The Eastern Cape province and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are ready to host over 900 international delegates attending the 5th Global Forum on Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship taking place at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) from 28 to 30 May 2013.
The conference is a convergence of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, policy makers and donor representatives to discuss latest industry trends in an interactive manner.
Commenting on the significance of the conference, the Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mcebisi Jonas says: “innovation and entrepreneurship are recognised worldwide among the key ingredients for stimulating economic growth and the conference will expose the latest developments. The conference will be a platform for sharing perspectives on how the current challenges can be converted into opportunities for strengthening the economy”.
As means of imparting knowledge to the local businesses, there are training initiatives organized as a build-up to the conference. The training is globally focused with emphasis on the fundamentals for managing a sustainable business. The entrepreneurs participating in the training will derive essential skills and insights needed to yield competitiveness.
“We have realized the remarkable path of entrenching innovation as one of the building blocks to unlock entrepreneurship and the conference will augment the efforts made so far by the Eastern Cape to advance its economy, says Valerie D’Costa, Programme Manager at InfoDev, World Bank.
Among the confirmed conference speakers include:
- South African Minister for the Department 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.
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha heralded the conference for its ability to position the city as a destination for making decisions with impact on the future business practices. “The metro is proud to host the delegates attending the conference and hopefully their experience will lead them to realise the potential and prospects presented for both investment and leisure,” concluded Ncitha.
For enquiries and interviews please contact:
Sixolile Makaula
Communications Manager
Cell: 072 751 5001
Email: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
Keith Ngesi
Communications Manager
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Cell: 084 600 3840
Email: keithn@buffalocity.gov.za
