ITU Telecom World 2018 hailed as a resounding success
The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) staged an outstanding International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2018 which ran from 10-13 September.
These were the sentiments expressed by senior government leaders and captains of industry during the four day conference which was attended by approximately 8000 delegates including tech SMEs, policy makers, investors, corporates and digital innovators.
Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Dr Siyabonga Cwele said the ITU conference was a great success based on the positive feedback he received from senior ITU officials and participants.
“We have seen our SMEs displaying superb technologies which are home grown. We have international bodies and financiers who are prepared to invest in South Africa and the African continent and they were giving us advice on how best do we facilitate that type of investment,” said Minister Cwele.
Minister Cwele said last year South Africa took five SMEs to the ITU Telecom World, which was the first time this was done.
“We saw many young entrepreneurs from around the world who had developed exciting business concepts through their skills in ICT. This year, more than 40 innovative SMEs from South Africa have participated. We have been greatly inspired by the priority that is being given to SMEs by the ITU, and even more inspired by the innovations of our young entrepreneurs and SMEs from across Africa and the rest of the world,” he added.
African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and ICT, Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, said she was very impressed with the organisation of ICT Telecom World 2018.
“I’m very happy and proud to be in Durban for the ITU Telecom World,” she said.
“As you know this is the first time that this event has been held in Africa, and South Africa is making us all proud by providing excellent organisation. The echoes that I’ve been hearing from everyone is that they are extremely happy with the way the event is being handled and by the large number of officials in the ICT industry who have come here and contributed to the rich conversations. South Africa has been up to the task in every way,” added Dr Abou-Zeid in a statement issued by ITU.
The finalists and winners of the ITU Telecom World Awards 2018 were congratulated by ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao during a high-profile ceremony held yesterday at the Durban ICC, to honour the best SMEs in innovative ICT solutions, applications and services for social good.
“It is my sincere hope that the global recognition of receiving an ITU Telecom World Award from an international panel of experts, will help these talented enterprise owners to scale-up and take their business onto a global stage,” he said.
Lindiwe Rakharebe, Durban ICC’s Chief Executive Officer said: “The positive feedback received from delegates attending the ITU Telecom World bear testament to the Durban ICC’s ability to organise and deliver world-class events which is in line with the venue’s reputation as Africa’s leading convention centre. We are privileged to have been able to provide the ideal platform for such high level discussions and decision-making on the impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution, including the technologies and trends that are transforming the way we live.”
-ENDS-
Picture supplied: ITU Pictures
Issued by: The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
For more information contact: Durban ICC Corporate Affairs Manager Gugu Sisilana, 031 360 1302 or Gugusisilana@icc.co.za