Gqeberha, South Africa, 20 November 2024 \u2013 The Coega Development Corporation (Coega), this week, joins the Deputy Minister of the Department of Communications and Technologies and the Eastern Cape Premier at the 18th Annual ICT Summit, a premier event for the region’s technology community, which is currently underway at the East London International Convention Centre.<\/p>\n
The 2024 Summit, hosted under the theme, 30 years of democracy: Reflecting on the current trends and future insights within the ICT Sector, features experts from various sectors including national and provincial government, businesses in the information, communication and technologies space, the mainstream media, educational institutions, and Coega to name a few.<\/p>\n
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of the Department of Communications and Technologies, Honourable Mondli Gungubele, emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence, 5G networks and Internet of Things to advance South Africa\u2019s competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ICT Summit has become a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration in our ever-evolving digital landscape. As we reflect on the role this forum has played in the sector, we should consider repositioning it as a National Digital Innovation Forum, placing innovation at the forefront of the agenda,\u201d said Gungubele.<\/p>\n
The Eastern Cape Premier, Honourable Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane, addressed delegates at the signature event, touching briefly on the development of the Eastern Cape\u2019s Digital Strategy and the importance of investing<\/a> in research and development to drive innovation.<\/p>\n \u201cThis Summit provides a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the burgeoning ICT sector. It brings industry together in one room to talk ICT in the Eastern Cape, as our country celebrates 30 years of democracy. I leave here inspired, seeing young people beaming with ideas. We commit to continue partnering with the brightest minds to bring these innovations into government,\u201d said Mabuyane.<\/p>\n Mr. Motse Mfuleni, ICT Summit Founder and Executive Chairman, stated that the Summit aims to address many of the hindrances faced by South Africa businesses including a lack of access to high-speed internet and digital technologies, particularly in rural areas, aging infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ICT Summit was established to promote innovation, seek solutions, and position the ICT sector in developing the country. The vast experiences showcased by our guest speakers are a true reflection that the summit is a platform of discussing and deliberating on matters that need solutions,\u201d said Mfuleni.<\/p>\n Coega Chief Knowledge and Digital Officer and ICT Summit Guest Speaker, Ms. Magama Makgamatho, provided a sneak peek into her presentation at today\u2019s ICT Summit, showcasing Coega\u2019s value-adding ICT business solutions.<\/p>\n