.png)
7th Edition Connected Africa
Africa's Premier Telecom Summit
“Driving Africa’s Telecom Shift to Digital Platforms and Next-Gen Infrastructure”
Summit Overview
Telecom Infrastructure as the Backbone of Africa’s Digital Economy
Africa is entering a decisive era of digital transformation — where telecommunications infrastructure, high-capacity networks, data centers, cybersecurity, and cloud orchestration underpin national competitiveness and economic resilience. The shift to next-generation digital platforms is accelerating demand for real-time connectivity, smart automated networks, ultra-low latency services, and secure digital ecosystems powering everything from education and healthcare to financial services, enterprise modernization, and cross-border commerce.
South Africa leads this continental transformation. The rapid expansion of 5G, fibre backbones, hyperscale cloud architecture, intelligent cybersecurity, digital identity infrastructure, and fintech-telco convergence is creating opportunities for scalable innovation and sector-wide value creation. The evolution from network provision to platform-based digital services is reshaping the revenue model for telecom operators — and partnerships are central to unlocking growth.
The 7th Edition Connected Africa – Africa’s Premier Telecom Summit 2026 convenes telecom CEOs, digital economy leaders, regulators, infrastructure providers, cybersecurity experts, cloud hyperscalers, and enterprise transformation decision-makers to align on execution models that accelerate modernization.
For sponsors and technology leaders, the Summit enables:
- Expansion of digital-infrastructure deployment and network modernization partnerships
- Demonstration of cybersecurity and digital-trust platforms at enterprise scale
- Collaboration opportunities driving fintech-telco financial inclusion
- Acceleration of cloud, AI, edge-computing, and IoT-driven environments
- Structured O3O executive meetings producing measurable commercial outcomes
Africa’s competitive advantage will be defined by the strength of its digital infrastructure — now is the time to build it.
Series Speakers
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
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
Past Edition Highlights
Proof of Performance & Regional Impact
10,200+
Delegates Globally
1,900+
Organizations
18+
Countries
470+
Strategic Partnerships
600+
Structured O3O Engagements
72%
Senior‑Leadership Participation
13M+
Impressions Digital Reach
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 2026
50%
Mobile broadband subscriptions are projected to reach 50% penetration by 2026. 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 (2026)
$93.8 B
Africa's telecom market is projected to reach $93.8 billion by 2026. 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
Uniting Decision-Makers Building Africa’s Digital Infrastructure Future
Audience Composition (Estimated for 2026 Edition)
Join the Movement
Be a part of the conversations shaping Africa’s telecom future.
Strategic Priorities Driving Africa’s Telecom Modernization
Accelerating 5G deployment and evolving next‑generation network architectures to meet the demands of a hyper‑connected Africa.
5G Rollout & Next‑Gen Networks
Hyperscale data‑centre expansion and cloud growth enabling low‑latency services, edge computing, and sovereign digital infrastructure.
Cloud Growth & Hyperscale Data Centers
AI‑enabled networks, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation to optimize operations and personalize customer experiences.
AI‑Enabled Networks & Automation
Building cyber resilience with real‑time threat intelligence, zero‑trust architectures, and robust data privacy frameworks.
Cybersecurity Resilience & Threat Intelligence
Expanding fibre backbones and satellite connectivity to bridge the rural digital divide and ensure universal access.
Fibre & Satellite for Rural Access
Trust frameworks for digital identity that secure transactions, enable e‑government, and foster financial inclusion.
Digital Identity Trust Frameworks
Platform convergence between telecom, fintech, and enterprise to unlock new revenue streams and integrated services.
Telecom + Fintech + Enterprise Convergence
IoT expansion powering smart cities, industrial transformation, and real‑time data ecosystems.
IoT & Smart Cities
Mobile‑money innovation and embedded finance models that deepen financial inclusion and drive digital payments.
Embedded Finance & Mobile Money
ESG‑aligned infrastructure growth, green energy adoption, and sustainable investment models for long‑term resilience.
ESG‑Aligned Infrastructure
Why Sponsor?
- Market Access & Pipeline Growth: High-value meetings with investment decision-makers
- Leadership Positioning: Keynote & panel influence shaping telecom strategy
- Brand Visibility: Continental media & multi-platform amplification
Why Exhibit?
- Solution Showcase: Demonstration & deployment opportunities
- Strategic Collaboration: Partnerships converted into PoCs, pilots & scale
Why Attend?
- Engage with leaders shaping Africa’s telecom and digital transformation agenda
- Gain insight into real‑world modernization strategies and deployment outcomes
- Build partnerships across telecom, enterprise, banking & government ecosystems
- Understand future models for connectivity, security, cloud & automation
- Participate in high‑value relationship‑building environments
- Be recognized as a leader advancing continental digital progress
Summit Partners
Series Partners
Testimonials
Sylvia Otuo-Acheampong, General Manager, MTN Ghana
Neo Sefolo, Marketing Assistant, Temenos
Nitesh Marcel Singh, Managing Director, Accenture Africa
Samuel Desu, BDM, On Point Africa
Chukwuma Okpaka, Azure Go-To-Market Lead, Microsoft
Lee Allcorn, Director (MEA), Temenos
Dami Adebari, BD - Emerging Markets, HID Global
Dr. Philip Oti Mensah, Executive Director, OmniBSIC Bank
Gilbert Sebe-Yeboah, Consumer Finance Head at Agricultural Development Bank, Ghana
001.jpeg)
002.jpg)
003.jpeg)
004.jpg)
005.jpeg)
006.jpg)
007.jpeg)
008.jpg)
009.jpeg)
010.jpg)
011.jpeg)
012.jpg)
013.jpeg)
014.jpg)
015.jpeg)
016.jpg)
017.jpeg)
018.jpeg)
019.jpeg)
021.jpg)
022.jpeg)
023.jpeg)
024.jpeg)
025.jpeg)
026.jpeg)
027.jpeg)
028.jpeg)
029.jpeg)
030.jpeg)
031.jpeg)
032.jpeg)
033.jpg)
034.jpeg)
035.jpeg)
036.jpeg)
037.jpeg)
038.jpeg)
039.jpeg)
040.jpeg)
041.jpeg)
042.jpeg)
043.jpeg)
045.jpg)
046.jpeg)
047.jpeg)
048.jpeg)
049.jpeg)
050.jpeg)
051.jpeg)
052.jpeg)
054.jpeg)
055.jpeg)
056.jpeg)
057.jpg)
058.jpeg)
059.jpeg)
060.jpeg)
061.jpeg)
062.jpeg)
063.jpeg)
064.jpeg)
065.jpeg)
066.jpeg)
067.jpeg)
068.jpeg)
069.jpg)
070.jpeg)
071.jpeg)
072.jpeg)
073.jpeg)
074.jpeg)
075.jpeg)
076.jpeg)
077.jpeg)
120.jpeg)
079.jpeg)
080.jpeg)
081.jpg)
082.jpeg)
083.jpeg)
084.jpeg)
085.jpeg)
086.jpeg)
087.jpeg)
088.jpeg)
089.jpeg)
091.jpeg)
092.jpg)
093.jpeg)
094.jpeg)
095.jpeg)
096.jpeg)
097.jpeg)
098.jpeg)
099.jpeg)
100.jpeg)
101.jpeg)
102.jpeg)
103.jpeg)
104.jpg)
105.jpeg)