The GSMA, a representative body for the interests of mobile operators worldwide, yesterday announced the first speakers for the 2015 Mobile 360 Series – Africa conference, including executives from organisations such as China Mobile, Huawei, the Internet Society, MTN and Telenor.
The GSMA also announced that MTN will again be the Platinum Sponsor for the event, which will take place 7-9 October at the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa in Cape Town and will comprise thought-provoking keynote addresses, fireside chats, pitch sessions and panel discussions.
In addition to the main conference, Mobile 360 – Africa will incorporate additional programmes that highlight the initiatives and activities undertaken by the GSMA Mobile for Development programme, as well workshops focusing on key policy and regulatory issues for the region.
“The mobile industry is playing a key role in driving digital, financial and social inclusion in many African countries by providing access to quality information and services, and Mobile 360 – Africa will convene key stakeholders to examine the practical steps needed to overcome critical roadblocks in technology, governance, business models and investment,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “Sub-Saharan Africa has been the fastest-growing mobile market over the last five years, both in subscribers and connections, and our research shows that it will remain so through to at least 2020. It is an exciting and vibrant time in Africa and this dynamic and diverse market will be reflected across the entire Mobile 360 – Africa agenda.”
At Mobile 360 – Africa, CEOs and senior executives from leading mobile companies and from throughout the digital ecosystem, will address the most pressing trends and issues in mobile. Speakers confirmed to present at Mobile 360-Africa include:
Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO, Telenor Group and Chairman, GSMA
Dawit Bekele, Regional Bureau Director – Africa, The Internet Society
Dr. Vanu Bose, CEO, Vanu, Inc.
Eric Chinje, CEO, African Media Initiative
Sifiso Dabengwa, Executive Director, Group President and CEO, MTN Group
Dr. Wang Jianzhou, Chairman, China Association for Public Companies and former Executive Chairman, China Mobile
Adam Lane, Director of Sustainability Programs, Huawei
Dr. Jimmy Shindi, CEO of Econet Services, Zimbabwe
Ayo Stuffman, CEO, VAS2Nets
With the overall event theme of “Accelerating Social and Economic Empowerment”, each session will tackle a different aspect of the empowerment story. Keynotes and sessions will delve into subjects such as “The Power to Connect: Providing Access for All”, “The Power to Discover: Local Content and Digital Literacy”, “The Power to Borrow, Save and Spend: Building the Mobile Financial Ecosystem”, “The Power to Innovate: Growing Start-Up Ecosystems and Cultivating Entrepreneurship” and much more.