PortaOne at AfricaCom 2024: Mobility-Driven Innovations and Empowering African Telecom Providers
TechAfrica News caught up with Klaus Haertel, Director of Global Channel & Alliances at PortaOne, during AfricaCom 2024 in Cape Town. The discussion focused on PortaOne’s transformative solutions, its engagement with clients across Africa, and its vision for addressing key industry challenges.
- 00:15PortaOne's Focus at AfricaCom: Client Connections and Showcasing Platforms
- 00:37Annual Meetup in Johannesburg
- 01:34Addressing African Telecom Challenges
- 02:58Future Trends in Africa: Mobility-Driven Innovation
- 03:39Importance of Future-Proof Software for African Markets
A Tradition of Collaboration and Growth
PortaOne used AfricaCom 2024 as a platform to connect with existing clients and establish new relationships in markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Klaus highlighted the company’s billing and soft switch platform, emphasizing its role in driving efficiency for service providers.
South Africa holds particular significance for PortaOne, which hosts an annual client meetup in Johannesburg. “Instead of spending days visiting clients individually, we bring them together for a collaborative session filled with discussions, panels, and great food. It’s become more than just an event—it’s a tradition,” Klaus shared.
Tackling Key Challenges in African Markets
When discussing the challenges facing service providers on the continent, Klaus pointed to two recurring issues: decreasing voice margins and the shortage of qualified personnel. PortaOne addresses these challenges by helping clients consolidate platforms and migrate to cloud-based solutions.
“With cloud technologies, we reduce the stress for service providers. They need fewer personnel to manage servers, and we handle their installations remotely via cloud systems,” Klaus explained, showcasing PortaOne’s ability to optimize operations and reduce costs.
A Future Shaped by Mobility
Reflecting on the African market, Klaus noted the region’s unique reliance on mobile networks over fixed infrastructure, which drives innovation in the mobile sector. PortaOne is adapting its solutions to align with this mobility-driven landscape, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
“In Africa, innovation often starts with mobility. Our mission is to ensure our solutions integrate seamlessly into this dynamic ecosystem,” Klaus emphasized.
PortaOne’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and adaptability is shaping the future of connectivity across Africa. Stay connected with more updates from AfricaCom 2024 on TechAfrica News.