As a part of NASSCOM’s Global Trade Development Initiative to explore new geographies for its members - NASSCOM is organizing its 3^rd delegation to Africa. The delegation is scheduled from 16th - 21st September, 2012. The emphasis of the NASSCOM delegation would be on creating awareness among the local companies about India, identifying potential companies for partnership and building a long term engagement program.

Over the past couple of years, Africa has been one of the faster growing markets worldwide in ICT adoption and communication technology and is becoming one of the most important markets for the Indian IT industry. The liberalization of Africa continues and most countries have established regulatory bodies to ensure a fair, competitive and enabling environment.

Last year in May the Indian government also inked trade and investment deals with Africa. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh signed trade and investment deals to expand India's economic footprint on the African continent and also offered a $5-billion credit line for Africa”.

The 2010 and 2011 NASSCOM delegation to Africa was well participated and appreciated. The Continent has huge unmet ICT demand and Governments and businesses that were apprehensive till some time back have realized the potential of ICT and are willing to invest in this sector. Africa’s IT market is headed for growth in 2012, and market levels are expected to reach $26.53 billion in 2012, setting in motion a number of key trends that will reshape the IT landscape in Africa.

The delegation will visit Nigeria in west Africa and Kenya and Uganda in east Africa. Nigeria is the second biggest economy in Africa and is the largest in terms of its population and opportunity. Kenya is the most aggressive ICT economy in the eastern region with the government being proactive and willing to invest in the sector, closely followed by Uganda. In Uganda the delegation would participate in an East African conference where there would be an opportunity to meet with representative of other countries like Rwanda, Tanzania and Malawi. This entire trip would give ample exposure and flavor of the entire African continent.

Looking forward to your participation.