Empowering Africa's Telecom Future

Summit Overview

The Connected Africa Summit Telecom Innovation & Excellence Awards is Africa’s most influential and future-focused telecom leadership gathering, held annually in Johannesburg, South Africa. Now in its sixth edition, the summit has earned a reputation as the continent’s definitive platform for high-level dialogue, strategic collaboration, and recognition of excellence within the telecommunications ecosystem.Africa rapidly transforms into a digital-first economy, the role of telecoms has never been more vital. With over 1.4 billion people and more than 500 million internet users, the continent is home to one of the fastest-growing mobile and broadband markets globally. Yet significant challenges remain. Mobile internet penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa stands at just 27 percent, well below the global average of 69 percent, while nearly 600 million people remain unconnected. This presents a massive opportunity and responsibility for the telecom sector to bridge the gap and drive inclusive growth.

Telecom investments are booming across the region. The African telecom and media market is projected to reach US 93.8 billion by 2025, with growth expected to hit US 120 billion by 2030, fueled by 5G rollouts, fiber expansion, cloud infrastructure, and AI-led services. In South Africa alone, the telecom sector is valued at US 10.4 billion in 2025, with mobile connectivity, fintech, and enterprise cloud services among the fastest-growing verticals. Against this backdrop, the Connected Africa Summit serves as the meeting ground for key stakeholders shaping the continent’s digital trajectory.Each year, the summit gathers over 500 senior executives including telecom operators, infrastructure providers, government regulators, technology innovators, cloud and cybersecurity firms, investors, and policy shapers from across Africa and beyond. The event features a highly curated agenda of executive panels, closed door boardroom dialogues, strategic networking sessions, solution showcases, and the prestigious Telecom Innovation & Excellence Awards, which honor individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to Africa’s telecom sector.

More than just a conference, Connected Africa is designed as a platform for real impact where billion dollar infrastructure projects are discussed, public private partnerships are initiated, and new technologies are showcased that promise to shape Africa’s connected future. Whether you are driving 5G innovation, building last mile connectivity, designing cloud native telco infrastructure, or leading national digital transformation policies, this is where Africa’s telecom decisions are made.With its blend of forward looking insights, actionable strategies, powerful networking, and pan African influence, the Connected Africa Summit is not just an event, it is a movement, championing Africa’s telecom renaissance.

Speakers 2025

Hon. Solly Malatsi

Minister, Department of Communications & Digital Technologies

Justin Williams

Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), MTN

Dr. Noxolo Kubheka-Dlamini

Chief Digital and Information Officer, Telkom – Consumer and Small Business (CSB)

Malebu Makgalemela Mogohloane

Group Executive: Enterprise Risk Management, Security, Forensics & Insurance, Telkom

Phila Sithole

Head of Industry Research, Association of Communications and Technology

Koketso Ngobeni

Head of Information Security, Bayobob Africa

Anthea Kruger

General Manager Information Security Cyber Defense, MTN

Nkululeko Thangelane

EHOD Group Big Data, AI & ML Lead Data Scientist, VSA & VFS, Vodacom

Jussab Kara

Chief Information Officer, Zamtel Zambia

Nitesh Marcel Singh

Managing Director for Communications, Media & Technology Lead Africa (CMT), Accenture (SA)

Atenkosi Ngubevana

Group Executive: AI & Automation, Vodacom

Jason Mwanza

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zamtel Zambia

Joseph Ndaba

4IR Commissioner: Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial

Loreal Tsiu

Executive Head of Innovation, Vodacom

Thokozani Mvelase

CEO, COMRiC

Nikos Angelopoulos

Group CIO, MTN

Akim Benamara

Founder and Chief Editor, TechAfrica News

Atenkosi Ngubevana

Group Executive: AI & Automation, Vodacom

Series Speakers

Mlindi Mashologu

Deputy Director-General (DDG), ICT Information Society and Capacity Development, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies

Nitesh Marcel Singh

Managing Director Comms Media and Tech Lead, Accenture Africa

Shameel Joosub

Group Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom

Charles Molapisi

CEO, MTN

Jorge Mendes

CEO, Cell C

Patricia Obonai

Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Ghana

Ayham Moussa

Chief Executive Officer, MTN Congo

Mohale Ralebitso

CEO, Vodacom Lesotho

Lunga Siyo

CEO, Consumer & Small Business - Telkom SA

Raghunath Mandava

Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel Africa

Christian Bombrun

CEO Group Digital Services, MTN

Angelo Gama

Chief Executive Officer, Angola Cables

Nomvuyiso Batyi

CEO, Association of Comms & Technology

David Eurin

Group Chief Strategy Officer, Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Nikos Angelopoulos

Group Chief Information Officer, MTN

Philipp Zindler

Managing Director, Bayobab SA

Shoyinka Shodunke

CIO, MTN Nigeria-IT

William Mzimba

Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom South Africa

Bernard Acquah

Chief Information Officer, MTN Ghana

George Njuguna

Chief Information Officer, Safaricom, Kenya

Ahmad Abdallah

Chief Operating Officer, Africell Sierra Leone

Gur Geva

Founder & CEO, iiDENTIFii

Johan van Graan

Chief Risk Officer (Group Risk Management), Vodacom

Razvan Ungureanu

Chief Technology Officer, Airtel Africa

Celia Mantshiyane

CISO, MTN South Africa

Simo Mkhize

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Telkom Consumer

Enzo Scarcella

Chief Consumer Officer, MTN Group

Joseph Ndaba

4IR Commissioner: Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial

Linoj George

Chief Executive Officer, Cellcomm Solutions

Ahmed Yusuf Omar

CEO, Eagle Simtech Solutions Pty Ltd

Mustapha Zaouini

CEO, Fliptin Startup Studio

Adv Thokozani Mvelase

Chief Executive Officer, Comric

Dylan Piatti

Managing Director (Africa), AGI

Dr Alastair Tempest

Chief Executive Officer, Ecommerce Forum of South Africa

Joseph Ndaba

4IR COMMISIONER, IR4

Letsogile Baloi

Chief Innovation Officer & Co-Founder, Kometsi Telco & Hyperconverged Solutions

Desmond Takawira

Chief Technology Officer, Steward Bank

Kruben Pillay

CCO, Datafree

Ebo Richardson

Chief Technology Officer, Steward Bank

Yehia Alamine

Deputy Editor-in Chief, Inside Telecom

Tarinder Pal Singh

Senior Director MEA, Protiviti

Tejas Lagad

Director Asia, MEA, Nexus Group

Hartoj Singh Bhasin

Director ICT, SkX Protiviti

Giovanni Da Costa

Executive Head (Carrier Connectivity), Vodacom

Rui Faria

Commercial Director, Angola Cables

Ralph Vraagom

Executive for Accounts: SA & Strategic Partners, Wipro

Atenkosi Ngubevana

Group Executive, Vodacom

Vincent Maher

Group Head of Digital, Multichoice Group

Malebu Makgalemela Mogohloane

Group Executive (Enterprise Risk Management), Telkom

Siyabonga Mahlangu

Group Executive (Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations), Telkom

Daryn Kara-Ali

Managing Editor, Inside Telecom

Makgosi Tshamano Mabaso

Managing Executive: Telkom Consumer Broadband, Telkom

Keitumetsi Tsotetsi

Senior Specialist (Group Governance, Risk & Control), Vodacom

Mustafa Abdelmalik

Strategic Digital Transformation Director, Expresso

Sunil Thomas

Associate Vice-president Marketing, Cellcomm Solutions

Davide Tacchino

Terminals Managing Executive, Vodacom

Gustavo Raiter

Sr. Business Development Lead, Microsoft 4Afrika

Felix Mmene

Consumer Cluster Tribe Technical Lead, Safaricom PLC

Lixiang Baumann

Country Head, China Mobile International South Africa Subsidiary

Stefan Steffen

Group Head (Data and AI), Telkom

Lloyd Rodrigues

Regional Head & Product Manager – Middle East & Africa, Nexus Group

Varsha Chetty

Head ICT, SkX Protiviti

Kenneth Matau

Head of Centre of Excellence (IoT & Security), MTN

Koketso Ngobeni

Head of Information Security, Bayobob Africa

Pragashani Reddy

Head of Technology and Digital Enablement, Standard Bank CIB

Vikash Barath

Group Senior Manager – Video Portfolio & MTN TV, MTN

Lucien Pierce

Director, PPM Attorneys

Lavina Ramkissom

Advisor, African Union

Francis Acquaah

Manager, IT Advisory, KPMG

Abdul R Mirza

Transformation Partner (Digital Co-X), Vodacom

Durvesh Maharaj

Portfolio Manager (Product & Distribution), Vodacom

Khanyisa Noganta

Principal Data Scientist: International Markets Big Data and AI, Vodacom

Kgabo Sephesu

Principal Data Scientist: International Markets Big Data and AI, Vodacom

Durrel Ramrathan

Senior Analytics and AI leader, MultiChoice

Sandra Radebe

Senior Manager Analytics and Insights, MultiChoice Group

Resam Sivnarain

Tech Lead: Machine Learning & AI, Vodacom

Shadrack Kubyane

Co-Founder, Coronet Blockchain & Efama

Tshegofatso Thosago

Chairperson, Black Investors Group & Founder, Greystar Galaxy, South Africa

Event Statistics

African Telecom Landscape

Population

1.4 billion

Africa's population is growing rapidly, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050. This demographic expansion presents both challenges and opportunities for digital infrastructure development.

Internet Users

500 million

Africa has over 500 million internet users, with growth driven by mobile connectivity. However, this represents only 38% of the population, indicating significant growth potential.

Offline Population

600 million

Approximately 600 million Africans remain without internet access, primarily in rural areas. Bridging this digital divide is critical for inclusive economic growth across the continent.

Mobile Penetration

27%

Mobile broadband penetration stands at 27% in Africa, significantly lower than the global average. However, mobile remains the primary internet access method for most Africans.

Global Avg Penetration

69%

The global average internet penetration rate is 69%, nearly double Africa's rate. This gap highlights the tremendous opportunity for digital growth across the continent.

SSA Usage

37%

Sub-Saharan Africa has an internet usage rate of 37%, with significant variation between countries. South Africa leads at 68%, while some nations remain below 20%.

Subscriptions by 2025

50%

Mobile broadband subscriptions are projected to reach 50% penetration by 2025. This growth is fueled by infrastructure investments and affordable smartphone availability.

Smartphone by 2030

87%

By 2030, 87% of mobile connections in Africa will be via smartphones, up from 51% today. This shift will drive digital service adoption and internet usage patterns.

Market Value (2025)

$93.8 B

Africa's telecom market is projected to reach $93.8 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by mobile money services, data consumption, and digital transformation initiatives.

Data Centres

$5.4 B by 2027

Africa's data centre market is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2027. Hyperscale investments and cloud adoption are driving this rapid infrastructure expansion.

Why Connected Africa Summit?

Connected Africa is an exclusive platform for C-level executives, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Designed to eliminate noise and clutter, the summit prioritizes focused, high-value conversations that shape the future of telecom across Africa.

Executive Level Only

This summit is built around Africa's real priorities including expanding last mile connectivity, accelerating 5G rollout, securing telecom infrastructure, and enabling inclusive digital access.

Focus on Africa's Telecom Agenda

Connected Africa is not just about listening. It is about closing. From pre-qualified buyer introductions to closed-door strategy sessions, the summit is structured to enable real deals and partnerships.

High Impact Deal Making

The Telecom Innovation and Excellence Awards stand as the most prestigious honors in the African telecom space. With over 150 nominations, the awards recognize innovation, leadership, and transformative projects.

Continental Awards Platform

Each panel, keynote, and fireside session is crafted to inspire action. With themes grounded in policy, infrastructure, and emerging technology, the content delivers deep relevance for Africa's telecom future.

Strategic Industry Content

Connected Africa has been awarded the title of Best Telecom Tech Event of the Year for two consecutive years. This recognition reflects the summit's growing impact and credibility.

Recognized for Excellence

Unlike conventional trade expos, Connected Africa is outcome oriented. Every discussion is aligned with tangible, strategic outcomes for participants and partners.

Built for Outcomes

Held annually in Johannesburg, a hub for telecom innovation, Connected Africa attracts senior executives and government leaders from over 25 African nations. It's where Africa's telecom future is written.

Pan-African Influence

Who Attends Connected Africa?

Connected Africa brings together the full spectrum of decision‑makers driving Africa’s telecom transformation.

C‑level execs and strategists from telecom operators & MVNOs shaping mobile innovation and scale.

Mobile Network Operators

Leaders in rollout, tower management, energy efficiency & shared infrastructure solutions.

Tower Infrastructure Providers

Providers powering real-time computing, smart infra & scalable IoT ecosystems.

Cloud, Edge & IoT Innovators

Operators driving last-mile access & broadband through fiber, wireless & hybrid models.

Fixed & Broadband Providers

OEMs and vendors delivering routers, antennas, network gear & critical infrastructure.

Device & Equipment Manufacturers

Firms offering secure, compliant digital infra to protect networks from cyber threats.

Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Experts

Developers of predictive analytics, intelligent networks & automated engagement solutions.

AI & Automation Providers

Companies integrating end-to-end telecom solutions from BSS/OSS to modernization.

System Integrators & Tech Enablers

Green tower outfits, solar solutions & energy storage champions aligned with ESG goals.

Sustainable Infrastructure Leaders

Stakeholders expanding Africa’s backbone via terrestrial fiber, subsea cables & satellite.

Satellite, Fiber & Subsea Providers

Experts in QoS testing, compliance & performance assurance for telecom networks.

Test & Assurance Providers

Ministries & policy influencers shaping spectrum, digital inclusion & investment.

Regulators & Government Bodies

Mining, energy, logistics & finance sectors implementing private 5G & IoT connectivity.

Enterprises & Private Network Users

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Be a part of the conversations shaping Africa’s telecom future.

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Key Focus

Explore how telecom operators are evolving their 5G strategies and preparing for next-gen connectivity. A key opportunity for solution providers offering network infrastructure, spectrum tools, devices, and monetization platforms.

5G and Beyond

Governments and MNOs are prioritizing rural access—driving demand for scalable, cost-effective delivery models. Solution providers offering satellite, wireless mesh, VSAT, or solar-powered connectivity will find targeted buyers.

Digital Inclusion and Rural Connectivity

The race to densify networks across Africa is creating strong demand for tower sharing, green power systems, and rapid-deploy solutions. This is a direct opportunity for infrastructure vendors, EPC firms, and energy management providers.

Tower and Network Infrastructure

Operators are investing in AI to optimize operations, reduce OPEX, and personalize services. Vendors delivering AI platforms, automation tools, analytics engines, and digital BSS/OSS have a high-impact engagement opportunity.

AI and Automation in Telecom

With massive fiber rollout and subsea expansions underway, buyers are seeking reliable partners for planning, deployment, and maintenance. Fiber tech vendors, submarine cable contractors, and dark fiber leasing firms can engage directly with key decision-makers.

Fiber and Subsea Connectivity

As real-time services grow, telcos are seeking scalable edge and cloud solutions to support smart cities, IoT, and enterprise verticals. A prime opportunity for hyperscalers, CDNs, DC operators, and infrastructure-as-a-service providers.

Edge Computing and Cloud Innovation

Telcos need advanced threat detection, privacy controls, and regulatory compliance solutions to secure rapidly growing networks. Solution providers in network security, identity management, and regulatory tech will find high alignment here.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

With sustainability now a board-level priority, operators are investing in solar towers, hybrid power, carbon reporting, and circular design. Ideal for energy tech firms, ESG platform providers, and climate-focused infrastructure innovators.