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The NEPAD Business Foundation cordially invites you to its inaugural Ithuba Business Forum. “Ithuba” is a Zulu word for opportunity. Therefore, the Ithuba Business Forum is conceived as a vehicle to expose the private sector to a range of opportunities in the form of programmes and projects within the NEPAD framework.

This inaugural event will focus on the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programmes that have been prioritized for Africa’s development by the NEPAD e-Africa Commission.

The first project will focus on the NEPAD ICT Broadband Infrastructure Programme which aims to connect all African countries to one another and, in turn, to the rest of the world through broadband fibre-optic submarine cables. This initiative aims to provide the critical bandwidth that is required for growth of the continent, as well as reduce the costs of telecommunications in Africa, thereby creating a solid communications infrastructure to create a conducive business environment.

In addition, in October 2007, the first Ministerial Inter-Governmental Assembly comprising of Ministers responsible for ICT and/or telecommunications in countries that are signatories to the Kigali Protocol, met in Johannesburg and resolved to establish a holding company for the NEPAD cable, named Baharicom, with 30% investment by African telecom operators. Representatives from Baharicom and the NEPAD e-Africa Commission will be on hand to answer any queries that you might have either during the open forum or through pre-arranged bilateral meetings.

The second project will focus on the expansion of the NEPAD e-schools programme. The demonstration phase of the e-schools project was successfully completed earlier this year and based upon the e-schools business plan, an expansion programme to connect a further 20 schools in each of the 16 countries is planned.

By attending, you will be afforded a unique opportunity to gain a deeper insight and understanding of these developments in the ICT sector. You will also be exposed to the range of opportunities to become involved and participate in these exciting projects.

Details of this event are as follows: Date: Thursday, 20th November 2008 Time: 08h00-16h30 Venue: Southern Sun Grayston Hotel Cnr Grayston & Rivonia roads Sandton Johannesburg RSVP: Thembekile Simelane at thembekile.simelane@thenbf.co.za or Tel: +27 11 884 1888. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements Cost: R228.00 (incl. VAT) for NBF members R456.00 (incl. VAT) for NBF non-members To reserve your seat please make payment into the NEPAD Business Foundation account: Name of Account: NEPAD Business Foundation Bank: Nedbank Branch Name: The Glen Branch Code: 138537 Account Number: 1385039744(Cheque Account) Reference: Please use the following as your reference: 20/11/08/Your Company Name e.g. 20/11/08/ EMC

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