Rwanda to host first pan-African IT conference

Rwanda will host the first Pan- African conference on information and communication technologies dubbed “Transform Africa 2013” from October 28 to 31 in the capital Kigali, according to a statement released on Monday.

According to the statement, the conference will bring together more than 1,000 participants from Africa and beyond representing various sectors including government, business and the youth to discuss the future of broadband in Africa.

“The meeting will focus mainly on how African countries can maximize the opportunities of the digital economy, harnessing its power to drive innovation, deliver services as well as create jobs for young people,” the statement quoted the Rwandan minister of Youth, Information and Communication Technologies, Philbert Nsengimana, as saying.

“Those expected to attend include leaders in both public and private sectors who are expected to explore ways that next generation technology can drive social and economic transformation across the African continent,” it said.

The gathering will also see the launch of a high-speed 4G LTE broadband network through an agreement of the Rwandan government and one of the largest Korea-based telecommunication provider “KT Corporation”, according to the statement.

In the meanwhile, the deployment of broadband infrastructure through the national fiber optic backbone has been rolled out for over 2,300 kilometers across the country since 2010.

“This rapid deployment of high-speed broadband capability in Rwanda will accelerate development of the country’s information technology sector, create jobs, as well as help facilitate social and economic progress,” Nsengimana said.

According a recent report published by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 95 percent broadband penetration will lead to a 10 percent to 13 percent boost in GDP growth for the East African nation.

Global Times 

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