Media are invited to the 5th Global Forum on Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship, from 28 to 30 May 2013, in East London, South Africa. This will be a cutting-edge and interactive event for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, policy makers and donor representatives.
Join the three-day forum, the first to be held in Africa, and learn how innovations can boost job-led growth and tackle economic and social needs, while using the full power of the information, communication and green technologies.
The Global Forum is organised jointly by infoDev, a global innovation program of the World Bank, South Africa's Department of Science and Technology and the Eastern Cape province.
Highlights include the following:
- Keynote speeches by South Africa's Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom; the World Bank's Vice-President for Finance and Private Sector Development, Janamitra Devan; the Eastern Cape Premier, Noxolo Kiviet; the Founder of Convergence Partners, Andile Ngcaba; the Chairperson of the Sekunjalo Group, Dr Iqbal Surve; among others.
- A "Dragons’ Den" business pitching competition, featuring 50 inspiring entrepreneurs
- Interactive sessions on mobile innovation, access to finance, business incubation, green growth, agribusiness, women's entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems.
Members of the media are invited to participate in all sessions.
Special media engagements include the following:
1) One-on-one media interviews: 28 May 28 2013, after the opening plenary session (10:00 am onwards)
- Minister Derek Hanekom, Department of Science and Technology
- Mr Janamitra Devan, Vice-President, World Bank
- Marine Park Complex, 22 Esplanade, Beachfront, East London
2) Dragons’ Den Showcase and follow-up interviews: 29 May 2013, 4:15pm and onwards.
Speakers:
- Entrepreneurs participating in the pitching competition
- Judges/investors of the Dragons’ Den
- Marine Park Complex, 22 Esplanade, Beachfront, East London
To register for the event, please email: Veronica.Mohapeloa@dst.gov.za.
Media contacts:
Tommy Makhode (Pretoria)
Cell: 082 379 8268
E-mail: Tommy.Makhode@dst.gov.za
Angela Bekkers (Washington D.C)
World Bank
Tel: +1 202 458 8831
E-mail: abekkers@worldbank.org
