MWC Kigali 2024: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future, For Us and By Us
MWC Kigali 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 29th to 31st, at the Kigali Convention Center, Rwanda. This event, now in its third year, has rapidly become one of the most significant gatherings shaping the continent’s technological future. Over the past two years, MWC Kigali has successfully created a platform for African voices to lead the conversation on the issues that matter most to the continent.
Over 3000+ attendees and exhibitors will gather and expect to engage with some of the most pressing topics in the industry, from 5G and AI to fintech innovations that are revolutionizing sectors across Africa. Whether you’re looking to gain the latest insights or to network with influential industry leaders, MWC Kigali 2024 offers the foresight to prepare for what’s to come.
An Agenda Shaping Our Industry and Creating a Brighter Future
The overarching theme for MWC Kigali 2024 is “Future First,” a bold vision that puts Africa at the forefront of global technological change. The event’s agenda covers every crucial aspect of the continent’s digital transformation, ensuring no stone is left unturned. This year’s discussions will revolve around four main themes: A Connected Continent, The AI Future, Fintech, and Africa’s Digital DNA. Each theme will be explored through insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with industry leaders and innovators.
A Connected Continent
This theme will dive into how 5G and telecom innovations can bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Highlighted Sessions:
Keynote 1: Africa’s Future First – ‘Pioneering the Path to a Digital Future’
This session will explore the bold steps required to pioneer Africa’s digital future, with key speakers like Sunil Taldar (CEO, Airtel Africa), Mats Granryd (Director General, GSMA), Doreen Bogdan-Martin (Secretary-General, ITU), and Ralph Mupita (CEO, MTN Group).
Transforming the Telco: 5G & Beyond – The Next Phase of Enhanced Connectivity
This panel will delve into how 5G can reshape Africa’s telecom landscape, featuring experts like Tola Sunmonu-Balogun (Associate Partner, McKinsey) and Elizabeth Migwalla (VP Government Affairs, Qualcomm).
Modernizing the Connectivity Landscape: Defining the Future of Communication
Join thought leaders like Gamze Aydin (SVP Sales, Avanti) and Elie Abouatme (Head of TMT Industry Go-to-Market, ServiceNow) as they discuss how AI and satellite technologies are revolutionizing connectivity.
The AI Future
The discussions within this theme will focus on how AI can transform sectors and create more inclusive digital economies.
Highlighted Sessions:
Keynote 2: The AI Opportunity – Exploring AI Innovation & Impact
Leaders such as Kate Kallot (Founder & CEO, Amini) and Hon. Paula Ingabire (Minister, ICT & Innovation, Rwanda) will examine how AI can fuel growth in Africa.
Eliminating Bias: AI for Africa, by Africa
This session will focus on responsible AI development with voices like Koliwe Majama (Senior Program Officer, Mozilla Foundation) and Pelonomi Moiloa (CEO & Co-founder, Lelepa AI).
From Algorithms to Actions: AI-Driven Business Transformation
The discussion will center on how local talent and innovation are key to unlocking AI’s full potential in Africa.
Fintech
Fintech has redefined the way Africans interact with money, leading the world in mobile banking and financial inclusion.
Highlighted sessions:
Keynote 3: Africa’s Fintech Outlook – Visionary Strategies Shaping the Fintech Landscape
Join experts like Erwan Gelebart (CEO – Open Innovation & Fintech, Axian Group) and Serigne Dioum (CEO, MTN Fintech) as they discuss the future of Africa’s fintech sector and its global impact.
Africa’s Digital DNA
This theme will explore how technological advancements are helping industries leapfrog into the future and fuel economic growth across the continent.
Highlighted sessions:
Keynote 4: Content is King, Queen & Everything in Between – Innovating & Elevating Africa’s Content
Speakers like Derrick N. Ashong (Founder & CEO, TMBT) and Louis Manu (CEO, Wi-Flix) will highlight how digital platforms are revolutionizing content creation and entertainment in Africa.
Revolutionizing Sectors: Unleashing Digital Growth
This session will showcase how 5G, AI, and IoT are transforming industries, setting the stage for Africa’s future growth and prosperity.
We’ll be talking about and revealing what we have been working on this year at MWC Kigali in October, where at the ministerial program, we’ll have a session on transitioning towards a green energy future for the sector. Additionally, we are looking at how we can collaborate with like-minded organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to build capacity for fiscal policymakers. I invite everyone to join us in Kigali from the 29th to the 31st of October, where we will address these critical issues and how we can all work together – Angela Wamola, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA
At TechAfrica News, we’re excited to meet with some of the most innovative players at MWC Kigali 2024. These spotlights will showcase key companies driving Africa’s digital transformation.
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.
Website: www.portaone.com
LinkedIn: PortaOne
MwareTV
MwareTV is a dynamic and innovative company specializing in the development of cutting-edge software solutions for IPTV and OTT streaming services. With a focus on empowering service providers, MwareTV offers a versatile and customizable platform that enables the creation and delivery of IPTV and OTT content to a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and set-top boxes. Their technology is designed to enhance the user experience, allowing service providers to offer interactive and personalized content, video-on-demand, and live-streaming services. MwareTV’s solutions are instrumental in the evolution of the television and entertainment industry, catering to the diverse needs of modern viewers and service providers.
Website: www.mwaretv.com
LinkedIn: MwareTV
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is a global technology company specializing in test and measurement equipment, radio frequency (RF) and microwave technology, broadcasting and media solutions, and secure communications. With a history dating back to 1933, the company is renowned for its cutting-edge innovations in the field of telecommunications, contributing to the advancement of technology and connectivity worldwide. Make sure to stop by the Rohde & Schwarz!
Website: www.rohde-schwarz.com/
LinkedIn: Rohde & Schwarz
PXS
PXS specializes in delivering accessible number portability and data processing solutions for the communications sector. We empower consumers and businesses to effortlessly transition between communication providers while safeguarding their personal data. At the same time, PXS supports communication service providers in reaching their objectives, simplifying their operations, and adhering to regulatory requirements. Make sure to stop by PSX!
Website: www.pxs.com
LinkedIn: PSX
