The event will focus on the information and communications technology (ICT) programmes that have been prioritised for Africa's development by the NEPAD e-Africa Commission.

The first project will focus on the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Programme which aims to connect all African countries to one another and, in turn, to the rest of the world through broadband fibre-optic submarine cables. This initiative aims to provide the critical bandwidth that is required for growth of the continent, as well as reduce the costs of telecommunications in Africa, thereby creating a solid communications infrastructure to create a conducive business environment.

In addition, in October 2007, the first Ministerial Inter-Governmental Assembly comprising of Ministers responsible for ICT and/or telecommunications in countries that are signatories to the Kigali Protocol, met in Johannesburg and resolved to establish a holding company for the NEPAD cable, named Baharicom, with 30% investment by African telecom operators. Representatives from Baharicom and the NEPAD e-Africa Commission will be on hand to answer any queries during the open forum or through pre-arranged bilateral meetings.

The second project will focus on the expansion of the NEPAD e-schools programme. The demonstration phase of the e-schools project was successfully completed earlier this year and based upon the e-schools business plan, an expansion programme to connect a further 20 schools in each of the 16 countries is planned.

For more information on the forum visit, www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org.

[13 Nov 2008 10:32]

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