IBM to help create 'Little Africa' in Gujarat

10-11-2009
IBM to help create 'Little Africa' in Gujarat
Times of India By Nayan Dave
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/IBM-to-help-create-Little-Africa-in-Gujarat/articleshow/5214160.cms

In a bid to provide employment to youth of the African-origin Sidi community settled in Saurashtra, Gujarat government has planned to create a 'Little Africa' on the fringes of Gir forest by developing a theme-based resort.

The resort to be developed on 25 acres of land would be promoted by global giant IBM. The tribal development department of the state government has entered into a tie-up with IBM India for the project.

"The Rs 10-crore project, excluding the cost of land, would be fully funded by the Gujarat government. IBM will provide expertise to select a private partner to run the resort. It will also provide consultancy to market this 'Little Africa' across the world to lure maximum tourists," said Per Yorgansen, project manager, IBM Denmark, who is in Ahmedabad for IBM's Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program.