2017 celebrates 20 years of Africacom
The recent launch event of Africacom also kicked off the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of what is described as Africa's largest, influential, technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) conference and exhibition.
The launch event set the scene for November’s main event, due to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 7–9 November 2017.
“2017 is a landmark for Africacom. Over the past two decades, we have grown from being a purely telecommunications-focused event, to a broad digital communications show now hosting the foremost group of influencers involved in every aspect of the African digital ecosystem,” explained Tom Cuthell, portfolio director of KNect365 (organiser of the show).
“As the digi-sphere continues to expand and impact every aspect of our personal and professional lives, Africacom has grown in scope to create a broad platform for everybody involved in powering the digital economy in Africa. I am delighted to share some of the fresh developments that will continue to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation anchoring it for the future of the fourth industrial revolution.”
New areas
The 'technology arena' – located in the CTICC’s new extension - an exhibition hall dedicated to mapping Africa's journey through the fourth industrial revolution. This will host:
- Africacom 20/20 - the centrepiece and base of the 20th-anniversary celebrations. A vibrant, interactive, buzzing place to see digital solutions from top innovators; interact with next generation technologies in specially designed demo pods, and listen to thought provoking dialogue around ‘providing clarity of vision on future tech trends’.
- The new innovation stage – that will showcase ICT solutions affecting the converging TMT industries in Africa. Lively debate and discussion on topics such as eHealth and ICT4D, with quick-fire presentations, and product pitches will be the order of the day.
The 'technology arena' will also be the new home for the AHUB – Africacom’s matchmaking centre for startups and investors; and TV connect Africa – the confluence of broadcast, telecoms, content and new media experts in Africa, intent on developing commercial models for ITC across digital Africa.
Three days of networking, content, and tech will also showcase new opportunities in artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), big data, fintech, blockchain, digital skills, and more.
The calibre of the 400 speakers is a major drawcard. Conference tracks such as visions for Africa keynotes, SDN and NFV, mobile finance and e-commerce in Africa, enterprise ICT, and connecting Africa, as well as LTE Africa, will deliver the latest advances in their respective areas.
Some of the luminaries to present their insights are; Herman Singh, group chief digital officer, MTN; John Momoh (OON), chairman & CEO, Channels Media Group; Is'haq Modibbo Kawu, director general, National Broadcasting Commission; Joseph Hundah, CEO, Econet Media.
Africacom Awards
The annual Africacom Awards will once again highlight leaders in their respective fields and entries for these industry heavyweight acknowledgments were now open.
Launched in 2016, AFEST returns to Shimmy Beach Club for a night of high-energy entertainment, echoing the vibrancy of Africacom 2017. Featuring a lineup of local and international artists, partygoers have the chance to network and celebrate African technology.
Register for a free visitor pass to Africacom 2017. For more about the agenda, go to www.tmt.knect365.com.
