In a release published this week, IBM announced an increase in its commitment to sending teams to Africa to help develop sustainable solutions by sharing their management expertise.  The best practices in business that they are bringing to developing countries are making a tangible impact on people's lives, demonstrating how critical good management is to effective development strategies.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it will double the number of emerging leaders it sends on pro bono assignments to Africa during the next three years. As part of the company’s Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program, aimed at developing IBM leaders and providing skilled assistance to local governments and non-government organizations in emerging markets, IBM will send about 600 employees to Africa through 2015. The company made the announcement at THINK: A Forum on the Future of Leadership.

As part of this commitment, a team from IBM will work on a global health project, the Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative, which is aimed at reducing cervical cancer deaths in Africa and Latin America. The Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon initiative is a cause championed by the George W. Bush Institute and its partners - the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and UNAIDS. The IBM team will create a business plan for the technology that enables the participating organizations to achieve shared objectives such as treating and preventing cervical cancer and raising breast cancer awareness.

"The world is discovering Africa’s potential, and IBM is uniquely poised to help the region meet its growing demands. IBM’s Corporate Service Corps program helps lay the groundwork with communities by strengthening relationships with government officials and local partners, while providing IBM employees with a unique leadership development experience" said Bruno Di Leo, General Manager, IBM Growth Markets Unit. "As IBM targets more growth and emerging markets, leadership programs such as the Corporate Service Corps are vital to help train our employees on growth market environments and development opportunities"

Click here to read the full release