'Connecting Rural Africa Forum 2007'

Dubbed 'Connecting Rural Africa Forum 2007', this international forum brings together African government officials, senior figures from African regulatory authorities and international ICT experts who are leading the private sector connectivity drive to discuss and analyse best practices, share case studies and debate crucial topics such as:

- Optimal regulation strategies to promote rural connectivity
- Creating the right environment to attract foreign investment
- How to best harness and utilise ICT to deliver socio-economic benefits to rural communities
- Analyse current projects which seek to bridge the digital divide
- The opportunity to advance rural connectivity through mobile, internet and satellite, and enhance access to key services, content and applications.

It also aims to provide a forum to discuss regulatory strategies, research findings, business models, available technologies and public-private partnerships that could enhance rural connectivity.

"The Second Annual Connecting Rural Communities 2007 Forum will enable governments, regulatory agencies and operating companies to focus on the central challenge for Africa's ICT evolution: bridging the urban-rural gap. It will be an excellent networking opportunity for the public and private sector to build relationships and make new business contacts. I hope you will be able to...use the opportunity to meet other senior ICT stakeholders and return back to your office empowered by the knowledge that will be shared at the event," said Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO, CTO.

The theme of the 2007 conference - Bridging the digital divide through sustainable ICT connectivity - couldn't be more appropriate. Based on the success of last year's event which included a high-ranking speakers representing 10 different nations, the duration of this event has been increased. The forum runs for three days, till 24 August, and was preceded by a meeting of the 'Commonwealth Connect Programme'.

This year includes an additional focus day devoted to telemedicine, e-governance, mobile-based banking and improving the accessibility of education.

There will also be a workshop day, which will allow smaller groups to focus on specific issues in an informal and interactive format.

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