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, this is why Mobile 360-Africa will convene stakeholders to examine the practical steps needed to overcome critical roadblocks in technology, governance, business models and investment in this year’s GSMA.
With that, GSMA has 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 has 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.
Sub-Saharan Africa has been the fastest-growing mobile market over the last five years, both in subscribers and connections, according to research, this will remain so through to at least 2020. âIt is an exciting and vibrant time in Africa and this dynamic and diverse market will be reflected across the entire Mobile 360 â Africa agenda.â Said Michael OâHara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA.
At Mobile 360 â 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 â Africa, The Internet Society
- Vanu Bose, CEO, Vanu, Inc.
- Eric Chinje, CEO, African Media Initiative
- Sifiso Dabengwa, Executive Director, Group President and CEO, MTN Group
- Wang Jianzhou, Chairman, China Association for Public Companies and former Executive Chairman, China Mobile
- Adam Lane, Director of Sustainability Programs, Huawei
- Jimmy Shindi, CEO of Econet Services, Zimbabwe
- Ayo Stuffman, CEO, VAS2Nets
 With the overall event theme of âAccelerating Social and Economic Empowermentâ, each session will tackle a different aspect of the empowerment story. Keynotes and sessions will delve into subjects such as âThe Power to Connect: Providing Access for Allâ, âThe Power to Discover: Local Content and Digital Literacyâ, âThe Power to Borrow, Save and Spend: Building the Mobile Financial Ecosystemâ, âThe Power to Innovate: Growing Start-Up Ecosystems and Cultivating Entrepreneurshipâ and much more. The full conference agenda is available at www.mobile360series.com/africa/#agenda.
Mobile 360 will also be introducing a new event; Jumpstart, that will bring together the mobile industry with entrepreneurs and start-ups from across Sub-Saharan Africa. The event will combine a keynote session and an energetic pitch stage with an informal networking reception. The Start-Up Pitch Platform will feature six to eight exciting, early-stage entrepreneurs and each will give a brief five-minute pitch to a panel of operators and to the audience.
The Pitch Platform is a unique opportunity for start-ups to pitch for potential business and possible partnerships with mobile operators. The pitch session will be followed by an informal networking reception for participants and the audience. The âCall for Pitch Submissionsâ is now open to all start-ups interested in pitching at this new event offering.
In addition to the main conference, Mobile 360 â 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.
Mobile 360 â Africa Registration Now Open
Registration for Mobile 360 â Africa is now open; individuals wishing to attend should visit www.mobile360series.com/africa/#registration.
