Only one day left until the opening of AfricaCom 2024!
In just one day, AfricaCom 2024, the oldest flagship event of the AfricaCom 2024 Tech Festival, opens its doors for its 27th edition. This year promises more connections, insights, and innovations than ever before. Excitement from all sectors of the industry is growing, and we look forward to another unforgettable event over the next three days.
What to expect this year: in numbers
AfricaCom 2024 promises to be the most dynamic event yet, with a greater global presence and an expanded program. Last year, the event welcomed over 13,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, as well as over 300 exhibitors and over 5,500 participating companies. This year, the excitement is even greater: we expect over 15,000 visitors, over 400 expert speakers, and a vibrant exhibition hall showcasing the latest advancements in AfricaCom 2024 and global technology.
Numerous international companies are participating, expanding the already impressive range of exhibitors, panels, and networking opportunities. With technology being the key driver of Africa’s future, connectivity, fintech, data security, artificial intelligence, and more are taking center stage. From global executives to emerging startups, AfricaCom brings together industry players eager to transform the continent’s tech landscape.
TechAfrica News: Your Official Media Partner
As the Official Media Partner of AfricaCom 2024, Tech AfricaCom 2024 News is well-equipped to bring you real-time updates, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes analysis straight from the heart of the event. We look forward to connecting, exchanging ideas, and reporting on the latest developments to keep our readers and followers informed.
In addition to our reporting, we’re proud to be even more involved in the conversation this year: our founder and editor-in-chief, Akim Benamara, will moderate three key sessions on the first day of AfricaCom 2024. We’ve closely followed AfricaCom 2024 development over the years and are pleased to be able to contribute directly to the dialogue.
Whether you’re planning to join us in Cape Town or not, stay tuned as we kick off the first day of AfricaCom 2024.
Key topics, theme and session
Off to a Strong Start: Highlights from Day One Not to Be Missed
The excitement kicks off tomorrow with a program packed with perspectives, innovations, and forward-thinking discussions. This year’s AfricaCom 2024 program focuses on four main themes: AfricaCom 2024 in Focus, Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure, Telecoms of the Future, and Data Centers in Africa. Each theme delves into the trends and technologies shaping Africa’s digital future.
Here are some key sessions to mark your calendar:
- Panel: Emerging Technologies Paving the Way for the Future of Connectivity and Networking
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 12:20–1:20 PM (Africa/Johannesburg)| Rooms 1.41 and 1.42, Level1, CTICC 1
This panel will explore the technologies driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness in connectivity: how satellite technologies are improving broadband access; cloud and edge computing for rapid data analytics; and the role of 5G in business transformation.
Speakers: Wilfried Dudink, Senior Director of Strategy and Development at Digital Realty; Robert AOUAD, CEO of ISOCEL Telecom; Dr. Kareem Moshood, Deputy General Manager of Nigerian Communications Satellite; Akim Benamara, Founder and CEO of TechAfrica News; Nir Lev-On, Director of Client Solutions Architect at Amdocs OSS & Networks; Mohammad Alharbi, Director of Advanced Networks at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Arabia.
- Panel: The Future of Telecom: New Growth Drivers for Modern Telecoms in Africa
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 12:20–1:20 PM (Africa/Johannesburg)| Rooms 1.61 and 1.62, Level1, CTICC 1
This session will explore how technological advancements, partnerships, and digital services are driving innovation and growth in the sector. Key areas will include AI, 5G, network architecture, SME and startup support, and data monetization.
Speakers: Rolivhuwa Maluma, Managing Director, Digital Services – Marketing and Strategy, MTN; Dion Jerling, Co-founder of Connect Earth; Kwanele Radebe Onyango, CEO, Telecoms, Media & Technology, Standard Bank South Africa; Basha Pillay, Chief Services Officer, Vodacom; Ajibola Olude, CEO, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
- Panel: Future-Proofing Data Centers: Challenges and Strategies for Modern Data Centers
Tuesday, November 12, 2024| 12:25–1:25 PM (Africa/Johannesburg)| Rooms 1.43 and 1.44, Level1, CTICC 1
This panel will address the costs of scaling data center development, the latest technologies to enhance data center capacity, and the key challenges and opportunities for improving data center infrastructure, with insights from the banking and financial sector.
Speakers: Bolaji Farinloye, IT Systems Specialist, Zenith Bank Plc; Olumide Idowu, Group Chief Technology Officer, AlphaBeta Consulting LLP; Kevin Kent, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, GTSS; Krupa Suchak, Data Center Consultant, Independent Consultant; Tarik Bahanniss, Vice President for AfricaCom 2024, Uptime Institute; Naroa Zurutuza, Chief Technology Officer, Giga UNICEF.
- Connecting Africa’s Next Billion: Scaling Africa’s Digital Infrastructure
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 3:40–4:10 PM (Africa/Johannesburg)| Rooms 1.41 and 1.42, Level 1, CTICC 1
This session will explore the economic and social benefits of expanding digital access in Africa and the challenges of ensuring equitable connectivity.
Speakers: Akim Benamara, Founder and CEO of TechAfrica News; Tobechukwu Okigbo, Head of Corporate Services and Sustainability, MTN Nigeria Plc.; Mark Williams, Partner, Through Line Advisors.
- Panel: Accelerating Economic Prosperity in AfricaCom 2024: Leveraging AI for Sustainable Growth
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 3:15–3:55 PM (Africa/Johannesburg)| Nerina & Protea, Level 1,CTICC 2
Experts will also discuss collaboration between governments, private companies, and civil society to foster an AI-driven innovation ecosystem in Africa.
Speakers: Samwel Magesa, Chief Data Officer, NBC Bank; Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of minoHealth AI Labs; Akim Benamara, Founder and CEO of TechAfrica News; Dr. Prince Abudu, Director of Technology and Artificial Intelligence at Cassava AI; Jean-François Arnod, Marketing Director, Orange Middle East and Africa; Thabo Makenete, Director of Public Policy, South Africa, Meta.
Make the most of every moment at AfricaCom 2024
AfricaCom offers more than just an industry event program: it’s a hub for innovation, networking, and inspiration. You won’t miss a thing.
Immerse yourself in the key events
AfricaCom 2024 panels will feature the brightest minds discussing the future of technology in Africa. The conference offers a variety of discussions with industry experts who are defining Africa’s digital future. Plan your agenda in advance to follow the conversations that interest you most.
Connect on the exhibition hall
On the exhibition hall, you can experience the latest technologies firsthand and discover innovative solutions that could benefit your business. Plan your route, prioritize companies that align with your interests, and, whenever possible, arrange meetings with key exhibitors to learn more about their offerings.
We’ve made it simple: our Featured Exhibitor showcases leading innovators for you to meet.
Connect, connect, connect
With thousands of attendees from over 100 countries and more than 15,000 professionals, AfricaCom 2024 offers a unique opportunity to connect across different sectors. In addition to official panels and exhibitions, informal networking events and meetups allow for in-person discussions.
At TechAfrica News, we believe networking shouldn’t end at 6:00 PM: the best connections are forged in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Therefore, we cordially invite you to Hamwe 2024, our unique networking event, taking place on November 13, 2024, at the Gin Bar in Cape Town, South Africa.
This is the third edition of Hamwe, inspired by the Kinyarwanda word meaning “together.” Under the South African sky, we gather to foster the unity and collaboration essential to Africa’s digital transformation. Together with our valued partners: the African Data Center Association, Perception TV, PROTEI, Wingu Africa, DEVEO, and Invictus 46664, Hamwe brings together industry leaders, technology pioneers, and innovators.
Last year’s event welcomed over 270 attendees, and we expect even more this year. Celebrate interconnectedness and the vision for Africa’s digital future with us at Hamwe 2024!
Join us and book your ticket here!
List of industry leaders not to be missed: Our featured exhibitor
PortaOne
PortaOne is a renowned software company specializing 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 unified communications and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). PortaOne’s versatile and scalable software platforms cover a wide range of telecommunications services, including hosted PBX, SIP trunking, and wholesale VoIP. This enables service providers to efficiently manage their operations, billing, and customer interactions. Thanks to its global presence, PortaOne’s solutions play a pivotal role in Africa, improving the performance and service delivery of the telecommunications industry.
Booth: F53
PROTEI
PROTEI provides telecom operators with reliable and proven core network components, allowing them to seamlessly modernize and upgrade their networks. At the same time, it prepares their networks for the next generation of advanced 5G networks. As an alternative provider, PROTEI revitalizes the industry and fosters healthy competition, which is essential for operators in emerging markets. Furthermore, demand for core components for building private LTE/5G networks that support industrial automation is increasing.
Booth: B22
Ciena
Ciena is a leading network solutions provider offering cutting-edge technologies for high-bandwidth services. Ciena specializes in optical networking and software innovations, helping enterprises and service providers in Africa adapt to the demands of a hyper-connected world and ensuring robust and scalable communications networks. Booth: F20
PerceptionTV
PerceptionTV offers telecommunications companies a comprehensive and customizable solution for launching their own television services over their broadband networks. Its flexible telecom television products eliminate the need for costly in-house development, adapt to the internal customer experience, and scale as needed. This ensures a seamless deployment at a much lower cost.
In addition, RAPIDO, Ciena’s proprietary internet television service, is now available and ready to use. RAPIDO can be customized with local content and services, allowing customers to enhance their offering with a relevant, customer-centric television service delivered over their existing networks.
Stand: A50
Openserve
Openserve, a subsidiary of the Telkom Group, is South AfricaCom 2024 largest telecommunications infrastructure provider and operates the country’s most extensive fixed broadband network. The company offers a wide range of services, including high-speed internet access, wholesale connectivity solutions, and comprehensive network infrastructure. Openserve’s Commitment to Solutions: Openserve, a subsidiary of the Telkom Group, is South Africa’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider and operates the country’s most extensive fixed broadband network.
Stand: C70
Stulz
Stulz in AfricaCom 2024 is a global leader in innovative and efficient air conditioning solutions, specializing in critical infrastructure. Its broad product portfolio includes precision air conditioning systems such as the CyberAir series and modular cooling solutions for data centers. Stulz also offers the Airstream range of air handling units and advanced control systems to optimize performance. Stulz is committed to sustainability and continually invests in research and development to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers while minimizing environmental impact.
Booth: E2A
Angola Cables
Angola Cables is a leading telecommunications provider that plays a key role in connecting AfricaCom 2024 to the global digital landscape. The company specializes in high-performance international and domestic connectivity solutions and operates extensive submarine cable systems, including the SACS (South Atlantic Cable System) and WACS (West African Cable System), which enable reliable, high-speed internet access. Services also include data center operations and cloud connectivity solutions to meet the growing demand for bandwidth and digital services across the continent. Booth: B80
LINX
LINX, one of the world’s largest and most established Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), connects Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content providers, and network operators, enabling seamless data exchange and improved internet performance across all networks. By directly connecting large data centers, LINX reduces latency, increases reliability, and drives innovation across the entire digital ecosystem. Its commitment to robust, secure, and efficient infrastructure contributes to improved connectivity worldwide, making it a key partner for global internet infrastructure.Booth: C39
TelcoBridges
Telco Bridges is a leader in the development of high-performance gateways and Session Border Controllers (SBCs) that enable service providers to optimize their networks and enhance communications services. Telco Bridges specializes in advanced telecommunications solutions for VoIP and network management, enabling reliable, high-quality voice and data transmission. By bridging gaps in telecommunications infrastructure, the company plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global connectivity. Booth: D2
ST Engineering iDirect
ST Engineering iDirect is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering innovative solutions to enhance connectivity in the broadcast, mobility, and government sectors. With over 35 years of innovation, iDirect delivers reliable, efficient, and high-performance satellite communications technologies that enable businesses to optimize their networks and expand services worldwide. Visit the iDirect booth at AfricaCom and discover how the company is transforming the future of global connectivity.Location: C63
Intelsat
Intelsat is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering integrated solutions for reliable, high-performance connectivity across sectors such as media, telecommunications, and government. With over 50 years of experience, Intelsat’s satellite network supports critical services around the world, enabling seamless communications, data transmission, and content distribution.Location: D70
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