PRESENTATION BY STRIVE MASIYIWA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ICT IN AFRICA PRESENTATION BY STRIVE MASIYIWA, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ECONET WIRELESS GROUP

OBSERVATIONS AND LESSONS FROM THE ECONET WIRELESS EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY LEADERS’ FORUM UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN 19 NOVEMBER 2006

ECONET TODAY ECONET HAS OFFICES & OPERATIONS IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES: South Africa (H.O), Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Nigeria, Kenya, UK New Zealand.

AREAS OF ACTIVITY IN ICT Mobile Cellular Communications Internet Services Satellite Communications Fixed Public Networks

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ECONET 5 year legal battle to obtain mobile licence in Zimbabwe The creation of Mascom Wireless Econet Satellite Services GSM in Nigeria

ECONET AS AN AFRICAN CHAMPION The only Pan African Communications Group started and owned by Africans. The company with global reach – Australia, Fiji, PNG, India, Malta and Morocco. Partnerships with global companies – Eskom, P.T, Ericssons, Huawei, Singapore Temasek.

ECONET AS A PIONEER News on Demand Mobile Banking Bulk SMS UK Satellite Pre-Paid

OBSERVATIONS FROM OUR EXPERIENCE African policy makers do not consider science and technology a priority There is little understanding of its economic and social impact. Literacy precedes numeracy. Regulation is for control rather than development. There is a deep mistrust of entrepreneurs. Skills development in the sector is almost non-existent.

RECOMMENDATIONS Clear vision and a conviction for a technology driven society. Embrace the benefits of science and technology. Need for clear policies to develop a competitive enterprise society. Africans must first learn to work together before looking to outsiders. Broaden technology skills development. Broaden movement of skilled people across the continent. Encourage immigration of skilled people into Africa.

THANK YOU