Government wants South Africa to host the 2018 edition of the International Telecommunication Union’s flagship global conference, the Telecom World Exhibition, the department of telecoms & postal services said at the weekend.

Telecoms minister Siyabonga Cwele, who is leading the South African delegation at the 2017 edition of the event, currently underway in Korea, said cabinet approved the proposal to host the 2018 event, which is expected to attract 9 000 delegates.

The ITU is an agency of the United Nations.

Government believes hosting the show in South Africa will contribute about R81m to the local economy.

“South Africa’s bid aims to bring this conference and exhibition to the continent for the first time,” the ministry said in a statement.

“South Africa believes that this will increase investment in ICT into the continent by providing a greater focus on Africa, and encourage greater participation by African countries and companies wishing to do business in Africa.” — (c) 2017 NewsCentral Media