Setting the Stage for Innovation: AfricaCom 2024 Preview
Just One Day Until AfricaCom 2024 Opens Its Doors!
In just one day, AfricaCom, the longest running anchor event of the Africa Tech Festival, will open its doors for the 27th edition! This year promises to bring more connections, insights, and innovations than ever. With excitement building from all corners of the industry, we’re all set to experience another memorable event over the next three days.
What to Expect This Year: in Numbers
AfricaCom 2024 promises to be the most dynamic yet, with a larger global presence and an expanded agenda. Last year, the event saw over 13,000 attendees from 100+ countries, along with 300+ exhibitors and 5,500+ participating companies. This year, the excitement is even greater as we anticipate 15,000+ attendees, 400+ expert speakers, and a vibrant exhibition hall featuring the latest advancements in African and global tech.
International companies are joining in mass, adding to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors, panels, and networking opportunities. With technology as the key driver of Africa’s future, the spotlight will be on connectivity, fintech, data security, AI, and more. From global executives to emerging startups, AfricaCom will unite industry players eager to shape the continent’s tech landscape.
TechAfrica News: Your Official Media Partner
As an official media partner of AfricaCom 2024, TechAfrica News is fully geared up to bring you real-time updates, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights straight from the heart of the event. We’re excited to connect, engage, and report on the unfolding developments to keep our readers and followers in the loop.
Beyond our coverage, we’re also proud to be even more involved in shaping the dialogue this year—our Founder and Chief Editor, Akim Benamara, will be moderating three key sessions on the first day of AfricaCom. We’ve closely followed AfricaCom’s evolution over the years, and we’re excited to contribute to the conversation firsthand.
So, whether you’ve planned to be present in Cape Town with us or not, stay tuned as we kick off Day One at AfricaCom 2024.
Kicking Off Strong: Day One Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
The excitement begins tomorrow with an agenda full of insights, innovations, and future-shaping discussions. This year, AfricaCom’s program centers on four main themes: AfricaCom Centre Stage, Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure, Telcos of Tomorrow, and Data Centres Africa. Each theme dives deep into the trends and technologies shaping Africa’s digital future.
Here are some key sessions you should add to your calendar;
- Panel: Emerging Technologies Paving the Way for the Future of Connectivity & The Network
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, | 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM (Africa/Johannesburg) | Room 1.41 & 1.42, Level 1, CTICC 1
This panel explores technologies driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in connectivity: how satellite technologies enhance broadband access; cloud and edge computing for rapid data analysis; and the role of 5G in enterprise transformation.
Speakers: Wilfried Dudink, Senior Director – Strategy & Development, Digital Realty; Robert AOUAD, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom; Dr. Kareem Moshood, AGM, Nigerian Communications Satellite; Akim Benamara, Founder & CEO, TechAfrica News; Nir Lev-On, Head of Customer Solution Architect, Amdocs OSS & Networks; Mohammad Alharbi, Director, Advanced Networks, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia.
- Panel: The Future of Telecoms: Emerging Growth Drivers for Africa’s Modern Telco
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, | 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM (Africa/Johannesburg) | Room 1.61 & 1.62, Level 1, CTICC 1
This session will explore how advancements in technology, partnerships, and digital services are driving innovation and growth in the sector, covering key areas such as AI, 5G, network architecture, SME and start-up enablement, and data monetization.
Speakers: Rolivhuwa Maluma, GM: Digital Services – Marketing & Strategy, MTN; Dion Jerling, Co-Founder, Connect Earth; Kwanele Radebe Onyango, Executive: Telecommunications, Media & Technology Coverage, Standard Bank South Africa; Basha Pillay, Managing Executive: Services, Vodacom; Ajibola Olude, Executive Secretary, Association of Telecommunications Company of Nigeria (ATCON).
- Panel: Future-Proofing Data Centres: Challenges and Strategies for the Modern Data Centre
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, | 12:25 PM – 1:25 PM (Africa/Johannesburg) | Room 1.43 & 1.44, Level 1, CTICC 1
This panel will discuss the scaling costs of data center development, the latest technologies enhancing data center capabilities, key challenges, and opportunities to improve data center infrastructure, with insights from the banking and finance sectors.
Speakers: Bolaji Farinloye, IT Systems Specialist, Zenith Bank Plc; Olumide Idowu, Group Chief Technology Officer, AlphaBeta Consulting LLP; Kevin Kent, COO & Co-Founder, GTSS; Krupa Suchak, Data Centre Advisor, Independent Consultant; Tarik Bahanniss, Vice President Africa, Uptime Institute; Naroa Zurutuza, CTO, Giga UNICEF.
- Connecting Africa’s Next Billion: Scaling Africa’s Digital Infrastructure
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, | 3:40 PM – 4:10 PM (Africa/Johannesburg) | Room 1.41 & 1.42, Level 1, CTICC 1
This session will highlight the economic and social benefits of expanding digital access across Africa and the challenges of achieving equitable connectivity.
Speakers: Akim Benamara, Founder & CEO, TechAfrica News; Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria Plc.; Mark Williams, Partner, Through Line Advisors.
- Panel: Accelerating Economic Prosperity in Africa: Leveraging AI for Sustainable Growth
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, | 3:15 PM – 3:55 PM (Africa/Johannesburg) | Nerina & Protea, Level 1, CTICC 2
Experts will also discuss collaborative efforts between governments, private enterprises, and civil society to foster an AI-driven innovation ecosystem in Africa.
Speakers: Samwel Magesa, Chief Data Officer, NBC Bank; Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO, minoHealth AI Labs; Akim Benamara, Founder & CEO, TechAfrica News; Dr. Prince Abudu, Head of Technology – Artificial Intelligence, Cassava AI; Jean-François Arnod, CMO, Orange Middle East and Africa; Thabo Makenete, Head of Public Policy, Southern Africa, Meta.
Make Every Moment Count at AfricaCom 2024
AfricaCom offers more than just a lineup of industry sessions—it’s a hub of innovation, networking, and inspiration. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
Immerse Yourself in Key Sessions
AfricaCom’s panels are where the brightest minds discuss the future of tech in Africa. The conference has a lineup of discussions led by industry experts who are shaping Africa’s digital future. Planning your schedule in advance will help you catch the conversations that matter most to you.
Connect on the Exhibition Floor
The exhibition floor is where you can get up close with the latest tech and discover cutting-edge solutions that could benefit your business. Plan your route, prioritize companies that align with your interests, and, where possible, set up meetings with key exhibitors to dive deeper into their offerings.
We’ve made it easier; you can find leading innovators to meet in our Exhibitor Spotlight.
Network, Network, Network
With thousands of attendees from over 100 countries and over 15,000 professionals in attendance, AfricaCom is an unmissable opportunity to network across industries. Beyond the official panels and exhibits, informal networking events and mixers allow for more personal conversations.
At TechAfrica News, we believe networking shouldn’t end at 6 p.m.—some of the best connections happen in casual, relaxed settings. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to Hamwe 2024, our signature networking event, taking place on November 13, 2024, at The Gin Bar in Cape Town, South Africa.
This marks the third edition of Hamwe, inspired by the Kinyarwanda word meaning “together.” As we come together under the South African sky, this event aims to foster unity and collaboration essential to Africa’s digital transformation. Hosted with our esteemed partners—Africa Data Centres Association, Perception TV, PROTEI, Wingu Africa, DEVEO, and Invictus 46664—Hamwe brings together industry leaders, tech pioneers, and innovators.
Last year’s event saw 270+ attendees, and we’re expecting even more this year. Join us in celebrating connection and vision for Africa’s digital future at Hamwe 2024!
Join us and grab your ticket here!
A Line-Up of Must Meet Industry Leaders: Our Exhibitor Spotlight
PortaOne
PortaOne is a renowned software company that specializes in the development of billing, business support, and customer management solutions for telecommunications service providers. Founded in 2002, the company has established itself as a leader in the field of unified communications and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). PortaOne’s versatile and scalable software platforms cater to a wide range of telecom services, including hosted PBX, SIP trunking, and wholesale VoIP, enabling service providers to efficiently manage their operations, billing, and customer interactions. With a global presence, PortaOne’s solutions play a pivotal role in Africa, enhancing the telecommunications industry’s capabilities and service delivery.
Stand: F53
PROTEI
PROTEI aims to provide telecom operators with reliable and proven core network components, offering them a seamless path for network modernization and upgrades, while preparing their networks for the next generation of advanced 5G networks. As an alternative vendor, PROTEI brings a breath of fresh air to the industry, fostering healthy competition that is essential for operators in emerging markets. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for core components in the market for constructing private LTE/5G networks to support industry automation.
Stand: B22
Ciena
Ciena is a prominent networking solutions provider, offering cutting-edge technologies for high-bandwidth services. Specializing in optical networking and software innovation, Ciena empowers businesses and service providers in Africa to adapt to the demands of a hyper-connected world, ensuring robust and scalable communication networks.
Stand: F20
PerceptionTV
PerceptionTV offers Telcos a comprehensive, customizable solution to launch their own branded TV services over their broadband networks. Their flexible Telco TV products eliminate the need for costly, in-house development, adapting to the client’s internal expertise and scaling as needed. This ensures a seamless launch at a fraction of the cost.
In addition, their in-house internet TV service, RAPIDO, is live and ready for deployment. RAPIDO can be tailored with local content and services, allowing clients to enhance their offerings with a relevant, customer-focused TV service delivered over their existing networks.
Stand: A50
Openserve
Openserve, a subsidiary of the Telkom Group, is South Africa’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider, featuring the most extensive fixed broadband network in the country. They offer a wide range of services, including high-speed internet access, wholesale connectivity solutions, and comprehensive network infrastructure. Openserve’s commitment to delivering Openserve, a subsidiary of the Telkom Group, is South Africa’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider, featuring the most extensive fixed broadband network in the country.
Stand: C70
Stulz
Stulz is a global leader in providing innovative and efficient climate control solutions, specializing in critical infrastructure environments. Their extensive product portfolio includes precision air conditioning systems like the CyberAir series and modular cooling solutions designed for data centres. Stulz also offers the Airstream line of air handling units and advanced control systems to optimize performance. Committed to sustainability, Stulz continually invests in research and development to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients while minimizing environmental impact.
Stand: E2A
Angola Cables
Angola Cables is a leading telecommunications provider that plays a vital role in connecting Africa to the global digital landscape. Specializing in high-capacity international and domestic connectivity solutions, they operate extensive submarine cable systems, including the SACS (South Atlantic Cable System) and WACS (West Africa Cable System), which provide reliable and high-speed internet access. Their services also include data center operations and cloud connectivity solutions, catering to the growing demands for bandwidth and digital services across the continent.
Stand: B80
LINX
LINX, one of the world’s largest and most established Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), connects ISPs, content providers, and network operators, allowing seamless data exchange and bolstered internet performance across networks. By facilitating direct interconnections at major data centres, LINX reduces latency, increases reliability, and drives innovation across the digital ecosystem. Their commitment to robust, secure, and efficient infrastructure helps advance connectivity worldwide, making them a crucial partner in global internet infrastructure.
Stand: C39
TelcoBridges
Telco Bridges has been a leader in creating high-performance gateways and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) that empower service providers to optimize their networks and enhance communication services. Specializing in advanced telecommunications solutions for VoIP and network management, Telco Bridges facilitates reliable, high-quality voice and data transmission. By bridging gaps in telecommunications infrastructure, they play a vital role in shaping the future of global connectivity.
Stand: D2
ST Engineering iDirect
ST Engineering iDirect is a global leader in satellite communications, offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance connectivity across broadcast, mobility, and government sectors. With over 35 years of innovation, iDirect delivers reliable, efficient, and high-performance satcom technologies, enabling businesses to optimize networks and expand services worldwide. Visit their booth at AfricaCom to discover how they are shaping the future of global connectivity.
Where: C63
Intelsat
Intelsat is a global leader in satellite communications, providing integrated solutions that deliver reliable, high-performance connectivity across industries including media, telecom, and government. With over 50 years of experience, Intelsat’s satellite network powers critical services worldwide, enabling seamless communication, data transmission, and content delivery.
Where: D70
Don’t Miss a Beat: Stay Tuned for More Updates
Stay connected with all the latest from AfricaCom, whether you’re attending in person or following along from afar. Our team at TechAfrica News will be bringing you daily highlights, insightful recaps, and exclusive interviews to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
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