AfricaCom 2024 Post-Show Report: A Showcase of African Innovation and Global Collaboration
From November 12th to 14th, Cape Town came alive as the tech industry converged for AfricaCom 2024, the 27th edition of the Africa Tech Festival’s flagship event. Over 15,000 attendees—including industry leaders, pioneering startups, investors, exhibitors, and speakers—descended upon the city, transforming it into a vibrant center of tech innovation.
As one of Africa’s longest-running tech and telecommunications gatherings, AfricaCom continues to be the heartbeat of conversations driving the continent’s digital future. The event was also graced by influential leaders capable of influencing real change, including South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, further emphasizing the event’s significance.
As an official media partner, TechAfrica News’ team was once again at the forefront of this event. From the exhibition floors to the keynote sessions, we were fully immersed in the activities that define AfricaCom. Beyond covering the highlights, we were deeply involved in capturing the event’s essence through exclusive interviews with industry stakeholders shaping the continent’s tech ecosystem. These meaningful conversations offered us unique insights into the opportunities and challenges that drive Africa’s digital transformation journey.
“At AfricaCom 2024, our participation this year went beyond just reporting. We were deeply engaged, moderating panel sessions, and driving critical conversations. We explored emerging trends, celebrated groundbreaking achievements, and spotlighted bold strategies that are advancing connectivity across the continent. As always, our dedication remains steadfast in being an active part of shaping Africa’s future while keeping our audience informed.”
– Akim Benamara, Founder and Chief Editor, TechAfrica News
Driving Conversations: AfricaCom 2024 Agendas
AfricaCom 2024 revolved around four key agendas, each uniquely crafted to advance Africa’s connectivity and digital transformation goals. At the core was AfricaCom Centre Stage, where the spotlight shone on groundbreaking innovations in connectivity, broadcasting, and media, underscoring the technologies and strategies that are propelling the continent into the digital era.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure took center focus in many discussions, with experts, charting a path toward universal connectivity. Emphasis was placed on robust infrastructure as a foundation for empowering African businesses and societies, highlighting solutions to bridge the digital divide.
Telcos of Tomorrow captured the imagination of attendees by delving into the latest trends shaping the telecommunications sector. From AI-driven innovations to reimagined business models, this agenda reinforced the critical role of telcos in steering Africa’s digital transformation journey.
Finally, Data Centres Africa explored the indispensable role of world-class data centre infrastructure in fueling the continent’s digital revolution. As Africa’s economy becomes increasingly reliant on technology, these discussions emphasized the need for scalable, efficient solutions to support its growing digital demands.
Our Work on Site: TechAfrica News at the Heart of Impactful Discussions
At AfricaCom 2024, we didn’t just report on events—we actively contributed to shaping the discussions that drive digital transformation across Africa. Our founder and chief editor, Akim Benamara, played a pivotal role, moderating three impactful panel sessions.
His expertise and deep understanding of Africa’s tech ecosystem allowed him to inspire insightful conversations with the panelists, ask probing questions that encouraged meaningful dialogue and bring fresh perspectives to the limelight. This on-the-ground contribution strengthened TechAfrica News’ position as a trusted voice in the digital transformation space.
Under the agenda Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure;
Connecting Africa’s Next Billion: Scaling Africa’s Digital Infrastructure
In the panel session, Akim was joined by industry leaders to discuss key issues affecting the digital transformation landscape in Africa. Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria Plc., highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the telecom sector, especially as it relates to ensuring digital inclusion. Mark Williams, Partner at Through Line Advisors, brought a strategic perspective, offering insights on leveraging technology for scalable business growth and regional development.
The main idea of this discussion revolved around addressing the challenges in the telecommunications sector in Africa, particularly related to access to finance, government involvement, and the need for political will to drive investment. The speaker emphasized the importance of leveling the playing field for telecom operators and ecosystem players, with the goal of achieving 100% coverage in 20 years.
The crucial role of governments in improving the digital infrastructure was also stressed, suggesting that while many African governments express interest in expanding digital access, they often fail to prioritize it effectively. Solutions like Universal Service Funds (USFs) have been introduced but are not being utilized efficiently in many countries. Therefore, there is the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to create an environment conducive to investment, also for a better alignment of political will, financial incentives, and infrastructure development.
“Our goal is to level the playing field as much as possible, making it as affordable as we can for operators to do business and for all the players within the ecosystem. If we get it right, 20 years from now, we’ll be talking about 100% coverage.”
– Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria Plc
Accelerating Economic Prosperity in Africa: Leveraging AI for Sustainable Growth
In this panel, Akim Benamara alongside Samwel Magesa (NBC Bank), Darlington Akogo (minoHealth AI Labs), Dr. Prince Abudu (Cassava AI), Jean-François Arnod (Orange MEA), and Thabo Makenete (Meta) explored AI’s potential to transform Africa’s economy through innovation and collaboration.
The discussion stressed the need for inclusive policies, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships to enable AI adoption at scale. By investing in talent development, fostering collaborative ecosystems, and prioritizing inclusivity, Africa can leverage AI not just as a tool for growth but as a cornerstone for sustainable prosperity. Notwithstanding, there is urgency of aligning AI strategies with the continent’s development goals, ensuring that innovation drives tangible economic and social benefits for all.
Emerging Technologies Paving the Way for the Future of Connectivity & The Network
The session brought together an impressive lineup of experts including Wilfried Dudink, Senior Director – Strategy & Development, Digital Realty; Robert AOUAD, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom; Dr. Kareem Moshood, AGM, Nigerian Communications Satellite; Nir Lev-On, Head of Customer Solution Architect, Amdocs OSS & Networks; and Mohammad Alharbi, Director, Advanced Networks, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia, to explore transformative technologies shaping the future of connectivity.
This provided insights into the deployment of fixed networks, shedding light on the operational challenges and the impact on broadband access and examining how satellite technologies can enhance connectivity and expand broadband access across underserved regions.
Spotlight on Innovation: Hot Topics and Emerging Trends
During our time at the event, we engaged with exhibitors, innovators, and industry leaders to understand the pulse of Africa’s tech ecosystem. From our exclusive interviews and conversations on the exhibition floor, it became clear that certain topics consistently emerged as focal points, sparking discussions and inspiring bold visions for the continent’s digital future.
Here, we look at the standout topics that took center stage at AfricaCom 2024;
Building Bridges: Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
With connectivity positioned as a cornerstone for socio-economic growth, the emphasis was on creating scalable, inclusive solutions, revolutionizing and expanding Africa’s connectivity through innovative technologies and infrastructure investments.
ST Engineering iDirect: Revolutionizing Connectivity with Next-Generation Solutions
“Intuition is all about reducing operational costs and making satellite a viable solution for telcos and governments aiming to expand connectivity, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. By bringing down the cost of operations and increasing efficiency, Intuition offers a new way for organizations to bridge the digital divide.”
– Emma Park, Senior Vice President of Growth and Strategy, ST Engineering iDirect
Ciena: Advancing Submarine Cable Connectivity for Africa’s Growing Needs
“Africa’s young, rapidly growing population is driving unprecedented data demand. Our solutions focus on reducing power requirements and creating seamless end-to-end networks, connecting subsea cables directly to data centers for greater efficiency.”
– Thomas Soerensen, VP of Global Submarine Sales, Ciena
TelcoBridges: Expanding Connectivity Across Africa
“Our media gateways convert legacy traffic, such as TDM to IP and SS7 to SRAN, while our session border controllers interconnect service providers seamlessly… “We’re excited about the opportunities in Africa. Our solutions align perfectly with the needs of operators and service providers here, and we’re committed to building strong partnerships to support the continent’s connectivity goals.”
– Herve Ayissi, Customer Success Specialist and Sales Manager, TelcoBridges
TelCables: Driving Interconnectivity and Digital Transformation Across Africa
“Interconnectivity is key to making Africa’s digital transformation a reality. “We’ve built a resilient backbone, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in the face of disruptions. This resilience is vital for maintaining reliable access across the continent”
– Sudhir Juggernath, CEO, TelCables
Closing the Gap: Making Internet Access Affordable and Inclusive
There’s a lot of effort being made in bridging the digital divide by making internet services accessible and inclusive for all.
ISOCEL Telecom: Connecting Africa’s Future with Affordable and Inclusive Internet Solutions
“While urban areas and capital cities are seeing improved access to high-speed internet due to proximity to cable landing stations, rural regions still rely heavily on wireless and satellite technologies… In smaller towns, wireless technology offers a cost-effective and quick-to-deploy solution.”
– Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOCEL Telecom
Intelsat: Connecting Africa’s Future with Innovation and Collaboration
“In places like the DRC and Nigeria, we’ve installed facilities to bring connectivity to rural areas. We’ve also invested significantly in AMN, a company operating 4,000 towers across 12 African countries, reaching more than 13 million people. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to tackling Africa’s unique challenges”
– Jean-Philippe Gillet, SVP of Global Sales Media & Networks, Intelsat
Empowering Africa’s Digital Transformation
There is a focus on supporting Africa’s transition to a digitally driven economy through strategic technologies and partnerships.
Africonology: Guiding Enterprises Through Africa’s Digital Transformation Journey
“Our focus is on identifying technical debt and addressing it. By transitioning from outdated technologies to modern, flexible platforms, we help businesses prepare for the future”
– Mandla Mbonambi, Africonology, CEO
LINX: Catalyzing Africa’s Digital Transformation with Local Interconnection
“Our goal is simple but transformative: keep African traffic within Africa. By localizing connectivity, we reduce latency, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient internet ecosystem”
– Nurani Nimpuno, Head of Global Engagement, LINX
Openserve: Shaping South Africa’s Digital Future with AI and Connectivity
“Africa’s young, growing population drives incredible demand for connectivity. At Openserve, we’re focused on measured, demand-driven strategies that integrate AI, cloud, and data modeling to meet these needs”
– Pushkar Gokhale, Chief Digital & Strategy Officer, OpenServe
Innovating for Impact: Developer and Telecom Empowerment
GitHub: Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Developers with AI and Open Source
“AI isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about creating strategies that empower individuals and businesses. Whether it’s through formal training or on-the-job learning, AI helps level the playing field for developers everywhere”
– Thomas Dohmke, CEO, GitHub
PortaOne: Mobility-Driven Innovations and Empowering African Telecom Providers
“In Africa, innovation often starts with mobility. Our mission is to ensure our solutions integrate seamlessly into this dynamic ecosystem”
– Klaus Haertel, Director of Global Channel & Alliances, PortaOne
Intelsat at AfricaCom 2024: Connecting Africa’s Future with Innovation and Collaboration
Early Bird carried just one TV channel or 64 voice channels. Today, we have over 20 satellites covering Africa, providing 100% coverage for connectivity, TV distribution, and mobile communication. It’s been a remarkable evolution, and we’re proud to have such a strong presence in Africa.
– Jean-Philippe Gillet, Senior Vice President of Global Sales Media & Networks at Intelsat
Unforgettable Memories Were Made at Hamwe 2024: The Networking Night by TechAfrica News
Hamwe 2024 was a night to remember. The Networking Party welcomed over 200 innovators, and decision-makers under one roof for an evening of networking, inspiration, and collaboration. The night was alive with vibrant discussions about Africa’s digital transformation, shared over great gin, music, and an atmosphere charged with energy. Attendees connected across sectors, forged new partnerships, and celebrated milestones that are shaping the future of technology in Africa.
Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for a relaxed setting to unwind after a day of business. It was a space to recharge, connect, and share ideas in a laid-back yet impactful environment.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our co-hosts—African Data Centres Association, Perception TV, Protei, Wingu Africa, DEVEO, and Invictus 46664—who helped bring this vision to life once again. To everyone who attended, we’re thrilled you could join us, and we look forward to seeing you next year!
We’re honored to have been part of this journey and look forward to creating even more unforgettable memories.
Beyond the Main Stage: Insights from AfricaCom 2024’s Sidelines
The Launch of GSMA’s South Africa Digital Economy Report
Our team was privileged to attend the launch of two GSMA reports on November 11 in South Africa. The South Africa Digital Economy Report and Rural Renewal: Telcos and Sustainable Energy in Africa showcase the transformative power of digital adoption and sustainable energy in driving economic resilience and social inclusion.
Following the launch, TechAfrica News engaged in exclusive conversations with key stakeholders who elaborated on the findings and implications of these reports. Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, shared insights into the SA’s digital economy’s potential and actionable recommendations for driving development. Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa at GSMA, discussed the Universal Service Fund (USF) report, highlighting the USFs underperformance and the need for systemic policy reforms. We also caught up with Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa, and John Omo, Secretary General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU).
The TechAfrica News Podcast: More Episodes
We also had the privilege to meet innovators contributing to Africa’s tech landscape for episodes of the TechAfrica News Podcast. Our founder and chief editor sat down with Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C, for an exclusive episode, where they delved into the future of mobile connectivity in South Africa and explored his inspiring journey of reshaping Cell C for a new era of growth and innovation.
Other interviews include discussions with Nitesh Singh, Managing Director for Communications, Media & Technology at Accenture; Roman Khalenkov, CCO at PortaOne; Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria Plc; and Angela Wamola of GSMA.
Stay tuned for exclusive, revealing insights from these conversations in our upcoming TechAfrica News Podcast episodes, where we explore the leaders’ perspectives on connectivity, sustainability, and innovation across the continent.
Digital Transformation from the Eyes of the Editors
At TechAfrica News, we’ve had the privilege of observing Africa’s digital transformation unfold, capturing its progress through news, reports, op-eds, interviews, and countless conversations. Over the past year, the buzzword has undoubtedly been Artificial Intelligence (AI) — a technology that promises to revolutionize various sectors. From discussions about Africa’s readiness to adopt AI to strategies for leveraging it for tech advancement, the narrative has been rich and multifaceted. But AI is just one piece of the puzzle in the continent’s broader journey toward digital inclusion.
Alongside this, efforts to close the digital divide and promote financial inclusion have continued to gain traction. Initiatives to connect the unconnected through satellite technology, empower underserved communities, and expand access to technology demonstrate that progress is being made. However, the challenges Africa faces are uniquely its own, often requiring context-specific solutions that blend innovation with a deep understanding of local realities.
A recurring theme in our coverage has been the need for political will and policy reform. Governments must reimagine the digital sector—not merely as a revenue generator to bolster economic statistics, but as a transformative enabler with the power to drive innovation and impact across all facets of society. The digital economy has the potential to catalyze progress in healthcare, education, agriculture, and beyond. But achieving this requires a fundamental shift in perspective.
What remains consistent across discussions from our coverage is the call for political will and policy reforms. Governments must move beyond viewing the digital sector as merely a revenue stream to improve economic statistics, to recognizing its potential as a transformative enabler for all sectors of the economy. The digital economy has the potential to catalyze progress in healthcare, education, agriculture, and beyond. But achieving this requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Policies that encourage innovation, reduce barriers, and foster inclusivity are essential to unlocking this potential.
Equally crucial are public-private partnerships and collaborations, which have proven to be catalysts for progress. We’ve witnessed how partnerships between tech innovators, businesses, and governments are paving the way for scalable and sustainable solutions. These collaborations hold the key to addressing Africa’s unique challenges while unlocking its untapped potential.
At TechAfrica News, we see our role as more than just reporting; it’s about advocacy, amplifying voices, and shining a light on both challenges and successes. We are committed to unbiased coverage and to celebrating the contributions of all stakeholders—governments, private enterprises, civil society, and innovators—working tirelessly toward Africa’s digital future.
The journey is far from over, but we are inspired by the progress made and the promise of what’s to come. We believe in the vision of The Africa We Want, and we are proud to play our part in its realization. Together, through shared commitment and collaboration, we can ensure that Africa’s digital transformation is not just a dream but an enduring reality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay tuned as we continue to deliver exclusive content, insightful interviews, and comprehensive event coverage throughout 2025. Interested in being featured in our MWC Barcelona 2025 report? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team—we’d love to connect with you!
