On 1 September, leaders of the ICT community from across the African continent will converge on the Parktonian Hotel in Braamfontein to attend the 3rd AfICTA Summit, a conference within the Fak'ugesi Digital Innovation Festival that is highlighting the district's contribution to the adoption of digital technologies in business, the arts and academia.

The Africa Information & Communications Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) brings together business and government to seek ways in which ICTs can best support the socio-economic needs of Africans.

The theme of the Summit is ICT: Lighting the way to development and prosperity across Africa and the delegates registered for the event come from the economic communities in all four regions of Africa.

Adrian Schofield, vice chairman of AfICTA and chairman of the summit organising committee, expanded on the agenda for the event and said on the first day, the AfICTA members will evaluate their progress over the last three years and set the Alliance's strategy for the future, electing the officers who will pursue the agreed goals.

"The conference on 2 September will be addressed by the Director-General of the Nigerian IT Development Agency and Lawrence Kandaswami of SAP Africa before considering the strategies and policies that support the theme in a high level discussion between a panel comprising top representatives from ICANN, NITDA, business and community leaders," he explained.

Later in the day, industry association leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa will address access and internet governance, including the challenge of cybersecurity.

"The afternoon session will focus on the Sustainable Development Agenda, examining the implications of post-WSIS initiatives, the Internet of Things, domain names and infrastructure, followed by discussions on the development of the ICT industry and enterprises within the sector," Schofield said.

In the evening, delegates will enjoy a gala dinner at which AfICTA Awards will be presented to individuals who have been recognised for their contributions to the advancement of Africa through the use of ICTs.

On 3 September, delegates will choose whether to attend workshops on DNS and project management or to participate in business matchmaking and networking sessions.

"They will also be encouraged to lengthen their stay to enjoy other Fak'ugesi events and to enjoy the tourist attractions offered by the City of Joburg," Schofield added.

Dr Jimson Olufuye, chairman of AfICTA and chief executive officer of ICT solutions provider Kontemporary, will be heading a delegation of Nigerian businessmen and policy-makers at the Summit and says he is looking forward to building on the successes of the previous two Summits, where the deliberations were endorsed by the Ministers of ICTs from several of the participating countries.

Organisers have also confirmed SAP Africa as the Platinum sponsor of the event.