Africa's 'IT' Generation: Technology Conference Inspires New Generation of Technological...

Africa's 'IT' Generation: Technology Conference Inspires New Generation of
Technological Innovators

ACCRA, Ghana, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ghana is one African nation making
strides to help position Africa to be on the forefront of technological
advancement. The African Technology Conference, held in July, was the first of
its kind held in that country. The two-day event was organized and hosted by
His Royal Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, Suapolor of the Se (Shai)
traditional area in Ghana. King Adamtey, known in private life as Dr. Kingsley
Fletcher, is also the founder of Life for Africa, a humanitarian, nonprofit
501(c)3 organization which seeks to address the educational, healthcare, and
economic needs of sub-Saharan African nations.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080811/CLM037 )
The conference theme was "Africa NOW: Building Technology for Future
Generations". The event created an exciting forum for discussion and
networking among the several hundred students, entrepreneurs, corporate
technology professionals, academics, venture capitalists, and policy makers in
attendance.
Keynote speakers included Kelvyn Hicks, Education Solution Specialist,
Microsoft Corporation; Mark Harris, General Manager, IBM Africa; and Roland
Martin, CNN correspondent.
The conference focused on four key areas: educational infrastructure,
technology infrastructure, entrepreneurship, business and government policy.
Technology leaders from around the world joined Ghanaian professionals to
explore how best to create a world-class technology park in Ghana for the
purpose of:
-- Enhancing the educational system to develop a high-tech workforce.
-- Addressing technology infrastructure issues (e.g. - broadband
capability).
-- Training students and entrepreneurs seeking to own technology related
businesses.
-- Developing favorable business policies for facilitating successful
technology companies.
Scholarships were awarded to university students from several countries to
attend and participate in the conference. Emil Noamesi, a young Ghanaian
entrepreneur, stated that participation in the conference both inspired and
reinforced his entrepreneurial determination: "The African Technology
Conference has been an opportunity of a lifetime. As a student entrepreneur, I
was able to exchange ideas with technology CEOs, patent attorneys, venture
capitalists, and entrepreneurs, who have refined my outlook of global business
trends and what Africa needs to do to enhance its prospects in that regard. I
left the conference with personal assurances from CEOs who want to work with
me after I launch my start-up. I was particularly touched by King Adamtey's
remarks."
His Royal Majesty urged young people to action saying, "You are the
innovators and the ones that can take the leadership and force our world to
reckon with your talents, gifts, and abilities." He further encouraged them
to, "take ownership of this opportunity, make it part of your life, and see
that this park becomes a reality."
His Royal Majesty plans to leverage the discussions, suggestions and
recommendations made during the conference, as a foundation to launch a
technology park for Africa's "IT" (Information Technology) generation. He also
seeks to collaborate with corporate partners, both in Africa and abroad, who
share the commitment to advancing Africa's technology infrastructure.
For more information, visit www.africantechnologyconference.com and
www.lifeforafrica.org
Media contact: Sharon Helfand, Fem Public Relations, 818.988.4746
Sharon@fempr.com
SOURCE His Royal Majesty King Adamtey 1

Sharon Helfand of Fem Public Relations, +1-818-988-4746, Sharon@fempr.com