Telecom Africa-08 goes to Egypt

The Egyptian capital, Cairo, will in the second quarter of next year, 2008, play host to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organised Telecom Africa.

The event, which has distinguished itself as a world-class exhibition and forum and a major networking platform for ICT players from across the African region, will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from May 2-15, 2008.

ITU, the global United Nations agency in charge of telecommunications, announced that the venue would be the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CICC) and will be focusing on Africa’s growing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

The Secretary General, at ITU, Dr Hamadoun Touré, was quoted in a press statement made available to Champion Infotel as saying that the African ICT sector has grown steadily in a number of core areas such as mobile, which has increased at twice the global rate over the past five years.

“Mobile phones have now surpassed fixed line telephone access on the continent; the growth fuelled by factors such as market liberalization and increased levels of national and international competition,” he said, adding that broadband, although still in its infancy, is expected to make the connectivity leap across Africa, leading to increased convergence and migration to next-generation networks.

According to him, the event already tagged Africa-08, will bring the region’s top names together to focus on the major issues relating to ICT expansion across Africa.

“Cairo is a key business hub and it’s an ideal vantage point to observe all the unfolding trends as well as the wealth of opportunities that this exciting region has to offer. Africa 2008 will be a critical milestone for the African ICT sector, offering a unique platform for the most innovative minds, industry and new technologies to make the right connections,” Dr. Toure said.

Commenting, the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr Tarek Kamel, said hosting the forthcoming ITU Telecom Africa-08, is an honour to the country, assuring that they would carry through with pride to outdo its previous success in 2004.

“Egypt welcomes Africa once again and vows to create a congruous milieu that brings together all stakeholders of the industry from all over the world to witness Africa’s progress and potential in ICT,” he said, adding that the faith bestowed upon his country by ITU will pay off in what will be one of the most vibrant telecom events to be ever held.

Managing Director, NeuStar International and Chairman of the ITU Telecom Board of Directors, Mr Reza Jafari, said that the even have consistently proven their ability to bring authoritative representatives of national governments, regulators, thought leaders and senior executives from the ICT sector under one roof for debate, dialogue and to explore growth opportunities in the ICT sector.

“I am confident that ITU Telecom Africa-08 will be no exception and a key ICT event for the entire region. I very much look forward to being a part of this event in Egypt and exploring many opportunities of mutual benefit and interest,” he declared.


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