Subscribe

SA eyes hosting ITU Telecom World conference

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 26 Sept 2017
Minister Siyabonga Cwele speaks at ITU Telecom World 2017 in South Korea. [Photo source: ITU]
Minister Siyabonga Cwele speaks at ITU Telecom World 2017 in South Korea. [Photo source: ITU]

A delegation, led by telecoms and postal services minister Siyabonga Cwele, is at this year's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World Exhibition in South Korea to make a submission for SA to host the conference in September 2018.

Telecom World is an ITU initiative for the global ICT industry and brings together public and private representatives to showcase innovative solutions, and collaborate and engage in high-level dialogue on the major challenges facing the sector.

The annual conference attracts government and industry leaders to explore and identify investment opportunities and best practices for socio-economic development through ICT.

In a statement, the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Service (DTPS) says Cwele is leading the bid process after Cabinet approved that SA make a proposal to host next year's conference.

The DTPS points out the exhibition is expected to attract 9 000 delegates and contribute an estimated R81 million to the economy.

"South Africa's bid aims to bring this conference and exhibition to the continent for the first time," it says.

"South Africa believes this will increase investment in ICT into the continent by providing a greater focus on Africa, and encourage greater participation by African countries and companies wishing to do business in Africa. The conference is also an excellent opportunity to promote South African and continental SMEs."

As part of this year's exhibition, the DTPS is supporting the participation of five SMEs. The department says the participation of the SMEs allows them the opportunity to showcase their solutions on a global platform and network with potential partners and funders.

Share