Our Year in Review: Continued Progress in Africa’s Digital Transformation Journey
As we approach the end of 2024, I’m struck by how transformative this journey has been—not just for me but for us at TechAfrica News and for the broader narrative of Africa’s digital evolution.
Throughout the year, we witnessed firsthand how technology continues to reshape industries, bridge divides, and unlock opportunities across the continent. At TechAfrica News, we didn’t just cover stories; we became a part of them. And for me, leading the team in this space is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Our mission to amplify Africa’s voice in the tech landscape drives everything we do.
“Your story is truly powerful when it’s told by you. The new Africa must be narrated by Africans, for Africans. When TechAfrica News tells the story of Africa, it resonates deeply, because it’s authentically told by us.”
– Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team I’m privileged to work with. I’ve always believed that the strength of an organization lies in its people, and this team has proven that tenfold. Together, we’ve tackled ambitious projects, uncovered emerging trends, and spotlighted the pioneers shaping Africa’s future, and ultimately telling stories that matter—not just to us but to our continent. In many ways, this year was a showcase of what happens when passion meets collaboration.
2024 was a year of exploration, growth, and impact. And while I could easily list our many accomplishments (which we’ll get to), what stands out most is the shared purpose that united us as a team and connected us with our readers and partners.
2024: A Year of Expansion and Strategic Growth
We’ve not only marked significant milestones but also embraced new opportunities to engage with our audience and expand our reach. On LinkedIn, our community grew to over 18,000 followers, a significant leap that reflects the trust and interest in the stories we share. Across all platforms, we reached millions of impressions, views and visitors, establishing ourselves as a leading voice in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
One of our proudest moments was unveiling our new logo and website after 8 years, giving TechAfrica News a fresh modern look while staying true to our vision and mission. We are here to tell the stories of a progressive Africa—one that leads in innovation, not one that is left behind. Our new logo symbolizes the spirit of growth and collective advancement, representing the diverse and dynamic communities across the continent that inspire us daily.
Beyond aesthetics, we strengthened our reach and influence through strategic partnerships and collaborations. This year, we were honored to become official media partners with organizations like MWC Barcelona, Gitex Africa, Gitex Dubai, Cabsat, MVNO Nation, AfricaCom, AfriLabs, and Africa HealthTech Summit. Among our key partnerships, we also established a collaboration with Africa Data Centres, a major milestone that will be officially announced in 2025. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to advancing the continent’s digital infrastructure and innovation capabilities.
Additionally, we signed a strategic partnership with Smart Africa’s Transform Africa Summit, cementing our role as a strategic media partner for one of Africa’s premier events that is bringing together over 30 African countries, both public and private sectors, to discuss continent’s digital transformation. While the summit was rescheduled to 2025, we are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring, reinforcing our position as a leading voice in Africa’s journey of digital transformation. These partnerships deepened our ability to tell impactful stories, bringing together public and private sectors and broadened our reach within Africa’s technology and innovation sectors.
We also expanded our editorial scope significantly, publishing over 48 thought-provoking opinion pieces, contributing to the conversation around Africa’s digital transformation. Our TechTalk Thursday series, alongside the dedicated work of our editorial team, including Joyce Onyeagoro, became a cornerstone of our content offering in-depth analysis into key trends, expert opinions, a deeper dive into critical matters shaping Africa’s future. Occasionally featuring exclusive interviews with leaders from various sectors, the series became a platform for thoughtful dialogue and innovation.
Finally, we embarked on a new journey with the TechAfrica News podcast, which is set to launch soon. This initiative marks another step forward in connecting with our audience in new and engaging ways, ensuring we remain at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. In preparation for the launch, we’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of the brightest minds and most influential leaders across various sectors including Minister Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies; Angela Wamola of GSMA; Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C; Nitesh Singh, Managing Director for Communications, Media & Technology at Accenture; Roman Khalenkov, CCO at PortaOne and Steffan Steffen from BCX, with many many more to come.
These conversations covered a wide range of topics, from the future of mobile connectivity and sustainability in telecoms to innovative strategies for bridging Africa’s digital divide. Each episode underscores our commitment to amplifying voices that are shaping Africa’s digital narrative. Stay tuned for the official launch of the TechAfrica News Podcast, as we bring you closer to the stories that matter.
Again, we were a part of Key Industry Events across the continent
The team and I travelled thousands of kilometers, immersing ourselves in key industry moments that shaped the tech landscape and positioned TechAfrica News as a trusted source for cutting-edge insights.
As official media partners for renowned events such as MWC Barcelona, CABSAT, Connected Africa Summit, Gitex Africa, MVNO Nation in Cape Town, Africa HealthTech Summit (where I met and spoke with with Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Chief Digital Advisor at Africa CDC), the AfriLabs Annual Gathering, and AfricaCom, we were able to bring our audience the latest developments and trends from the heart of these influential platforms with our exclusive reports.
One of the highlights was my opportunity to moderate three insightful panel sessions at AfricaCom 2024, engaging with industry experts, thought leaders, and innovators.
In Connecting Africa’s Next Billion, I engaged with Tobechukwu Okigbo (MTN Nigeria Plc.) and Mark Williams (Through Line Advisors) on scaling digital infrastructure. They highlighted the need to de-risk Africa through policy reforms, affordable financing, and public-private partnerships to attract investment and drive innovation.
In Accelerating Economic Prosperity in Africa: Leveraging AI for Sustainable Growth, I joined Darlington Akogo (minoHealth AI Labs), Dr. Prince Abudu (Cassava AI), Jean-François Arnod (Orange MEA), and Thabo Makenete (Meta) to explore the transformative potential of AI. We discusssed how African Innovators are already leveraging AI for local challenges, and the importance of its synergy with other technologies.
In the third session, Emerging Technologies Paving the Way for the Future of Connectivity & The Network, panellists Wilfried Dudink (Digital Realty), Robert Aouad (ISOCEL Telecom), Dr. Kareem Moshood (Nigerian Communications Satellite), Nir Lev-On (Amdocs OSS & Networks), and Mohammad Alharbi (Saudi Ministry of Communication) shared insights on how emerging technologies like fiber networks, high-throughput satellite systems, and 5G innovations are shaping Africa’s connectivity future.
These discussions sparked deep conversations about the future of Africa’s digital landscape, helping us stay ahead of the curve and bring these important perspectives to our readers.
Throughout the year, we also conducted over 50 exclusive video interviews with key industry players, including CEOs, stakeholders, and innovators, capturing their insights and ideas on the latest tech trends.
In addition to event coverage, I had the privilege of attending roundtables hosted by GSMA in Cape Town as well as various report launches, where we gathered exclusive information that allowed us to produce timely and impactful stories. I am also honored to have participated in a roundtable with Africa’s leading telcos during MWC Barcelona 2024, an exclusive opportunity facilitated by GSMA.
While two key events, MWC Africa and the Transform Africa Summit, were postponed this year due to unavoidable circumstances, we are eagerly anticipating their return in 2025. We look forward to continuing our coverage and engaging with the movers and shakers of the industry at these events.
Digital Transformation: We are a Step Closer to the Africa We Want
As we reflect on the growth of digital transformation across Africa in 2024, it’s clear that the continent has taken a significant step closer to realizing the future we all envision. With over 15 years of experience in this space, I can confidently say that this year has brought tangible progress—though we’re not quite there yet. The momentum is undeniable, and from where I stand, Africa is moving closer to the digital age we’ve been working towards.
“Digital transformation has really accelerated after the COVID crisis. We see new ways of working and the digitalization of enterprises, but this also brings challenges like cybersecurity attacks. Topics like moving to the cloud, leveraging data, and generative AI are very complex and coming fast.”
These insights highlight the transformative power of digitalization, not only in reshaping businesses and industries but also in addressing broader global challenges, particularly in regions like Africa where technology can drive impactful change.
“70% of the sustainable development goals can be benefitted by digitalization… in a place like Africa where we have significant development challenges overall, there’s a lot that can be done with the force of technology.”
– Robert Opp, the Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Development Programme
I’ve had the privilege of shaping the editorial direction at TechAfrica News, connecting with industry leaders, and contributing to the collective conversation about Africa’s digital transformation. It’s a role I take seriously, and this year, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in bridging gaps, fostering collaborations, and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of this movement.
“Africa’s digital transformation is not just about connecting people; it’s about unlocking economic potential, empowering underserved communities, and building a future where technology drives inclusive growth. By addressing barriers like affordability, infrastructure, and policy reform, we can close the digital gap and propel Africa into a new era of innovation and opportunity.”
This past year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as one of the major buzzwords across the tech ecosystem in Africa. Highlighted at nearly every major event, AI showcased its transformative potential, with more companies and technologies adopting AI to enhance their processes and offerings. Its applications span across industries, holding the promise to revolutionize how we work and live in Africa.
“AI is indeed transformative. It can revolutionize how we process vast amounts of data and enhance service delivery. For example, AI can bridge the digital divide by enabling people to interact with digital platforms in their native languages, much like how the Disability Act improved accessibility in physical spaces. AI can also enhance government and private sector efficiency, bringing significant social and economic benefits.”
However, while the potential is immense, I believe we’re only at the beginning of truly understanding and leveraging this technology. AI is not the ultimate solution to all challenges—it’s a powerful tool, but one that must be approached with caution and responsibility. Proper collaboration, training, and integration are crucial to fully harnessing its benefits without over-reliance. Only then can we unlock the true value of AI for Africa’s growth and transformation.
“AI remains critical, but the key focus should be on how governments approach data usage and management. This includes handling data classification—whether it’s highly sensitive, moderately sensitive, or low sensitivity. To truly harness the benefits of AI, it’s essential to prioritize data credibility, governance, and proper handling. Only through robust data management can we unlock AI’s full potential.”
– Kunle Awosika, General Manager for Public Sector Africa at Microsoft
Meanwhile, we’ve seen some promising developments, there’s still much work to be done. There’s been a lot of talk, strategies are being laid out, but we need to see more progress in execution. This call to action isn’t just for the key stakeholders but for all of us. Every single contribution, no matter how small, adds to broader progress.
The potential for Africa’s digital future is immense, but it requires concerted efforts from everyone involved. From the decision-makers to the innovators, to the communities on the ground, we all have a part to play in ensuring Africa’s digital transformation is not just a vision, but a reality. Let’s continue to push forward, collaborate more, and build a connected, empowered Africa for future generations.
“It’s going to take a village—governments, regulators, private companies, and universal service funds must work together to create the framework and provide the financing for connectivity initiatives. Strong partnerships are essential to making this vision a reality. “
– Jean-Philippe Gillet, Senior Vice President, Media, Mobility & Networks at Intelsat
“The challenges we face, from closing the usage gap to enhancing digital skills and ensuring affordability, are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The potential for impact is immense, offering a pathway to not only bridge the digital divide but to foster a new era of economic and social development.”
– Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, the Head of Mobile for Development at GSMA
Satellites have emerged as a transformative force in Africa’s digital journey, providing unmatched solutions to overcome the continent’s unique connectivity challenges. With vast areas underserved by traditional infrastructure, satellite technology enables high-speed internet access, connects remote regions, and drives inclusive growth.
There’s been a tremendous shift in the space industry—particularly with LEO satellites, GEO, satellite design changes, and software-defined satellites. The delays in these areas have impacted many players, including us, and it places us in a situation where we must figure out how to execute our GEO strategy with new satellites, and how to penetrate the multi-orbital space. But despite these challenges, it’s rewarding. We’ve made progress, and Arabsat has brought diverse solutions to the table, transforming our operational challenges into opportunities.
It plays a vital role in powering e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce, ensuring that no one is left behind. As satellite systems advance, they continue to support Africa’s ambitions, fostering innovation, bridging the digital divide, and unlocking the continent’s economic potential for generations to come.
“Direct-to-device is a major trend in the satellite industry. We have joined the Mobile Satellite Service Association to work with key players and optimize spectrum use. Yahsat’s strategy includes launching Skyphone and Sky SMS, allowing standard handsets to send SMS to satellites. Our Blue Star strategy envisions a full D2D constellation in the coming years. Skyphone, already well-received in Africa, provides connectivity even in remote or disconnected areas, ensuring users stay connected.”
Looking Ahead to 2025: Embracing Challenges and Seizing New Opportunities
As we step into 2025, I look ahead with excitement and anticipation for the next chapter for us at TechAfrica News and for Africa at large. The year 2024 brought with it some hurdles, as the industry faced shifts in technological advancements and market dynamics. These changes required us to be adaptable and proactive in order to continue serving our audience with the relevant, timely content they expect.
Despite these challenges, the team and I navigated through with resilience, always staying true to our mission of amplifying Africa’s digital transformation story. We embraced new technologies, adjusted our strategies, and maintained our focus on showcasing the progress and innovation happening across the continent. Our adaptability has been key to overcoming any obstacles, and I am proud of how we’ve worked together to stay ahead of the curve.
Looking forward, 2025 will be a year of continued growth and deeper engagement with our audience. We have several exciting initiatives on the horizon, including the launch of the TechAfrica News Podcast and expanded coverage of emerging trends in Africa’s tech and innovation sectors. Our editorial team will continue to explore and analyze key developments, while providing a platform for voices that matter in shaping Africa’s future.
Our goal remains clear: to stay at the forefront of Africa’s digital narrative and inspire action towards a more connected and empowered continent. We’re committed to bringing our readers the latest, most relevant insights, while fostering a community of tech enthusiasts, innovators, and leaders who share our vision.
The incredible support we’ve received from the industry in 2024 has been instrumental to our growth and success as an independent news and media platform. Partners like PortaOne, SES, Protei, Intelsat, Arabsat, Mware TV, Wingu Africa, ST Engineering, Yahsat, Perception TVCDN, Whale Cloud, and so many others have played a crucial role in helping us amplify the voices shaping Africa’s digital transformation. To all our supporters, collaborators, and readers, thank you for believing in our mission and being part of this journey. Together, we are telling Africa’s story, one innovation at a time.
As we move into 2025, I am reminded of a quote that guides me: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Let’s continue dreaming, innovating, and building the Africa we want to see.
