The title of the Forum was “Development of the broadband network: Human capital development challenges for Africa" The objective of this forum was to assist  senior executives and managers responsible for human capital development, to appreciate the  human capital development challenges arising from the adoption and deployment of broadband networks on the African continent. It sought to equip them with the tools that would enable them support the development of appropriate broadband policies, strategies and roll-out plans, as well appropriate related human resources development strategies and plans. This was more relevant and pertinent now as broadband will sooner or later become part of basic ICT infrastructure.

The Forum was attended by 78 participants from 20 countries. The attendance was far greater than expected, and this demonstrated that there is a growing interest within the HR fraternity on technology developments such as broadband, as a well a strong willingness to strengthen the human, institutional and organizational capacity of developing countries in the highly promising but challenging and complex ICT/digital economy environment. The need to reshape the way people work, think and manage their own teams was been clearly expressed.

The Forum, which was spread over three days, covered the following themes:

• ICT policy environment and its implication on human capital development 
• Strategies and Plans for the development of human capital needed for a broadband network
• Case studies, best practices, HR management. Tools and software used for strategic, operational, and human resources planning and management

The Forum was organised on the basis of 8 Sessions and 3 working groups.  A total of 19 presentations   were made by the participants and HR experts and ITU Representatives. A number of recommendations were expressed and noted throughout the Forum’s deliberations. Some of the views expressed were that:
• The Forum was too short vis a vis the amount of presentations and Case Studies that had to be covered;
• There is need for more programs to expose HR practitioners to the business and technology issues in the sector.

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