Invest Africa (https://www.InvestAfrica.com) will be participating in the Africa Tech Festival next week. They will be hosting a high-level fireside chat in partnership with DLA Piper to discuss advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure. The event will feature Google’s Managing Director for Africa Alex Okosi, Cassava Technologies President and Group Chief Executive Officer Hardy Pemhiwa, and DLA Piper’s Partner Livia Dyer. The event aims to shed light on the evolving digital landscape in African markets and the opportunities and challenges it presents for investors.
The fireside chat will serve as a platform for discussions on achieving inclusive connectivity across the continent, addressing digital infrastructure challenges, and raising awareness about issues of cybersecurity and digital proficiency. Industry leaders will also share their views on the investment opportunities within Africa’s digital ecosystem.
The digital landscape in African markets is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors. Approximately four in ten Africans now have internet access, with around 60% accessing it through mobile phones. This connectivity has a significant economic impact. Internet adoption is forecasted to contribute $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, while a 10% rise in mobile broadband penetration alone is projected to result in a 2.5% increase in GDP per capita.
However, there are persistent challenges. 300 million Africans live more than 50 km away from a broadband connection, and the majority of inter-country internet traffic still relies on undersea cables. Africa also faces regulatory challenges, as its 54 countries have diverging regulatory landscapes, especially in data protection and intellectual property rights.
The event is set to take place on 14 November. To attend, please email events@investafrica.com.
“Africa’s digital transformation is not just a goal but a necessity for the continent’s growth,” said Google’s Managing Director for Africa Alex Okosi. “Google is supporting a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups to help boost Africa’s digital transformation.”
Cassava Technologies, President&Group Chief Executive Officer Hardy Pemhiwa added, “We believe that digital infrastructure is one of the most important pillars for Africa’s economic development. Technology solutions for the continent must be grounded in ‘African Intelligence’. We have to develop local technology solutions and adapt what is available globally to Africa’s unique development challenges. Cassava Technologies has made extensive investments in realizing our vision of enabling a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.
For questions, please contact Cara Oldenburg, Head of Marketing and Events at Invest Africa, at cara.oldenburg@investafrica.com.