More than 1 250 delegates from 79 countries worldwide have registered for the second World Information Technology Forum (WITFOR) in Botswana which begins this week, with at least 60 of them coming from SA.
The conference, which takes place from 31August to 2 September, aims to find ways to use ICT for accelerated development. Proceedings are expected to result in the formulation of plans for tangible development projects that will provide real benefits for developing countries.
Government ministers, senior policy-makers, academics, non-governmental organisations, ICT experts and representatives from the private sector are expected to attend.
According to Alicia Ramaribana, manager of the Botswana government computer bureau and WITFOR representative, special attention will be paid to developing countries and how ICT can be used in the battle against HIV/AIDS, poverty, environmental damage and lack of access to education.
This will enable ICT practitioners in Botswana and other African countries to formulate IT education and training programmes, and help set standards for IT development and application, she says.
Corporates will also showcase ICT solutions for economic development, as well as best practice projects from around the world. This will provide local ICT players with the opportunity to network with global and regional companies that are looking to expand into Africa, Ramaribana says.
Although online registration closed on 26 August, people who would like to participate in the event will be allowed to register on arrival, the organisers say.
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