A Beninese delegation led by the Minister of Digital Economy and Communication, Aurélie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU, took part in the 2018 edition of the ITU Telecom World international forum, held from 9 to 13 September in Durban, South Africa. It served as an international platform for high-level discussion and debate and for the sharing of experience among experts in the sector, with a view to developing the technology industry and achieving the sustainable development indicators set by the United Nations. “Innovating together for smart digital development” was the theme around which this edition of the Forum brought together influential figures, government leaders and other decision-makers, as well as industry leaders.
On 9 September 2018, on the sidelines of ITU Telecom World 2018, the Minister and the Beninese experts took part in the extraordinary meeting of the Steering Committee of the Smart Africa Alliance and in the official opening ceremony of the Forum, held on 10 September in the presence of the international elite of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. In her capacity as Minister of Digital Economy and Communication and representing the Beninese Government, Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU also took part in the Ministerial Round Tables, the first of which focused on the decisive role of public authorities in the deployment of ICT and the adoption of networks, services and applications. The second dealt with the main challenges and risks associated with smart digital development, such as the creation of an appropriate and enforceable framework for data protection and security that guarantees citizens’ trust in government services. In addition to the discussions, exhibitions at the forum brought together countries, companies, investors, project developers and decision-makers.
Keen to make the most of its stay in South Africa, the Beninese delegation initiated and held a working session with the heads of “SPIDER”, a Swedish organisation that runs support programmes for regulators. Discussions are continuing so that the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) can be strengthened by this potential partner.
Rich in interactive debate, the forum brought together an impressive 157 speakers from 47 countries across 43 sessions in fields such as technological development and the impact of 5G, artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital culture, support for the growth of technology Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This wide range of panels made it possible to review the key issues in the digital sector.
By way of illustration, members of the Beninese delegation contributed to the discussions of the panel entitled “Digital for all”. These discussions highlighted that it is imperative for African states to start preparing young people to use digital technology. The need to forge partnerships between governments and major international companies in order to find innovative ways of deploying connectivity was also raised. Addressing the link between digital infrastructure and energy, participants noted that now more than ever is the time to invest in the enormous potential of the African continent.
All newsOn 9 September 2018, on the sidelines of ITU Telecom World 2018, the Minister and the Beninese experts took part in the extraordinary meeting of the Steering Committee of the Smart Africa Alliance and in the official opening ceremony of the Forum, held on 10 September in the presence of the international elite of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. In her capacity as Minister of Digital Economy and Communication and representing the Beninese Government, Aurelie ADAM SOULE ZOUMAROU also took part in the Ministerial Round Tables, the first of which focused on the decisive role of public authorities in the deployment of ICT and the adoption of networks, services and applications. The second dealt with the main challenges and risks associated with smart digital development, such as the creation of an appropriate and enforceable framework for data protection and security that guarantees citizens’ trust in government services. In addition to the discussions, exhibitions at the forum brought together countries, companies, investors, project developers and decision-makers.
Keen to make the most of its stay in South Africa, the Beninese delegation initiated and held a working session with the heads of “SPIDER”, a Swedish organisation that runs support programmes for regulators. Discussions are continuing so that the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) can be strengthened by this potential partner.
Rich in interactive debate, the forum brought together an impressive 157 speakers from 47 countries across 43 sessions in fields such as technological development and the impact of 5G, artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital culture, support for the growth of technology Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. This wide range of panels made it possible to review the key issues in the digital sector.
By way of illustration, members of the Beninese delegation contributed to the discussions of the panel entitled “Digital for all”. These discussions highlighted that it is imperative for African states to start preparing young people to use digital technology. The need to forge partnerships between governments and major international companies in order to find innovative ways of deploying connectivity was also raised. Addressing the link between digital infrastructure and energy, participants noted that now more than ever is the time to invest in the enormous potential of the African continent.