AfricaCom 2024, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from November 12-14, is seen as the leading event for shaping Africa’s digital future. This year’s theme was “Connecting the Next Billion,” which focused on accelerating digital connectivity throughout Africa and making it more accessible and affordable for diverse markets. AfricaCom is one of the continents’ biggest and most significant tech and telecom events that brings together thought leaders and innovators to discuss a variety of advanced technologies, telecom software, and AI propelling Africa’s digital transformation.
Day One of AfricaCom: Connecting Africa’s Tech Community
With prominent leaders and innovators gathering to discuss connectivity and tech advancements, the first day set the stage for an exciting exploration of Africa’s digital future. “We cannot achieve this vision through government efforts alone. It requires collaboration across the sector,” said Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies for South Africa, in his keynote, emphasizing the value of collaboration in accomplishing Africa’s digital goals. Akim Benamara, the founder of TechAfrica News, and other industry experts made significant contributions to the first day’s discussions on developing techies, AI-driven economic growth, and growing digital infrastructure. Among the discussions was the announcement of the partnership by Liquid Intelligent Technologies to boost connectivity in Western Cape, which is a major step toward the continent’s digital inclusion.
Eutelsat and Q-KON Expand LEO Services to Boost African Connectivity
Eutelsat and Q-KON announced a multi-year agreement to expand high-speed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, aimed at improving internet access in underserved communities and businesses. The successful integration of Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network into Q-KON’s Twoobii Smart Satellite Services in 2023 served as the foundation for this partnership. With the expanded agreement, improved broadband services will be able delivered throughout the region, supporting essential services such as cloud applications, remote healthcare, e-learning, and fintech. Eutelsat’s larger strategy also includes a $500 million deal with Intelsat to combine OneWeb’s LEO network with Intelsat’s geostationary (GEO) and terrestrial networks. The project will help close the digital divide in Sub-Saharan Africa by bringing high-quality internet access to places where traditional terrestrial networks are limited.
AfricaCom Day 2: Africa’s Tech Evolution
AfricaCom’s second day carried on the momentum from the first, with insightful discussions and creative solutions influencing Africa’s digital future. With an emphasis on enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure throughout the continent, attendees participated in networking events, interactive exhibits, and high-level panels. Highlights included the collaboration between Console Connect and Africa Data Centers to enhance data connectivity and the proposal by South Africa’s Minister of Communications to lower smartphone taxes to increase digital access. While representatives from Meta and Google talked about the difficulties of regulation, particularly in AI and its applications, African ministers talked about the value of public-private cooperation in developing the tech sector. Africa’s commitment to closing connectivity gaps and promoting digital innovation was highlighted by the conclusion of Hamwe’s successful third edition.
Transforming Communities: The Changing Lives Award
Orange Burkina Faso received the coveted Changing Lives Award for its innovative response to communication challenges during Burkina Faso’s security crisis. In isolated areas severely impacted by security challenges, the collaboration between Orange Burkina Faso and Intelsat was essential in bringing critical telecommunications services back to remote communities, providing a lifeline. “It has been an honor to collaborate with you on this impactful initiative and we look forward to a continued partnership to drive positive change,” Intelsat wrote on LinkedIn. This shared commitment to improving lives via innovative technology is a prime example of the power of collaboration in addressing Africa’s connectivity challenges.
