The 11th Innovation Africa Digital Summit started yesterday March 19, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This years event has drawn participants from diverse fields including, ministers, policy makers, regulators, service providers, end users, finance companies and international agencies, among others.
The Summit is convened to discuss the need to create sustainable national and international growth and development of the African Telecoms and information communication technology ecosystem.The theme of the summit is “National Broadband Strategies and Agendas: Acceleration and Alignment”.
In his opening remark, Communication and Information Technology Minister Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael through his representative indicated that the government of Ethiopia has recognized the importance of optimizing the use of ICT tools in the poverty reduction effort.
According to the Minister, Ethiopia is among African countries that have successfully developed ICT programs in its policies and strategies.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Office for Africa Director Andrew Rugege said that Africa has got the least broadband penetration of all continents but ironically, the highest potential for those willing to invest.
According to Rugege, UN Broadband Commission has set different broadband targets in which all countries are expected to have a broadband plan or strategy and broadband services affordable in developing countries through adequate regulation and market forces by 2015. In addition, 40 per cent of households in developing countries should have Internet access and its penetration should reach 60 per cent by 2015.
The Summit which will last for was jointly organized by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and Extensia ltd.
Credit: Walta Info
