Continental summit to address ICT challenges

The Africa ICT forum slated for next month in Indaba, Cape Town, South Africa is set to seek solutions to challenges affecting the development of the ICT sector on the continent, according to organisers.The meeting that will be held from June 4 to 7 will bring together hundreds of leading ICT experts, regulators, companies, among others from Africa and beyond. It will be held under the theme ‘Connecting Africa to Development with ICTs’.The forum organised by the South African government in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and telecom giants including MTN, Vodafone, Telkom SA, among others is envisaged to be held annually for the next five years.In a statement, Vuyo Bavuma, one of the organisers, said that the event showcases commitment to advance continental excellence through learning and analysing best ICT practices from within Africa and beyond.“Africa has the potential to become a global leader in the diffusion of ICT’s for its development. The meeting will provide an international platform for identifying initiatives which will advance and accelerate Africa’s knowledge-based economy.” Bavuma stated that meeting has identified six critical sectors in driving the ICT as a tool for African development. A team of eight international technology experts from various countries are expected to discuss a number of strategies including ‘how technology will shape Africa and the world within the next 15-20 years and ‘what should African entrepreneurs focus to capitalise oncoming opportunities’.Andrew Rugege, the Regional Director for ITU-Africa said that the forum will address challenges affecting the ICT sector to bring about long-term socio-economic development on the continent.“The meeting will also focus on ‘Digital Africa’, a vision for the future and preparing skills and create jobs that will enable the emergence of the knowledge based economy,” he noted.According to Dina Pule, South African Communications Minister, the forum seeks to ensure that the ICT sector plays its role as primary enablers of economic growth and job creation, not only in South Africa but throughout the continent.

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Continental summit to address ICT challenges