Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bamako (Agenzia Fides)- Bamako, in Mali, is hosting an international meeting Novatech 2006, an industry forum bringing together all actors in ICT and e-commerce as part of a truly innovative ongoing process. Through their participation in this endeavour, potential investors, actors seeking funds for a project, intermediary organisations, will acquire a number of key competitive advantages in order to penetrate new markets. This forum will enable them to: stand apart from the competition thanks to a selective and qualitative approach that will establish them as major players in a globalised market anticipate demand in their new target markets thus obtaining access to qualified business opportunities (niche markets, new growth market segments, networks of reliable entrepreneurs, viable projects, etc.) meet international decision-makers in ICT and e-business services and present their projects get acquainted with international financial institutions, especially those in Europe, likely to fund major projects
IT serves to develop new technological solutions in various economic sectors . Common issues enhance the supply of global services provided at the level of the regional market:
E-ticketing in sectors such as airways (must be introduced before 2008 according to AIT standards), railways or urban transportation systems; Safety and security of sensitive sites against all terrorist threats: airports, harbours, power station, sanitation station; Biometric identification: airport passengers, accredited staff in sensitive areas Computerization of customs process and development of regional integrated hubs for goods in transit Goods monitoring and tracking (for sanitary and phyto-sanitary purposes). It is now necessary to export from Africa toward Europe and the US;
Water and electricity consumption monitoring: leak and over consumption detection systems, computerization of customer monitoring systems; Regional electronic payment systems (ATMs, e-cards…) which are currently developing in West Africa (BCEAO) and in Central Africa (CEMAC);
Defence and national territory surveillance systems; Localisation systems such as GSM to monitor a wide range of activities: fishing, shipping, urban transportation, railroads… Knowledge and cultural services: regional projects to create virtual universities and libraries; Telemedicine systems and partnerships between European and African hospitals E-governance and online administration services.
Novatech is financed by the EU and organised by ProInvest, a programme of ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) and EU, in collaboration with the African Union, (CEDEAO 15 countries) and the Economic and Monetary union of West Africa (UEMOA 8 countries).
The initiatives is backed by 25 EU countries, 24 west and central countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Capo Verde, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Central African Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Republic of Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao-Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2006 righe 44 parole 450)
