May 12 - 16, 2008, The MUSON Center, 8/9 Marina - Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria
Theme: A World Without Borders
The U.S. Commercial Service Nigeria will host CTO 2008 from May 12 – 16, 2008, at the MUSON Center in Lagos. The CTO exhibitions and seminars are market development tools of the U.S. Commercial Service in Nigeria. It is the largest exhibition of its kind in West Africa where local companies representing or working with U.S. suppliers and manufacturers of computers, telecommunications and office equipment showcase the very best of American technology, equipment and services available in Nigeria for the sub-region. The exhibition features an all-day, special-event seminar on the first day and a four-day exhibition with private seminars, workshops, product/service launching and demonstrations.
CTO 2008 focuses on telemedicine, distance learning, and on-line transactions. Other sub-themes include cyber-crime, e-governance, electronic tracking systems, e-ticketing, and e-banking. Specifically, it is about trade and investment opportunities offered by the triple-play of voice, data and video technologies, products and services. CTO 2008 seminars will feature local and international experts, particularly those with professional experience in electronics transaction and infrastructure development. The exhibition and seminars are open to the public, but attendees younger than 18 years old are not permitted on the exhibit floor, except on May 14, 2008, reserved for youth empowerment programs.
CTO seminars help policy makers, industry leaders and professionals see the future first. They provide a unique platform for local and international experts to interact on critical issues, especially those related to technology diffusion, bilateral relations and market dynamics.
On September 27, 2003, Nigeria joined the league of nations with satellites in space. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) began an earth observation satellite project in 2000 following a collaborative agreement with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited of the United Kingdom. The success of the program emboldened the agency to embark on the NIGCOMSAT-1, which was launched on May 14, 2007. A strategic alliance with some U.S. firms has resulted in NASRDA initiating a pilot project on telemedicine, tele-education and video conferencing. These national ICT infrastructure programs are coming on the heels of public-private partnerships to build ICT centers in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued third generation (3G) licenses to four telecommunications companies on May 24, 2007. The expectation was that the license beneficiaries would pioneer the laying of the foundation for the high speed voice, data and video transmission networks Nigeria needs to improve its presence in the global marketplace. The 3G licenses are generating debate and discussions about the future of electronics transactions in Nigeria. Industry watchers say Nigeria is set for another round of ICT growth, especially given the launching on November 22, 2007, of the first phase of Globacom’s 10,000 km fiber optic cable valued at about 83 billion Naira. On December 4, 2007, Technology Times reported that MTN Nigeria and Celtel Nigeria have completed, preliminary network upgrade to deliver 3G services in Lagos and other major commercial cities in Nigeria.
CTO 2008 will highlight and feature U.S. technologies, equipment and services that Nigeria needs to leverage the 3G network to empower its citizens and for local area development via telemedicine, distance learning and sundry electronic transactions. With over 45 million installed mobile and fixed telephone lines, Nigerian businesses have the potential to leverage electronic services to improve their operations. It also means more Nigerian citizens and communities have the potential to lift themselves out of poverty. In addition to the existing teledensity, the Galaxi Backbone Plc, Nigeria’s public-private partnership, says it is poised to leverage satellite and other technologies to offer internet connectivity to enable voice, video and data services in every Nigerian community.
The cost of participation in the exhibition is 200,000 Naira, payable in bank draft to the U.S. Consulate General Lagos. The cost covers event documentation, promotion, and construction. It includes one self-contained, 3x3 square meter exhibit booth (5 booths maximum may be purchased), a table, two chairs, general security at the event site, and participation in the seminars. Potential exhibitors must note that the U.S. Commercial Service has the exclusive right to decide space and booth allocation and to determine who participates in CTO 2008.
For CTO 2008 registration, send your payment and one-page company profile by courier, email, or by hand delivery to Budget/Admin Assistant Dominica Nwosu, Tel: 2610241, Fax: 2619856 Dominica.Nwosu@mail.doc.gov before March 28, 2008. For companies new to the U.S. Commercial Service, basic registration is mandatory at www.buyusa.gov/nigeria. If you require any clarification or assistance on the registration process, contact Commercial Assistant Folashade Egbayielo, Email: Folashade.Egbayielo@mail.doc.gov
Organizations that wish to participate in CTO 2008 as event partners or facilitators may send an expression of interest to Senior Commercial Specialist Anayo Agu, who coordinates the event planning and manages the exhibition. Tel: 01-2610241 Email: Anayo.Agu@mail.doc.gov
CTO 2008 focuses on telemedicine, distance learning, and on-line transactions. Other sub-themes include cyber-crime, e-governance, electronic tracking systems, e-ticketing, and e-banking. Specifically, it is about trade and investment opportunities offered by the triple-play of voice, data and video technologies, products and services. CTO 2008 seminars will feature local and international experts, particularly those with professional experience in electronics transaction and infrastructure development. The exhibition and seminars are open to the public, but attendees younger than 18 years old are not permitted on the exhibit floor, except on May 14, 2008, reserved for youth empowerment programs.