African Telecom/IT Ministers and World Industry Leaders to focus on Bridging the Digital Divide at AFCOM 2001

AFCOM DRAWS THE LARGEST GATHERING OF AFRICAN MINISTERS OF TELECOMMUNICATION TO WASHINGTON, DC - FCC CHAIRMAN TO ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE

FAIRFAX, VA - The 10th Annual AFCOM Conference, sponsored by Intelsat, Hughes, Gilat, GE Capital, IBasis, All Africa.com, Tecore and USAID, has drawn one the largest contingents of African Ministers of Communications to Washington, DC. The conference is scheduled to be held from July 18 thru 20th, 2001 at the Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington. Prof Raymond Akwule, President & CEO of AFCOM International, announced this morning that 17 Ministers of Telecommunications from African Countries have confirmed their attendance at the conference, with more expected to confirm. "This year's theme is "Bridging the Digital Divide" - the African Ministers will be discussing their respective countries strategies and positioning in ensuring access to the internet as well as teledencity issues. We are also pleased to announce that the FCC Chairman, Michael Powell, will attend as a key note speaker", he said.
Intelsat President, Conny Kulman will be the guest speaker at the Afcom Delegates Reception to be held on July 17th, 2001, the evening prior to Intelsat's privatization.
This year sees the inclusion of the INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION INVESTMENT AND FINANCE SEMINAR, which will introduce African Private and Public sector companies to potential investors and equity fund managers. "Partnerships are important in the African Telecoms market, specifically in the funding and skills transfer arena" says Prof Akwule.
South Africa and Nigeria will each host a pavilion, which will include representatives from Government, Regulators, State owned PTT's and private companies.
AFCOM has become the premier business-to-business and business-to-government networking conference in the telecommunications and IT field. "So much is changing in Africa, many Countries are privatizing their State controlled PTT's, de-regulating their telecoms markets and creating independent Regulators. This in itself presents many challenges and opportunities to potential investors, operators and equipment vendors" say Prof Akwule.

List of Confirmed Ministers of Communication attending AFCOM 2001 as at July 3rd, 2001

Benin   Hon. Gaston Zossou
Burundi   Hon. Cyprien Mbonigaba
Cameroon   Hon. Isaac Njiemoun
DRC   Hon. Dr Philippe Mawoko
Ethiopia   Hon. Ayenew Bitewelign
Gambia   Hon. Edward Singhatey
Ghana   Hon. Felix Owusu-Adjapong
Kenya   Hon. Musalia Mudavadi
Rwanda   Hon. Silas Kanamugire
Senegal   Hon. Mamadou Diop
Sierra Leone   Hon. Momoh Pujeh
South Africa   Hon. Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri
Madagascar   Hon. Fredo Betsimifira
Mozambique   Hon. Antonio Fernando
Nigeria   Hon. Haruna Elewi
Uganda   Hon. John Nasasira
Zimbabwe   Hon. Swithun Mombeshora

Enquiries to:
AFCOM Head Office, Suite 510, 10560 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia, VA 22030, USA
Telephone: +1-703-691 3570 Facsimile: +1-703-691 3572
Web Site: www.afcomnet.com
Conference Director, Emmanuel Aninye, Email: eaninye@afcomnet.com
President & CEO, Prof Raymond Akwule, Email: rakwule@afcomnet.com