South Africa to host communications conference

By Ofentse Mokae
29 July 2009

South Africa will host a Conference of African Union (AU) Communications Ministers whose primary task would be to prepare for the next African Union Heads of State Summit in January 2010.

The Conference, which will be held in November 2009, will focus on Information and Communications Technology policy environment, infrastructure development, Internet and cyber-security, capacity building, promoting local content and heritage, in Africa.

Deputy Minister for Communications Ms Dina Pule says the conference is meant to further finalise the issues of ICT before the AU Heads of States Summit and it that it concentrate on ICTs.

“We are working hard to ensure that this conference creates a clear platform for the summit for ICT issues, and our intention is to make sure the summit concentrate these issues.

She says the issues they are dealing with are investment in ICT infrastructure and building sustainable communication and economic development in throughout Africa.

“There is a close correlation between broadband connectivity and economic development,” she said.

She concluded that Investment in ICT infrastructure to make the Internet and other Information Communication Technologies accessible and affordable is not a luxury but a prerequisite to accelerate economic, social, cultural, and other aspects of development.