday in  Malaga, Spain at the 2014 Samsung Forum,  explained that using solar power to promote health care and education was the concept behind Samsung’s Digital Village.

With Nigeria a key beneficially, he further explained that the project was also designed to help local traders develop their business with a sustainable and low-cost alternative to fossil fuels.

Solar powered tele-medical center, solar powered  generator, solar powered health care, solar powered internet  schools and solar powered lantern, he further explained are integrated solutions of the digital village.

Throwing more lights on  the  digital village initiative, the Director, Hand Held Products of Samsung West Africa, Emmanouil Revmates    explained that every African country will benefit from the project.

When fully implemented, he said with optimism that the  initiative would bridge digital divide in Africa.

He said that  solar powered tele-medical center will reduce the need for qualified doctors in rural arrears, adding that ot will educate communities about health issues.

Solar powered tele-medical center , according to educate communities about health issues and also reduce the need for qualified doctors in rural arrears.

The health center as one of the components of the capacity building, according to him, eliminates economic and geographical barriers affecting health care delivery.

“Education is  also part of the project with the Internet School. Teachers have touchscreens at their disposal, which are powered by the solar panels installed on the roof. Students have access to solar-powered netbooks for their multimedia class in rural  Africa. It will benefit arrears with no school infrastructure.

“Nigeria is a very important market to us. The elements of Samsung Digital Village like the Samsung Engineering Academy is already in Nigeria. We need stakeholders support. We need support from  government, civil organization, NGO, local health authorities among others. Buying the support of   stakeholders is the main issue

“Samsung is not working alone on this initiative, having forged several partnerships to carry out the project. We will work together with governments and international organizations to ensure that the potential of these Digital Villages is fully realized” he explained.