“This inaugural Technology and Emerging Countries program further elevates the International CES as the global marketplace where governments and technologists from around the globe can come together to learn and experience the technologies that are changing the shape of our world. President Kagame has been a long time advocate for the advancement of information and communication technology, which has fueled development on the African continent,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “We commend President Kagame for his vision and initiative in utilizing technology to advance economic development and sustainability across Africa, and we are honored to have him speak at the 2008 International CES.”

The “Technology and Emerging Countries” program consists of keynote addresses, panel sessions and demonstrations of the technologies used by developing nations. It will delve into the role consumer technology plays in long-term development of emerging markets.

President Kagame has been instrumental in the development of information and communication technology (ICT) in Africa, and was presented the ICT Africa Award in 2006 and in 2007, which recognizes organizations and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in promoting the use of ICTs for the overall development of the African continent.

Other confirmed participants for the “Technology and Emerging Countries” program include Nicolas Negroponte, founder of the One Laptop Per Child project and the MIT Media Lab, who is slated to deliver the program’s closing keynote address; Paul Meyer, CEO, Voxiva; Dan Shine, program director, AMD’s 50x15 Initiative and Tae Yoo, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Cisco Systems Inc.

Other 2008 Industry Insider programs include technology’s impact on Hollywood, an international retail power panel and an address by Yahoo!’s CEO and Chief Yahoo!, Jerry Yang. The Industry Insider Series takes place in the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. For details on the Industry Insider Series, please visit: www.cesweb.org/attendees/conferen ces/default.asp.

The 2008 International CES will feature the hottest product debuts from 2,700 exhibitors, covering more than 30 product areas, including the latest in content, wireless, digital imaging, mobile electronics, home theater and audio. For more news on the 2008 International CES before, during and after the show, visit www.CESweb.org, the interactive source for CES information.

Note to Journalists:
General press and analyst registration, as well as detailed press conference information, is available at CESweb.org. Journalists are encouraged to arrive in Las Vegas by Saturday, January 5, to take advantage of all the CES press events, including CES Unveiled from 4-7 p.m. on January 5.