The Ministry of ICT and Innovation is happy to announce that Rwanda will be hosting India-Africa ICT Expo 2019 at Kigali Convention Center on 5^th and 6^th August 2019. Under the theme “Accelerating Africa's Digital Transformation Agenda”, the expo will bring together various key players in the ICT sector to showcase edge-cutting digital solutions; especially in e-agriculture, e-health, e-education, and e-governance and other backbone infrastructure connectivity.

This event is the initiative of Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Department of Telecommunications and Department of Commerce, Government of India with support of Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC).

The inaugural conference will bring together over 100 ICT companies from India, Rwanda and other African countries. The participants will discuss constructive pathways to leapfrog Africa’s digital economies by creating sustainable partnerships for African innovators to realize their full potential, hence contributing to the socio- economic transformation. This event would facilitate exploring possible areas of cooperation in the ICT sector between India and Africa to strengthen trade and business relations and to establish a platform for further growth and development.

According to The Minister of ICT and Innovation-Rwanda, Hon. Paula Ingabire, this is an ideal opportunity for ICT enthusiasts to showcase and network with key players in the sector.

“We are very pleased and honored to partner with the Government of India to organize the 2019 edition of the India-Africa Summit. Over the years, our countries have built a strong relationship based on trade and investment but also our common vision to digitally empower our societies and creating knowledge based economies. Hosting such an event reaffirms our commitment and Africans are eager to share and learn from the Indian experience and innovative technologies that will be showcased and discussed at the Summit. I would like to welcome all the participants in Kigali.” says Minister Ingabire.

On behalf of the government of India, Leader of Indian delegation, Mr. Amit Yadav, Joint Secretary(Telecom), Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications says, “Our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, had paid a State Visit to 29 African countries in last 5 years including Rwanda in July 2018 and this illustrates our keenness on improving cooperation with Africa and our readiness to share experiences and expertise in aspects such as capacity building/ skill development, technology, infrastructure development, financial management, rural development and the ICT sector.”

“Africa continent continues to be one of the fastest growing one in ICT and there are several avenues for growth for the ICT sector – from e-commerce and e-services, mobile technologies, applications development, and automation to becoming a regional center for the training of ICT professionals. We are thus targeting not only Rwanda but also would support other participating nations on their DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION and Economic uplift though Indian ICT solutions.” Adds Mr. Amit Yadav

The India Africa ICT Expo 2019 is intended to:

Ø  Showcase the new products & technology by Indian and African Companies including startups and SMEs

Ø  Facilitate Business to Business meetings for the participating companies

Ø  Open dialogue between and create a platform of interaction for African officials and the private sector and their counterparts in India

Ø  Continue to be the ideal platform for decision-makers and business leaders to interact and do business

Ø  The perfect stage to present delegates with a better understanding of the opportunities present in Africa, a richer picture of its business and investment climate.