AfricaCom 2025: Uniting the Continent’s Digital Visionaries in Cape Town
With less than two weeks to go, anticipation is building for the 28th edition of AfricaCom, the continent’s largest and most influential gathering dedicated to connectivity, telecommunications, and digital innovation. Taking place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the event will once again bring together the most dynamic voices in Africa’s digital ecosystem, from policymakers and operators to technology innovators and investors, all committed to advancing the continent’s connected future.
For nearly three decades, AfricaCom has stood as the meeting point for those shaping the future of telecoms across the region. It is a platform where ideas converge, partnerships are formed, and the next chapter of Africa’s digital economy takes shape. Beyond its role as a conference, AfricaCom represents a shared vision that recognizes Africa not only as a participant in global digital transformation but as a powerful driver of it.
The 2025 edition arrives at a pivotal time when conversations around 5G expansion, AI integration, policy reform, and digital inclusion have never been more urgent or more inspiring. As official media partner, TechAfrica News is once again proud to amplify Africa’s digital voice from the heart of the event. Our team will be on the ground in Cape Town, capturing the insights, innovations, and conversations that define the continent’s most important technology gathering. From keynote sessions and fireside chats to exclusive interviews and on-site features, we look forward to sharing how AfricaCom 2025 continues to shape the continent’s digital evolution and inspire global dialogue.
Last Year in Numbers
More than 15,000 technology and telecoms professionals from over 130 countries gathered in Cape Town for four days of discussions, exhibitions, and networking. As one of the anchor events, AfricaCom was at the heart of it all, drawing industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers focused on advancing Africa’s digital transformation.
Across 14 content streams and over 120 hours of sessions, more than 500 speakers and 300 exhibitors shared insights and showcased solutions shaping the continent’s connected future. From policy dialogue to technology innovation, it was a gathering that reflected the full energy and ambition of Africa’s digital economy.
Read our 2024 post-show report to get a feel for the energy, insights, and connections that made the evening unforgettable.
Four Agendas Defining Africa’s Digital Future
AfricaCom 2025 will bring together the most significant conversations and innovations driving Africa’s digital transformation. Over three days, the continent’s innovators, decision-makers, and visionaries will converge to tackle the challenges and opportunities shaping the connected Africa of tomorrow. The event is structured around four key agendas, each designed to spotlight critical areas driving growth, innovation, and impact.
AfricaCom Centre Stage
At the showfloor stage, ideas meet action. This agenda highlights the latest in media, entertainment, broadcast, OTT, and emerging connectivity technologies, with a focus on initiatives that create real-world impact. It is here that innovation is showcased, partnerships are sparked, and solutions with the power to transform industries and communities are brought into focus.
Telcos of Tomorrow
Telecom operators are at the heart of Africa’s digital evolution, and this agenda examines how they remain central to the continent’s growth. From cutting-edge strategies to emerging technologies, sessions will reveal how telcos are redefining business models, expanding services, and driving inclusive digital transformation. Attendees will leave with a clear view of the role telcos play in connecting Africa to its future.
Connectivity
Connectivity is the backbone of digital inclusion, and this agenda brings together the leaders building networks that are affordable, reliable, and scalable. Discussions will spotlight solutions and collaborations designed to expand access across the continent, ensuring that digital opportunity reaches every corner of Africa. The sessions demonstrate how strong, resilient networks can unlock economic growth and social impact.
Data Centres Africa
Data centres are the unseen engines powering Africa’s digital economy. This agenda focuses on sustainable, scalable infrastructure that supports enterprises, governments, and communities. By showcasing best practices and innovative approaches, these sessions highlight how data centres enable technological advancement, business growth, and the continent’s journey toward a fully connected, digitally empowered future.
Big Ideas, Bold Discussions
Sessions You Can’t Afford to Miss
At TechAfrica News, our commitment to Africa’s digital transformation goes beyond reporting. This year at AfricaCom 2025, we are taking an active role in the conversation. Our Chief Editor and Founder, Akim Benamara, will be moderating three key panels, sharing his insights and expertise with industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. Having followed Africa’s digital journey closely, we are proud to contribute directly to the discussions shaping the continent’s connected future and to bring our perspective to these important dialogues.
Fireside Chat: Open AI for an Open Africa – Building Inclusive Innovation
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM | The AI Summit Stage, Hall 5, CTICC 2 Exhibition
This fireside chat will explore how Africa can harness “open AI” to drive inclusive innovation. Speakers will discuss open-source models, decentralized data access, and community-led development, while addressing governance, safety, and ethical considerations. The session highlights practical approaches to ensure AI serves local needs and public good.
Speakers:
Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead, OpenAI
Akim Benamara, Founder & Chief Editor, TechAfrica News
Thabo Makenete, Head of Public Policy for Southern Africa, Meta
Fireside Chat: Harnessing Generative AI for Africa’s Digital Transformation
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 3:15 PM – 3:35 PM | The AI Summit Stage, Hall 5, CTICC 2 Exhibition
This session will examine how Generative AI is transforming industries across Africa, from multilingual chatbots to local content creation. Speakers will highlight how innovators are building GenAI tools that address local languages, contexts, and user needs, while discussing the infrastructure, data access, and ethical frameworks needed for sustainable adoption.
Speakers:
Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA
Akim Benamara, Founder & Chief Editor, TechAfrica News
Panel: Collaboration in Action – Fostering Telco Partnerships to Drive Digital Inclusion
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Rooms 1.41 & 1.42, Level 1, CTICC 1
This panel will explore how partnerships and collaborative initiatives among telcos can advance digital inclusion across Africa. Discussions will cover policy challenges, cross-border data transfer, and lessons from global case studies, highlighting practical approaches to harmonize connectivity and expand access continent-wide.
Speakers:
Linda Oniwe, Vice President, Telcos, Media and Technology Sector Team, Standard Bank
Akim Benamara, Founder & Chief Editor, TechAfrica News
Sigourney Chinnappen, Senior Corporate Finance Transactor, RMB
Fireside Chat: Africa for Digital Africa – Where Do We Need to Be by 2030?
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Rooms 1.43 & 1.44, Level 1, CTICC 1
This session will examine the strategic decisions and national-level considerations needed to shape Africa’s digital future by 2030. Speakers will discuss AI deployments, planning priorities, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the continent’s data and technology infrastructure.
Speakers:
Wojtek Piorko, Managing Director Africa, Vertiv
Jon Abbott, Technologies Director, Vertiv
Faith Waithaka, Chairperson, ADCA
Panel: Developing Frameworks for the Future – Leveraging Policies and Regulation to Drive the African Economy
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Rooms 1.41 & 1.42, Level 1, CTICC 1
This panel will explore how policy and regulatory frameworks can support Africa’s economic growth and the adoption of emerging technologies. Speakers will discuss strategies to promote local companies, enable cross-border collaboration, and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable development.
Speakers:
Liza Zouabi-Niedermeier, Executive: Group Pricing Compliance and Regulatory Economics, Telkom
Ronen Daniel, Head of Warning Solutions, Utimaco
Caroline Mbugua, Senior Director, Public Policy & Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA
Meet the Exhibitors: Where Innovation Comes to Life
Beyond the panels and discussions, the exhibition floor is where AfricaCom truly comes alive. From telecom infrastructure and AI-driven platforms to next-generation connectivity tools, the exhibitor floor is where ideas become tangible and partnerships are born. Look forward to meeting industry leaders and innovators from these companies who are driving change across telecoms, fintech, AI, and digital services.
PROTEI | Stand D40
PROTEI provides comprehensive telecom solutions for NGN/IMS, 3G, 4G/LTE, MVNO, and Private LTE/5G networks. Serving over 400 customers in 45 countries and 250 million subscribers, PROTEI delivers reliable, ISO 9001:2015-certified network infrastructure for operators worldwide.
TelCables by Angola Cables | E1 Zone 1
TelCables by Angola Cables delivers high-capacity, reliable connectivity solutions across Africa and beyond. Specializing in submarine and terrestrial network infrastructure, the company connects data centres, IXPs, and content providers, supporting telecoms, CDNs, finance, and energy sectors. Their solutions empower operators to expand networks efficiently while ensuring robust and scalable digital infrastructure.
Skyline Communications | Stand F90
Skyline Communications’ DataMiner software provides a multifunctional, secure, real-time digital twin for ICT media and broadband operations. Deployed in 125+ countries, it offers AI monitoring, inventory management, hyper-automation, and service orchestration.
SES | Coffee Point & MR 1.51 & MR 2.64
SES delivers high-quality video content and global connectivity through its multi-orbit satellite network, including the low-latency O3b system. Serving 369 million households and 8,000 channels, SES enables seamless media and connectivity solutions worldwide.
Vertiv | AfricaCom Hall
Vertiv highlights AI-powered solutions optimizing data center performance, including Vertiv360AI for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. Visitors can explore efficient cooling, smart power management, and integrated rack systems for future-ready infrastructure.
WIOCC | Stand D50
WIOCC builds carrier-scale, future-proofed network infrastructure across Africa, supporting high-speed, reliable connectivity for consumers, enterprises, and the broader ecosystem. Its division, Open Access Metro, delivers robust fibre solutions that bridge the digital divide, empower communities, and drive business growth across the continent.
Spectronite | Stand B73
20x capacity & 80% less power consumption
Revolutionizing Wireless
Backhaul Across Africa
Spectronite is transforming connectivity for emerging markets and rapidly developing regions with its groundbreaking software-defined radio technology. Designed for cost-effective, energy-efficient, and high-capacity network deployment, Spectronite tackles one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: connecting underserved and remote areas.
Why look forward to Spectronite on the exhibitor floor:
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Revolutionary capacity: Up to 20x increase in network throughput using advanced digital carrier aggregation.
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Accelerated 5G adoption: Helps MNOs meet surging data demands while lowering total cost of ownership.
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Energy-efficient innovation: Cuts power consumption by over 80%, supporting sustainability goals.
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Optimized spectrum utilization: Harnesses up to 98% of available spectrum for reliable, high-performance connectivity.
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Future-proof networks: Enables mobile operators and tower companies to build resilient infrastructure for Africa’s digital growth.
With Spectronite, attendees will see technology that doesn’t just keep up with Africa’s digital ambitions, it powers them. “Unlock tomorrow’s capacity, today.”
Hamwe Networking Night 2025: An Evening of Connection, Collaboration, and Innovation
12 November 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Gin Bar, 64A Wale Street, Cape Town, WC 8000
On 12 November, we will host the fourth edition of Hamwe, our signature networking night. True to its name, Hamwe, meaning “together” in Kinyarwandan, the evening promises to bring together Africa’s most dynamic leaders, innovators, and visionaries, reflecting the continent’s spirit of collaboration and ambition.
The night will be filled with engaging conversations, where partnerships are expected to form, insights will be exchanged, and the transformative potential of Africa’s digital ecosystem will take center stage. Last year, over 200 attendees joined us, making it an inspiring evening of connections and dialogue.
TechAfrica News is proud to host this gathering alongside our esteemed partners, including the Digital Africa Summit , GSMA, EKT , PROTEI and AFRICA DATA CENTRES ASSOCIATION . After the Digital Africa Summit, South Africa and a day of engagement at AfricaCom, guests will have the opportunity to unwind in the relaxed, stylish setting of The Gin Bar.
We look forward to welcoming attendees again this year, secure your spot now and join us for an evening of meaningful conversations over cocktails, networking, and collaboration. BOOK NOW!
You can watch a recap of the last edition here.
Cape Town is a vibrant city full of culture, stunning views, and world-class dining. While you are in town for AfricaCom, take the opportunity to explore some of the city’s best restaurants:
Kloof Street House
30 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8005
Set in a beautifully restored Victorian house, Kloof Street House offers contemporary dishes in a cozy and eclectic atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy creative cuisine paired with a warm, stylish environment.
Grub & Vine
103 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Grub & Vine is a city-center gem, known for its inventive menus and relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying modern comfort food while taking in the vibrant energy of Cape Town’s streets.
Zest Restaurant
Piazza Da Luz, 94 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with stunning ocean views, Zest is perfect for a leisurely meal while watching the sun set over the Atlantic. The fresh flavors and elegant presentation make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Marble Restaurant
V&A Waterfront, 1 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
Marble is known for its live-fire cooking, delivering bold, smoky flavors in a sophisticated setting. Located at the V&A Waterfront, it combines exceptional food with sweeping views, ideal for an unforgettable dining experience.
Upper Union
3 Upper Union St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Upper Union offers a contemporary menu in an intimate and elegant setting. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking innovative dishes paired with thoughtful service and a welcoming ambiance.
Nikkei
87 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Nikkei blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors to create unique, bold dishes that excite the palate. The modern, stylish space complements the inventive menu, making it a must-visit for adventurous food lovers.
Pier
Pierhead Building, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Pier specializes in fresh seafood served in a sleek, waterfront setting. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the harbor while savoring expertly prepared dishes, combining taste, presentation, and atmosphere for a truly memorable experience.
Be Part of the Conversation
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