- As Event Agenda Readies
By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
The International Institute of Communications(IIC)Botswana Forum holding in Gaborone, September 10-12, 2024, continues to take shape with speakers from within and beyond the Southern African Development Community confirming their participation. Agenda planning is underway and the IIC looks forward to welcoming attendees.
According to a heads-up on the event obtained by our correspondent over email from the Director-General of IIC, Ms. Lynn Robinson, speakers confirmed for the forum include:
- Deputy Director, ICT and Telecommunications Regulation, MINPOSTEL, Cameroon, François Joseph Nnemete Beyeme
- Government Affairs & Legal Director for the Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft, Akua Gyekye
- Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida(Dr)
- Associate Professor, LINK Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, Ntsibane Ntlatlapa (Assoc. Prof.)
- Lead, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, EMEA Project Kuiper, Amazon, Helen Kyeyune
- CEO, Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) Nizam Goolam
The programme comprises:
Tuesday 10 September: afternoon Regional Regulators Forum
Regulatory evolution and re-engineering – what are the key pillars for success in the digital era? Aligning policy and regulation to support the digital economy and digital transformation for all.
Tuesday 10 September: evening Networking Reception open to all delegates at the Hilton Garden Inn
Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 September: Botswana Forum
Themes for discussion include:
- Tackling affordability to close the digital usage gaps in Africa: policy & regulatory levers (data plans, price floors, handsets)
- International connectivity: submarine cables, LEO satellites, terrestrial fibre. Competition and open access policies, regulatory harmonisation, regional collaboration
- Efficient methods for the assignment of high demand spectrum
- Media literacy and digital skills policy: regulatory reforms, educational integration, public awareness and engagement
- Impact of new media and digital platforms on traditional broadcasting: content development, distribution and consumption
- E-Commerce and e-services: enhancing consumer protection, data privacy, and trust to support economic growth, innovation and trade
- Critical infrastructure security: reform, resilience and collaboration
- AI governance – Africa at the crossroads
Wednesday 11 September: Excursion and Dinner
Registrations for the forum are ongoing.