Keynotes
|
Saturday
|
9:05 am
Klarman Hall
Diverse

Building Africa’s Digital Infrastructure to Spur the Next Decade of Innovation

Africa is in the midst of a digital revolution: approximately 473 million Africans are online, and an additional 300 million will likely join them by 2025. Average download speeds in Africa doubled between 2015 and 2019, while data costs halved. Underpinning this growth is the installation of digital infrastructure (fiber optics, data centers, and more) -  Africa has witnessed notable strides in digital infrastructure development, with increased investments in 4G and 5G technology. In an era where digital connectivity has become the linchpin of economic progress, what will it take for Africa to compete in the global digital economy? 

In this keynote panel, we will hear from the folks building that infrastructure and deploying. The session will share insights into bridging Africa's digital divide, navigating the impact of these technological advancements on the continent's innovation landscape, as well as delve into discussions on financing structures, inclusivity in access, digital economic transformation, and the pivotal role of government policies.

Building Africa’s Digital Infrastructure to Spur the Next Decade of Innovation

Africa is in the midst of a digital revolution: approximately 473 million Africans are online, and an additional 300 million will likely join them by 2025. Average download speeds in Africa doubled between 2015 and 2019, while data costs halved. Underpinning this growth is the installation of digital infrastructure (fiber optics, data centers, and more) -  Africa has witnessed notable strides in digital infrastructure development, with increased investments in 4G and 5G technology. In an era where digital connectivity has become the linchpin of economic progress, what will it take for Africa to compete in the global digital economy? 

In this keynote panel, we will hear from the folks building that infrastructure and deploying. The session will share insights into bridging Africa's digital divide, navigating the impact of these technological advancements on the continent's innovation landscape, as well as delve into discussions on financing structures, inclusivity in access, digital economic transformation, and the pivotal role of government policies.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 9:05 AM
Klarman Hall

Other Sessions

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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:25 pm
Aldrich 009
Sponsor Informational Lunch: Africa Finance Corporation
Sponsor informational lunch
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Sponsor Informational Lunch: Africa Finance Corporation

The sponsor informational lunch will include a company presentation and the opportunity to connect with some of the company's executives over lunch.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 12:25 PM
Aldrich 009
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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:25 pm
Batten HIves 307
Thematic Lunch: Building the Startup/Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Themed Networking Lunch
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Thematic Lunch: Building the Startup/Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

Connect with folks that are interested in and/or currently building Africa's startup/entrepreneurship ecosystem over lunch.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 12:25 PM
Batten HIves 307
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Keynotes
Friday
|
4:50 pm
Klarman Hall
One Africa, One Market - Repositioning Africa as the Largest Free Trade Area
Leverage the AfCFTA to enhance African global competitiveness and compete in the new global era
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One Africa, One Market - Repositioning Africa as the Largest Free Trade Area

According to the World Bank, The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is poised to make Africa the largest trade area/zone in terms of market size, creating a market of 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and a combined GDP of approx. $3.4 Trillion. Many have posited it as a game change-changer with the potential to transform African economies and significantly raise Africa’s share of global trade and investment flows and shift the direction and composition of FDI to Africa, positioning the region as an increasingly dynamic force in the international arena. How can Africa leverage the AfCFTA to enhance its global competitiveness and compete in the new global era?

Come hear industry stalwarts take center stage to unravel the intricacies of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Against the backdrop of this historic agreement, the keynote will explore strategic visions, challenges, and opportunities presented by the AfCFTA as well as delve into the private sector's role in innovation, infrastructure development, and the imperative of collaborative efforts in repositioning Africa on the global economic stage.

America/New_York
Feb 16, 2024 4:50 PM
Klarman Hall