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Ardagh Group has announced the first step towards the establishment of a global centre of excellence (CoE) in Cape Town, South Africa. The new CoE will provide some IT services to Ardagh's businesses across Europe, US and Africa. According to the company, the centre will contribute to a positive change in the lives of South African youth by developing skills and growing jobs in the technology field. Paul Coulson, chairman of Ardagh Group, said: “With world-class technology skills and an established infrastructure Cape Town provides the perfect home for Ardagh’s new CoE. We look forward to growing our presence to support our global business objectives.” He continued: “With social development at the core of our sustainability strategy, our CoE in Africa will help to empower local youth as well as underpin Ardagh’s future in, and commitment to, the region. We recognise the critical role education, and access to education, play in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful communities." "This initiative aligns closely with Ardagh’s programme to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education among our communities. It now covers more than 400 schools across Europe and the Americas, with plans to expand into Brazil and Africa in the next year. We are proud to employ more than 21,000 skilled people across our global network, and we look forward to welcoming new members to our growing team here in Africa.” Ardagh said that the CoE will be a crucial part of a range of positive social impact investments in South Africa, particularly Cape Town. The company manufactures a range of glass packaging for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries from its seven production facilities in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia. Alderman Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for economic growth in Cape Town, commented: “Investments like these solidify Cape Town as a preferred destination for investment on the African continent. The city aims to make it easier for businesses to start up, invest and expand in Cape Town." Vos added: "The plan is to not only be the easiest place to do business in South Africa but in Africa overall. This will positively influence our youth by equipping them with key training, education and transportable skills that will enable them to thrive in their future careers.”