In our pursuit to start a dialogue about the connectivity gap in Africa, we brought together SES Networks, Orange, and RCS Communications for a panel discussion. The discourse saw Industry leaders come together to help tackle the challenges and discuss the upcoming opportunities in the connectivity sector in Africa.
You can watch the entire discussion now live and available on-demand: “Africa’s connectivity gap: Extending connectivity across Africa to unlock growth and opportunities.”
Satellite Connectivity is one of the key areas in bringing connectivity to underserved areas. Shifting from delivering TV & Video to becoming ISP’s, this sector is in for a massive change.
Many in Africa, especially those in rural and ultra- rural areas, have missed out for too long now. Limited connectivity has meant that the majority cannot experience even the basic connectivity that the population in towns and cities now take for granted. In many cases, mobile connectivity has limited rural reach and can barely meet the growing demand.
Current challenges due to the Covid-19 situation and its impacts have shown the importance of connectivity for growth and stability. TechAfrica News, together with SES, has explored how this is changing and how they, and we, can unlock opportunities and continue to connect Africa.
The panel included several notable industry specialists including:
- Caroline Kamaitha, Vice President, Fixed Data Africa, SES Networks
With over 15 years of sales and marketing experience and more than a decade working in the field of Satellite Communications in Africa, Caroline is responsible for SES Networks business throughout Africa. For SES Networks, Caroline plays a key role in developing new markets and maintaining customer relationships within Africa.
- Pierre Paufique, Director of the Africa, Backbone program, Orange
Pierre Paufique joined Orange in 2002 after holding various managerial responsibilities in the R&D teams at Philips TRT and Lucent Technologies. Today Pierre Paufique leads Orange International Carriers strategic projects, including our Backbone Network for West Africa program.
- Flippie Odendal, Managing Director, RCS Communication
Flippie is the Managing Director of RCS-Communication, South Sudan. He worked in various industries in management positions, which includes 15+ years ISP specific experience in South Sudan. He is a pragmatic entrepreneur; who believes in keeping the focus on the client, hard work, well thought through decisions and perseverance. He further trusts that a team of people with the right attitude and capabilities “can move mountains”.
- Chris Green, Senior Editor, TechAfrica News
Chris is an experienced executive with thirty years of experience in International Business Development in both sales and marketing. He has been active in the IPTV/OTT sector for more than twenty years with responsibilities in sales and business development worldwide. Lately, his focus was on developing the Middle East and Africa area.
- Deepu Pillai, Manager – Strategy & Market Intelligence, SES Networks
Deepu Pillai works as a Manager at the Strategy and Market Intelligence department of SES focusing on the Data Network business. He provides support to the corporate and Go-To-Market strategic plan of SES by providing vertical insights and analysis. Deepu is also the front-facing market intelligence interface for commercial teams serving Fixed Data and Government verticals. He is a seasoned speaker at numerous industry conferences, customer events, and regional team sessions.
