Nearly half the planet remains unconnected at a time when COVID-19 has forced people’s reliance on the Internet and digital technologies higher than ever before. Bridging the digital divide to provide Mobile Internet access – the main driver of digital inclusion – is exceedingly important in the current context. Overcoming this connectivity crisis represents a growth opportunity for Mobile Network Operators (MNO) to expand their services outside of the crowded, highly competitive urban markets.

In this webinar we will focus on solutions that help MNOs close both the coverage gap and the usage gap.

Key topics include:

• What are the barriers to overcome increased Mobile Internet adoption?
• How to match deployments cost with expected revenue?
• Operator success story

In the second digital symposium of 2021, our line-up of expert speakers will share insights on green ICT, the journey to a 5G-enabled continent and the rise of the African data centre. We'll also be looking at how Africa's digital infrastructure backbone will be built in 2021 and beyond.

Sessions Include:
Webinar 1: Building Africa's digital infrastructure backbone: 2021 & beyond - 11am CAT, Tues 8 June
Webinar 2: Accelerating the journey to a 5G-enabled continent - 12.35pm CAT, Tues 8 June
Webinar 3: The rise of the African data centre - 11am CAT, Thurs 10 June
Webinar 4: Green ICT and sustainable routes to electrification - 12.35pm CAT, Thurs 10 June

Session One

Mobile Money 2.0: the Bright Future of Mobile Financial Service Innovation
Date: 08/20/20 @ 11:00 A.M. SAST

Speaker: Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa

Africa was the birthplace of Mobile Money and while it continues to rise in popularity, the industry is quickly evolving and launching more mobile-based financial services every day. In this Connecting Africa online event, local analysts and industry stakeholders will discuss how telcos are disrupting the financial services space and what the rise of Mobile Money 2.0 will look like for Africa.

• From cash to mobile: heading towards a cashless society
• Expanding MFS offerings beyond mobile money transfers
• MNOs vs banks vs fintechs: an evolving competitive landscape
• Unconnected and unbanked: fintech to improve financial inclusion
• The rise of micro-loans and insurance through mobile platforms

12:15 P.M. - 12:30 P.M. BREAK

Session Two

Connecting the Next Billion: Strategies for Getting Africa On-Grid
Date 08/20/20 @ 12:30 P.M. SAST

Speaker: Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa

Africa has the fastest growing population in the world and also the youngest, with 60% of Africans under the age of 25. It is clear that the next billion connected are going to be the mobile-only generation. This digital symposium will bring industry experts together to discuss Africa’s digital divide and how to get devices into the hands of young Africans and empower them to join the digital revolution.

• Who’s Driving? The role of government & regulator, private tech companies, and public-private partnerships
• Device affordability: are we reaching a tipping point?
• Status check: Satellite vs Fiber and the enduring infrastructure gap
• Exploring the wider societal and economic benefits of a connected, digitally literate continent

Session One

African Telecoms Outlook 2020
Date: 08/18/20 @ 11:00 A.M. SAST

Speaker: Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa

This year did not begin the way most people expected it to, so what does the future of the telecoms sector look like in Africa in 2020? In this Connecting Africa online event, local analysts and industry stakeholders will discuss what African operators’ priorities for the year should be and the most significant market trends expected to dominate in 2020.

• Will MNOs focus on sweating their current assets rather than investing in new technologies like 5G?
• What impact will COVID-19 have on the continent’s networks?
• What are the hot market trends in Africa when it comes to voice, data and mobile financial services?
• Diversification strategies: entering adjacent markets; MVNO sub-brands; cost consolidation
• How are companies unlocking rural connectivity as a growth driver?