Bethesda, MD, September 4, 2002- The Africa Technology Forum (ATF), a non-profit organization designed to promote technology in Africa and foster African entrepreneurship, today announced the selection of Ms. Ije Ikoku of Rancard Solutions in Ghana and Mr. Samuel Mugisha of Integrated Technical Solutions Limited in Uganda as the two winners for its BITS Africa initiative, a program sponsored by the World Economic Forum Global Leaders for Tomorrow and the Africa Technology Forum. Members of the World Economic Forum BITS Africa task force and the board members of the Africa Technology Forum selected both Ms. Ikoku and Mr. Mugisha in a voting process. A total of 4 candidates were selected in last month's selection process as finalists for the semi- final round, which took, place last month.

BITS Africa is a mentorship initiative for young entrepreneurs, especially women who are starting a technology business. Each selected applicant will be mentored by a Global Leader for Tomorrow (GLT) who will provide guidance and expertise to help grow the business. It is a pilot project designed to evolve into a sustainable business incubator for Africa.

This initiative addresses two issues identified by World Economic Forum (WEF) as critical for economic growth in Africa: entrepreneurship development and bridging the digital divide.