The financial value chain and technology

The continent is in the throes of a technological revolution, with increasing access to the digisphere through the internet and mobile phones changing the lives of ordinary Africans everywhere.

The rapid acceptance of digital technologies presents real opportunities for development and economic growth, not only modifying all sectors of the African economy, but triggering a radical transformation of the entire society.

Digital disruption equals digital democracy, and nowhere will this be more keenly felt than in the ability for all levels of society to engage in the monetary exchange and rewards that fintech can provide. For this reason, AfricaCom 2017 has developed a detailed stream of content to appeal to all players in the financial value chain – from developers, payment partners, retailers and end users.

“It’s a wide open and thoroughly exciting time for players in this market to disrupt the status quo and champion more equality and opportunity,” says Shirley Gilbey, head of Rise and Co-Creation at Barclays Africa Group Limited, who will deliver a keynote address at the conference.

Economic democracy

While much has been done to include the previously unbanked, still more has to happen to truly realise an economic democracy. Things like mobile money and decentralised virtual currencies such as Bitcoin and blockchain are going a long way to addressing these needs, and disrupting global markets. It’s not hard to see how these technologies can be deployed in Africa, a continent that has famously leapfrogged many technological stages, but is it enough? To find out, delegates will hear from the likes of Elizabeth Rossiello, CEO and founder of BitPesa, a pan-African digital FX and payment platform.

On the other side of the coin, disruptors like Abraham Cambridge, founder of The Sun Exchange, are using crypto-currencies to create new paradigms in powering Africa using solar energy to spark positive change.

Blochchain and cryptocurrency

But to define the real opportunities in Africa for blockchain, delegates will be invited to hear from a panel of experts, which includes South Africa's foremost blockchain expert, Lorien Gamaroff, founder of blockchain and cryptocurrency consultancy BankyMoon. Lucien has addressed the IMF, World Bank, FBI and Commonwealth Secretariat, the South African Reserve Bank, TEDx and a host of banking professionals and attorney generals throughout the world. He offers insight and guidance to business executives and advises government on blockchain technologies and their implications

Africacom 2017 takes place from AfricaCom from 7-9 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. You can register for a free visitor pass online.