13 Jul 2014

Since it was incepted 25 years ago, Rob Pool Computing (RPC) Data, an information technology (IT) business, has contributed to economic development in Botswana by attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi on July 10 said over the last five years, the total revenue generated by RPC Data is estimated at P93.8 million, with a total export value of P24.4 million.

“This signifies a healthy growth which will have tangible results on the economy of Botswana. RPC Data must be applauded for injecting much needed FDI into Botswana,” he said.

Mr Molefhi was speaking at the launch of a partnership between RPC Data and SAP South Africa. He also applauded RPC Data for assisting government in job creation and providing skills to young Batswana in the ICT sector. He further said Botswana has become an investment destination of choice because of the viable entity of RPC Data and its contribution to developing quality IT services.

“RPC Data has demonstrated its commitment to ethical business by rendering a wide range of services to government, coming up with a number of packages such as the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS), which is used by over 15 000 users in government,” said Mr Molefhi.

Other services provided by PRC Data to government include payroll, pensions for government employees, Botswana National Integrated Examinations System for Botswana Examination Council (BEC) and the Integrated Tax Management System at Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS). Mr Molefhi urged local companies to emulate RPC Data and bring experience and expertise to develop a robust industry and diversify the economy.

Speaking at the same event, the Founder and Executive Chairperson of RPC Data, Mr Robert Pool said the company has maintained a successful ICT business not only in Botswana but also in countries like Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. He said RPC Data’s main focus since establishment has been skills development, as evidenced by advancement of some junior employees into senior management positions.

He added that RPC Data has implemented many consultancy projects aimed at assisting government and parastatals to implement the first phase of the computerization process, which involved feasibility studies and statement of user requirements.

RPC Data is a uniquely focused public limited information technology (IT) company that specialises in implementation of integrated software systems and services in Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya and India. Services include strategic IT planning, software development, systems implementation and systems integration.  ENDS