The 2^nd Ethio - ICT Exhibition, Bazaar and Conference was opened at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center on Tuesday 28, may 2009.

Mr. Debretsion G/Michael, Director General of EICTDA, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the exhibition, bazaar and conference, EICTDA, INSA & ETC for hosting the event. After his opening speech, the Director General invited His Excellency Kuma, Minister of the Ministry of Transport and Communication to open the exhibition officially.

The Minister, Diriba Kuma, officially opening the exhibition, said that out of the 18000 kebeles found in the country some 8000 had been beneficiaries of telephone service – under the next generation network project, over 1bln. Dollars has been allocated to upgrade the ICT service he added.

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to apply ICTs in every sphere for their impact bringing about rapid economic development taking in to consideration the sectors significance, the Ethiopian ICT development Agency has been encouraging investors to engage in the field, he said.

Accordingly the Agency is currently engaged in building a technology park to create a conducive atmosphere both for local and foreign investors. The Minister added the establishment of the park would create job opportunities for over 350,000 professionals promoting the country’s status in computer technology in the sub – region.

The exhibition, in which 100 business organizations are taking part, would remain open until June 3, 2009.