Increased and coordinated cooperation between Africa and Chinese business in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector can help Africa develop satellite technology industry, said several Chinese business delegates attending the on-going SatCom Africa 2013 Conference.
A high-powered Chinese business delegation is in Johannesburg to attend the two-day conference.
Africa-China business partnerships will also play a big role towards job creation in many Africa countries, Hengxin Technology Co. Ltd, Overseas Sales Manager Bourne Wang, told Xinhua on Wednesday.
"We have developed satellite technology and we can offer more to development Africa communication and technology sector," Wang said.
SatCom Africa is the largest satellite communication conference and exhibition focusing specifically on the needs of the African continent. It brings together end-users and suppliers of satellite technology to find cost effective and reliable solutions.
"We are here to seek business opportunities and to find ways of participating in Africa information and communication technology development," Panodic Electric (Shen Zhen) Limited, Africa Sales Manager James Zhang said.
According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), satellite technology in the areas of remote sensing, communication, and navigation can provide valuable information in a number of areas from business to disaster management to agriculture. There is great potential for such technology to help solve problems in developing countries. Unfortunately, due to lack of funds, expertise, equipment or awareness, Africa and other developing countries are not using satellite technology to its full potential.
"We see big opportunities in satellite technology development, Africa still have a gap in this sector and we have more to offer," Kinka Group Co. Ltd Overseas Sales Manager Anna Zeng said.
Rengiu Huatong Satellite Antenna Equipment Factory team leader Stefan Gao said that for Africa satellite technology industry to grow and create more opportunities, Africa need to work with countries that already has advanced technology from other part of the world.
"China is one of the countries that they need to partner with," she said.
"As we come here we need African partners, alone we can not do well we need to work together with Africa business," she added.
In a new report titled: "Satellite technology offers opportunity to change lives in Africa", ICT expert Ibrahima Guimba- Saidou said satellite is particularly suitable for African countries, with their vast distances and untamed terrain. Satellite is unrivalled in terms of quality, choice and reach, and maintains the same quality, no matter where the customer is, in a remote village or a major city.
"It can integrate with existing technologies to provide seamless coverage. It is the key to unlocking the broadband immense benefits which will transform the African socio-economy, and enhance considerably, education, health and e-government as well as commerce," he added.
"I think governments in Africa need to encourage foreign investment in this sector to develop satellite technology,"said Shenhen Skyworth Digital Technology Co. Ltd Sales Manager Islan Zhou.
"They need to put in place good and friendly laws and policies that attract investors not only in the ICT but all sectors of the economy including infrastructure which is key to attracting investors as well," Huaxin Antenna International Marketing Department Manager Lily Tang said.
"This will help also to create move job opportunities in Africa countries," he added.
