SAIGF, 1-3 September 2011 in Sandton, Johannesburg

This week Connect Africa attends a major internet forum to discuss how the internet should be governed across Southern Africa.

The  Southern African Internet Governance Forum (SAIGF), held from 1-3 September 2011 in Sandton, Johannesburg, will discuss internet governance and development in Southern Africa ahead of the global 2011 Internet Government Forum, due to be held in Kenya at the end of September.

Connect Africa Director, Dion Jerling, said “It’s great to contribute to this event and balance the multitude of issues surrounding the rapid evolution of the internet in Southern Africa. I look forward to highlighting some of the real issues facing sustainable rural connectivity.”

Connect Africa’s  mission is to harness Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit combined with innovations in technology, enabling rural communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being  The organisation was invited to attend the Forum to highlight connectivity issues in rural areas and mobile coverage.

Such challenges include ensuring the provision of a sustainable ICT infrastructure, internet access and renewable energy supplies to rural communities. Connect Africa is working together with local ICT entrepreneurs to overcome these issues and ensure the delivery of valuable services in rural communities.

Outcomes from the SAIGF will contribute to a coherent framework for dealing with internet governance issues in the region, to be further discussed at the IGF – a global forum to discuss harnessing the powers of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for socio-economic development at all levels – global, regional, national and local.

For more information and live updates from the SAIGF visit: http://www.ngopulse.org/saigf