APP+FRICA: INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE AND THINKTANK

APPFRICA is a series of international tech conferences and think-tanks aimed at bringing together researchers, industry leaders, businesses, educators, governmental and non-governmental organizations to discuss novel uses of web technology for innovation and education in the developing world.  

Starting off as a panel at the Technology for Innovation and Education in Developing Countries (http://cs.joensuu.fi/tedc2008/) at Mekerere University, Appfrica is a place where leaders in the tech industry from around the globe will use their collective knowledge to tackle the world issues of hunger, sustainable energy sources, HIV/AIDS and more.  It takes place on July 31, 2008 at the esteemed Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.  Key area of focus will include push technologies,  the semantic web, mobile devices, new ways to engage the world marketplace using the web and taking applications "off-the-grid" for use in undeveloped areas.

As referenced by TEDC, the 2007 World Bank Report entitled "Building Knowledge Economies: Advanced Strategies for Development" states that the four key drivers for successful knowledge economies in the 21st Century are education, information technology infrastructure, research and development focused on innovation, and free market based economies.  The goal of Appfrica is to help cultivate minds and encourage entrepreneurship, collaboration and free-market competition with this research in mind.

If you have questions about Appfrica and getting involved, contact us here or join our group Newsgroup/Mailinglist

SPONSORS/PARTNERS

A sponsorship package will include placement on all print materials related to our Panel at TEDC, website and email newsletter that will be distributed internationally. Sponsorships begin at $2000.  {more...}

ADVERTISERS

Groups who advertise at Appfrica will receive print space on our website along with their organizations statement about Appfrica. {more...}

SPEAKERS

Speaking engagements are greatly encouraged, and a commitment to speak at upcoming Appfrica events includes travel expenses and accommodations. {more...}

HOST

If your group is interested in developing technologies that can benefit the developing world, or if you simply want to introduce your staff to a new way of thinking about including developing regions in your market you may want to consider hosting an event.  To host an Appfrica think-tank at your NGO, government establishment, university or business location, please contact j.gosier@appfrica.org. {more...}

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION TOPICS

There are many ideas explored at Appfrica, many have concrete answers, many do not.  Here are some example topics:

• How the Web is Creating New Opportunities for the Developing World
• Why Western companies are  Interested in the African IT Community
• The Semantic Web and The Opportunities it Will Create for a World Marketplace
• Why Intellectual Property is Africa's Most Untapped Resource
• Using Indigenous Resources to Benefit Local Economies
• Web Applications and Mashups That Show Real Potential for Social Change
• The End of Language Barriers?  Translation Tools for Education and Business

If you have more ideas for topics or workshops, ask them here.