The ITU Telecom Africa 2008 conference opened today, in Cairo, Egypt, attracting about 200 companies from 45 countries.
The ITU says in a statement that the event is a "major showcase for cutting-edge ICT".
The organisers state that 70 heads of international companies and 50 ministers, along with key regulators and investment bodies, will attend the event from 12 to 15 May.
It has already attracted over 5 000 participants from 93 countries, marking it as a record since it was opened to countries from outside the region, says the statement.
"This event in Cairo marks a decisive milestone in our commitment to connecting the world," says Dr Hamadoun Tour'e, ITU secretary, adding that Telecom Africa 2008 is a strategic step in bridging the digital divide.
According to the ITU, the exhibition underscores the latest developments in the ICT market. The forum sessions offer both regional and global insights on Africa's position in the ICT sector, its unique market drivers, and the factors critical to sustaining its most effective enabling environment.
The 30 forum sessions will cover topics such as public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial success stories, capacity building and cyber security. More than 150 speakers will participate in the forum sessions, which also include the Youth Forum and the Telecommunication Development Symposium.
Reza Jafari, chairman of the ITU Telecom board, said many people have the misconception that there is no money to be made in Africa. "But that is wrong. I believe, if there is a new business model, ICT services can be provided at low cost - and this would help expand the industry even further."
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