Innovation Africa 2015 to be held in Uganda

Africa’s leading high level summit for education and innovation returns for its fifth year in 2015 and will take place in Kampala, under the patronage of the Government of Uganda, hosted by Hon Jessica Alupo, Minister of Education & Sports. The theme for this year’s event is “Developing African Skills for the 21st Century”. Innovation Africa 2014 included the participation of 26 African countries, 23 ministers, 140 government officials and over 250 industry leaders. The 2015 summit will exceed those numbers as the most desirable event to attend for ministers of education, higher education, ICT, science & research. It is certainly the ‘must participate’ event of the year for companies to engage with these leaders. Innovation Africa is now recognised as the leading high-level forum for education, ICT and skills development in Africa. For ministers, deputies and senior officials it is their preferred annual event for engaging with industry partners in a unique meetings-based format. Over the years Innovation Africa has gained the support and endorsement from officials in over 35 African countries and 2015 will see record numbers attending with the key purpose to engage with private sector partners. There is simply no better annual summit to meet with so many ministers and officials under one roof during the course of three days. Pre-scheduled Meetings The highlight of the Innovation Africa summit is the vast number of pre-scheduled meetings that will take place during the afternoons of 1st & 2nd October. This year will see over 40 hosted roundtables each represented by an African government ministry or a leading educational institution. Prior to the start of the summit all industry partners and delegates choose their own preferred meetings through an online scheduling system. Justin Taylor, an “Education Evangelist” from Autodesk, attended last year’s event and said “The roundtables have been brilliant, there’s huge excitement. The enthusiasm here is outstanding.” Mr Suresh Subramanian, Worldwide Vice President & General Manager for Industry Solutions, HP has said of Innovation Africa “The conversation is at a level where ministers, permanent secretaries and deputy directors are able to interact and take deliberate action immediately.” Ministerial Panel Themes This year’s theme for Innovation Africa is “Developing African Skills for the 21st Century” and the panel discussions will cover the following topics: – Technical & Vocational Education & Training – Developing Skills in Universities & Higher Education – Curriculum Innovations for Promoting Creativity & Critical Thinking – New Technologies for Innovation in Education – Future Skills from Science, Mathematics, Engineering & Technology (STEM) – Investing in ICT Infrastructures: Better Broadband for Better Skills – Developing Entrepreneurs & Industry Prepared Students – Innovative Teaching Models & Skills Training for Educators Official Ministerial Invitations Hon Jessica Alupo has confirmed her personal invitations to the ministers of education, higher education and ICT from the following countries, who will be participating with their own senior delegations: ANGOLA BENIN BOTSWANA BURUNDI CAMEROON COTE D’IVOIRE DRC ETHIOPIA GABON GAMBIA GHANA KENYA LESOTHO LIBERIA MADAGASCAR MALAWI MAURITIUS MOZAMBIQUE NAMIBIA NIGERIA REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO RWANDA SENEGAL SIERRA LEONE SOUTH AFRICA SWAZILAND TANZANIA TUNISIA ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE Ugandan ICT Parliamentary Committee member Hon Barnabas Tinkasiimire MP said of last year’s event “I wish all summits would be like this one… This is the best time I have had during the times I have attended conferences.” For more information on Innovation Africa 2015 please visit: www.innovation-africa.com To register your interest in attending either as a delegate or as a sponsor please visit: www.innovation-africa.com/2015/register