IoT Forum Africa 2017 set for Johannesburg

©Ferli Achirulli via 123RF

"The Internet of Things is the next big wave in technology, with major repercussions for Africans. By connecting everyday devices to the internet, the Internet of Things opens up a host of new opportunities and challenges for companies, governments and consumers. The IoT has the potential to solve many of the issues the African continent is currently facing," said the organisers in a press release.

Many African countries have already embarked on the IoT journey. Healthcare providers in Ethiopia are monitoring the health status of outpatients to better adjust treatment. Intelligent traffic lights in Nairobi are helping ease traffic congestion. Utility providers in South Africa are using load-limiting smart meters that can warn residents ahead of imminent controlled outages. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite imagery, DNA analysis and apps are being used as part of conservation efforts – by predicting poaching attempts and monitoring wildlife.

"The potential is limitless. As technology advances and encroaches upon most people’s day-to-day lives in some shape or form, people can expect more IoT enabled solutions that address the unique issues facing Africa."

Focus areas

Keynotes and interactive sessions will focus on topics such as:

• The IoT revolution: From “things” to business outcomes
• Deploying an IoT solution. A strategic overview for decision makers
• Creating a sustainable framework for IoT Integration
• Creating value from connecting “things” and assessing the commercial feasibility and monetisation of IoT
• IoT, Big Data and the city: A standards perspective
• Reinventing IT security to support IoT
• How will IoT remake your industry?
• In what ways can IoT improve efficiency, enable innovation and drive real business transformation?

Speakers have been confirmed from Dangote Industries Limited, Woolworths, Aon South Africa, FNB Fiduciary, Discovery Limited, Barclays Africa Group, FastNet, Kenya Bankers Association and McAfee amongst others.

For more information about this conference, visit: www.iotforumafrica.com.