IST-Africa 2008 takes place 07 - 09 May 2008 in Windhoek, Namibia. Part of the IST-Africa Initiative, which is supported by the European Commission under the IST Programme of Framework Programme 6 (FP6), IST-Africa 2008 is the third in an Annual Conference Series which will bring together delegates from commercial, government & research organisations across Africa and from Europe, to bridge the Digital Divide by sharing knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and good practice.

IST-Africa 2008 will focus on Applied ICT research topics addressing major societal and economic challenges, which is part of the European Commission's Information Communications Technologies (ICT) programme. The programme combines strategic keynote presentations, technical and policy papers, case studies, workshops, an exhibition and social activities.

The Advance Programme is available online and in PDF format. All participants should complete registration prior to the event via Online payment registration

IST-Africa 2008 will be officially opened by Honourable Nangolo Mbumba, Minister of Education on behalf of His Excellency, Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Republic of Namibia and closed by Dr. Libertina Amathila, Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia.

Other Keynote Speakers confirmed to date include Honourable Joel Kaapanda, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Namibia; Honourable Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa, Minister for Communications, Science and Technology, Tanzania; Honourable Mosibudi Mangena, Minister of Science and Technology, South Africa; Honourable Dr. Ham-Mukasa Mulira, Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Uganda; Honourable Dr. Sally Kosgey, Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Kenya (tbc); Senior Representative, African Union Commission, Ethiopia; Mr. Remigious Makumbe, Acting Chief Director and Director of Infrastructure & Services, Southern African Development Community; Mr Antti Peltomäki, Deputy Director-General, DG Information Society and Media, European Commission, Belgium; Mr José Manuel Silva Rodríguez, Director General, DG Research, European Commission, Belgium; Dr Hakim Elwaer, Director, HRST, African Union Commission; Dr John Mugabe, Director, NEPAD S&T; Ms. Aida Opoku-Mensah, Director, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Ethiopia; Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Division of Science Policy and Sustainable Development, UNESCO and Ms Magda Berhe, The Swedish Programme for ICT in Developing Regions.