The 5th Edition of the Connected Africa – Telecom Innovation & Excellence Awards 2024, organized by The International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA) and co-hosted by Accenture, has successfully concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa. This premier telecom summit brought together global executives, experts, and leaders to discuss and recognize innovation and excellence in the telecom sector.
The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Christian Bombrun, CEO of Group Digital Services at MTN, who spoke on “Connecting the Digital Economy: Southern Africa’s Potential in the Global Arena.” His speech captivated the audience, highlighting the significant role Southern Africa can play in the global digital economy.
Throughout the summit, several industry leaders shared their expertise on various critical topics. Davide Tacchino, Vodacom’s Terminals Managing Executive, provided profound insights into “Digital Inclusion: Pathways to Universal Access in a Connected Economy,” emphasizing the transformative potential of connectivity and the importance of universal access.
Nitesh Marcel Singh, Managing Director of Communications Media and Technology Lead Africa (CMT) for Accenture in South Africa, delivered a compelling briefing on “Future Focus: Partnering with CSPs on their Network Transformation Journey.” His session offered exclusive knowledge about the future of telecommunications, focusing on network transformation.
Vikash Barath, Group Senior Manager – Video Portfolio and MTN TV at MTN, discussed “Telco-Streaming Partnerships: Transforming the Future of Streaming Services Through Telco Collaboration.” His session highlighted how collaborations between telecom companies and streaming services are revolutionizing media consumption.
The summit also featured the esteemed Innovation & Excellence Awards 2024, celebrating leaders and organizations driving innovation and excellence in the telecom industry. Key awards and their recipients included:
“Excellence in 5G Innovation & AI Integration” awarded to MTN Group. “Telecom Industry Leader of the Year” awarded to Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, in recognition of his visionary leadership and dedication to innovation. “Best Digital Platform of the Year” awarded to MTN Digital, honoring their outstanding digital services across Africa. The 5th Edition Connected Africa – Telecom Innovation & Excellence Awards 2024 was an unforgettable event, providing a comprehensive platform for discussion, collaboration, and recognition in the telecom sector.
