An international summit will be held in Sandton next week on investments for ICT infrastructure development in Africa.
In response to Africa`s need to develop its ICT infrastructure quickly in line with the New Partnership for Africa`s Development (NEPAD) initiative, the ICT Africa Investment Summit will discuss the challenges posed by this.
The summit has the backing of the Department of Communications, the International Telecommunications Union, the African Telecommunications Union and the SA Communications Forum (SACF), which have a common vision to reduce poverty and build a new future for Africa.
Aiming to bring together policy-makers, regulators, operators and service providers, potential investors, financial institutions, consumers and other stakeholders in the sector, the summit will address relevant issues that are critical to securing increased investments across the continent.
The theme of the summit is: 'Catalysing investments for ICT infrastructure development in Africa - challenges and opportunities from the NEPAD initiative`, and it will also highlight investment opportunities and identify options for accelerated development of ICT infrastructure on the continent.
"We have quite an extensive list of people who have registered to attend and the list is still growing, so we expect it to be a very successful summit," says the SACF`s Faith Qasha, the local co-ordinator for the event.
"At least 21 African countries are expected to have representatives at the summit, as well as several European nations, including Italy and the UK."
As part of the event, a forum will be held to discuss key issues - financing strategies, policy and regulatory frameworks, technologies, applications and capacity building - that drive investment growth in the sector.
The summit will also offer networking and business development opportunities, presentations from industry players, a dedicated workshop for African ministers responsible for ICT, and opportunities to present bankable projects in the sector.
Delegates will include ministers, regulators, financial consultants, senior policy advisors, telecom and broadcasting operators, service providers, manufacturers and system integrators, as well as the media, consumers and other entities active in the ICT sector.
The ICT Africa Investment Summit will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Sandton, from 29 June to 1 July.
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