The second day of GITEX Africa 2024 was a huge success, building upon the impressive start of the inaugural day. The event was nothing short of exceptional, with exhibitors, visitors, and industry leaders all in full action, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and innovation. For us at TechAfrica News, it was a super productive day. We had the opportunity to speak and discuss with industry leaders, gaining valuable insights into the latest trends and developments shaping Africa’s digital landscape, and we can’t wait to bring you all the details.
Day Two Recap: A Vibrant Showcase of Innovation
Day two of GITEX AFRICA 2024 was marked by a series of significant announcements and developments from across the continent. With attendance exceeding expectations, around 1,500 exhibitors, companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups from over 130 countries participated in this year’s event.
GITEX NIGERIA was announced, set to become the largest in-market access event of the decade. This initiative aims to explore Nigeria’s expansive tech ecosystem, enabling the global tech community to tap into the immense opportunities in the continent’s most populous country, known for its talented youth in tech and digital fields.
The strategic partnership was solidified with the signing of an MoU between Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA Nigeria, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX organizer Kaoun, in the presence of Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health & Social Reform.
“We’re not planning to bring the same GITEX happening around the world. We want to bring a unique formula that aligns with the national strategy of Nigeria,”
—Trixie Lohmermand, CEO of GITEX organizer Kaoun
This marks a major milestone, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global tech arena. GITEX Nigeria will spotlight the country’s growing sectors, including AI, Future Finance, Digital Health, and Startups. This will also integrate the Nigerian tech ecosystem firmly into GITEX Africa and extend its reach into GITEX Global in Dubai and GITEX Europe in Berlin.
Exciting news as the Central African Republic joined the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA) by signing the SATA declaration, becoming the 13th nation to join this collaborative initiative. This step aims to foster interoperability of data exchange, identities, and services across African countries, marking another significant stride towards a more connected and digitally integrated Africa.
TechAfrica News Leading the Conversation
At Techafrica News, we were pleased to meet and speak with several influential figures and companies who are making a significant impact in the region. Our discussions were enlightening, highlighting the extensive efforts being made to bring connectivity to all corners of Africa and ensure everyone is part of the digital revolution.
We extend our gratitude for sharing their insights with us:
- Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa
- Vladimir Freinkman, CEO of Protei
- Andriy Zhylenko, CEO of PortaOne
- Suleiman Al Ali, CCO of Yahsat and CEO of Thuraya
- Fouad El Moussati, CEO of Geo4Net
- Rajveer Shah, Director AI at Mitsumi
- Kunle Awosika, GM, Public Sector Africa at Microsoft
- Jean Pascal Mvondo, UN Better Than Cash Alliance
- Aminou Akadiri, Director at Africa Business Council (AfBC)
- Mounia Terhzaz, Regional Director for Africa at Digital Virgo
- Rym Shanoun, CEO, Orange Business, Morocco
It is always interesting to hear from the people and companies making an impact in the region. Our discussions underscored the tremendous work being done to enhance connectivity and digital inclusion across Africa.
We can’t wait to share with you the video interviews from the show, capturing the thoughts and visions of these industry leaders.
Day Three Outlook: Anticipating More Insights and Innovations
As GITEX AFRICA 2024 enters its 3rd day, the excitement continues to mount. With each day offering new opportunities to explore, learn, and connect, we look forward to another day filled with insightful discussions, engaging presentations, and groundbreaking innovations.
Highlighted Panels and Discussions:
- 10:00 – 11:30 AM | Soft Launch of the Smart Africa Digital Health Blueprint
Speakers:
Phil Nsengimana, Chief Digital Advisor, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Lacina Kone, Director General, Smart Africa
Florence Perkins, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Health Partnerships
- 10:40 – 11:10 AM | Panel Discussion | AI Skill for Tomorrow
Speakers:
Sanaa El Filali, PhD, FSBM
Sarah Ouakim, Nordic Open Innovation Lead, Accenture
Ikram Chairi, MIT Sloan School of Management
Lee Chana, Programme Development AI in Africa and Partner, FliptinTechnologies
Zineb Hidila, LPRI EMSI
Hanaa Hachimi, Full Professor at National School of Applied Sciences, IBN Tofail University of Kenitra
- 12:40 – 1:10 PM | Panel Discussion |eGovernance from Theory to Action
Speakers:
Medhi Kettani, CEO, DXC-CDG
Vitor Pereira, Executive Director, Zoom Global Smart Cities Association
Thomas Honnet, Data Protection Officer, City of Marseille
Tarek Abdalla, Chief Software Manufacturing Officer, EMARATECH
Thani Alzaffin, CEO, EMARATECH
Daouda Gueye, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Dakar
Atsu Ahadzie, Lead, Digitalization Agenda, Accra Metropolitan Assembly
- 1:20 – 2:00 PM | Panel | Protecting your Extended Digital Realm
Speakers:
Pelin Konakci, Security Partner Ecosystem Leader EMEA, IBM
Boris Lecoeur, General Manager, Cloudflare, France
Lamaiae Azizi, Associate Professor, College of Computing, UM6P Ventures
Tarek Ziad, Managing Director, Hackers Academy
Stay Tuned for Our Continued Comprehensive Coverage
Stay tuned to Techafrica News for live coverage, insights, and highlights from day three of GITEX Africa 2024. We’ll keep you informed of the latest developments, key takeaways, and notable moments from Africa’s premier tech event.
