Global IT experts in Rwanda for Transform Africa 2013

More than 1,500 ICT experts from across the world are taking part in a four-day

Continental Innovative Conference dubbed Transform Africa at Serena Hotel in Kigali.

The Summit is organised under the theme, “The Future Delivered Today,” as leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the world devise ways on how Africa can leverage broadband to transform communities, governments and the private sector.

On the first day on October 28, 2013 officials affirmed the role ICT plays in the development of Africa.

The delegates have said that Africa has made concrete strives in ICT in its endeavor to use technology in the transformation of its economy.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General Dr. Hamadoun Touré said Africa made commendable progress in ICT especially in the telecommunication in the view of the number of people with cell phones growing drastically.

Some countries like Rwanda have made remarkable steps in embracing the use of ICT.

In Rwanda programs like One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is used as an example of how far the country has gone in this process

“Apart from the ICT experts who are converging in Kigali, to look at how ICT could be an instrument for African economic growth.

Other international telecommunication companies such as Samsung and KT from Korea are taking the opportunity to showcase their products in Rwanda as well as the whole region.

Korea Telecom, the largest LTE investor in Rwanda, said the conference highlights the level of optmism Africa has for ICT development.

“Africa’s digital future is achievable considering that the continent is fast adapting to the new technologies. Korea Telecom is looking forward to partner with Africa to realise its potential,” said Kim Hong Jin Kim, the president of Korea Telecom.

Kim said Rwanda market is one of the key market and its growing very well because the country has embraced technology better than any EAC country.

The CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Amb. Valentine Sendanyoye Rugwabiza said the current state in the use of ICT has made the African continent recognized for its rapid economic growth with technology being one of the major drivers.

She added that today every part of the world seek partnership with Africa.

Aside from President Paul Kagame, other heads of state are also taking part in an interactive panel discussion at the summit.

The presidents include; Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Blaise Compaoré  of Burkina Faso, Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, and Ibrahim  Boubacar Keïta of Mali.

In 2012, the UN-backed ITU report ranked Rwanda among top 10 countries in Africa with active mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.

ITU estimates that 95 per cent broadband penetration will translate into a 10 to 13 per cent boost in Growth Domestic Product for Rwanda.

The 2013 Networked Readiness Index by World Economic Forum and European Institute of Business Administration ranked Rwanda among the top 10 countries in Africa that are in good position to benefit from new ICTs, early this year.

 

Global IT experts in Rwanda for Transform Africa 2013