Innovation Africa Digital (IAD) Summit 2023
14th – 15th June 2023
Sheraton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In many countries, connectivity is available but people are not engaging with ICTs, either because they cannot afford it or do not see a compelling use case. Relevant content, affordable price-points, and innovative delivery models are a key driver for revenue growth for all online service providers, and hold the key to market differentiation. IAD explores developments and innovations in delivery platforms for engaging content and B2C/B2B transactions, which in turn encourage adoption, improve ARPU and support customer retention.
The IAD summit attracts a high caliber of attendee. Attendance is restricted to senior decision makers from across Africa, who play a key role in the digital transformation of their country and is limited to around 300 attendees with all delegate participants qualified to participate. The summit will also be attended by carefully selected international investors, consultants, solution providers and vendors, all vetted to ensure relevance to the objectives of the attendees. Alongside a World class conference agenda, attendees enjoy high level networking opportunities, focused workshops and facilitated business meetings over the 2 days of the summit. Delegates leave a DCS summit with valuable, new knowledge and useful resources. They make high level connections with peers and potential partners, gain valuable insights through the panels, keynotes and workshops and assess potential solution partners, new ideas and innovative advances in technology through private meetings and networking.
Agenda
This is an exciting time for Digital Content and Services. The Summit brings together the leaders of the Telecoms and ICT Market
DAY 1
8:00 – 9:30
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
9:30 – 10:30
WELCOME & OPENING CEREMONY
| Keynotes Keynote Opening National Objectives and Priorities – Minister |
10:30 – 11:00
NETWORKING BREAK – PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
11:00 – 11:15
From Telco to TechCo – Keynote Speechh
Telcos are no longer just suppliers of voice and data connectivity, they are drivers and providers of entire technology stacks and platforms. ICT is a key driver for economic sectors across the board. We review the leading strategies for the next generation of telcos
11:15 – 11:30
ICT Scorecard – Keynote Speech
| Authoritative rankings have identified key metrics of digital diffusion and impact across Africa. How does Africa compare to other parts of the world, and which countries are the digital leaders in Africa today? We assess performance excellence, opportunities, shortcomings, and success tips. |
11:30 – 12:15
Operator Perspectives and Digital Ecosystems – Panel
| Operators and service providers are core to the growth of next generation ICT-enabled education, health, finance and civic ecosystems. We examine how savvy operators and service providers are engaging with large as well as emerging national players in this regard |
12:15 – 12:30
| Sectoral Contributions of ICT |
| ICTs are a sector in their own right – but also key enablers and drivers of other sectors. We examine these contributions from the delivery mechanisms to content and affordability. Experts share how investment into digital has boosted education, healthcare, and the broader economy. |
12:30 – 12:45
Presentations SOLUTION SHOWCASES
Short presentations from attending vendors and solution providers, showcasing solutions
12:45 – 14:15
NETWORKING LUNCH
14:15 – 15:00
| Startup Ecosystems – Panel |
African countries have a high youth dividend, driven and inspired by global always-on digital media. This panel shares insights on how accelerators, incubators and innovation movements are being spearheaded by governments, tech giants, and operators
15:00 – 15:15
Policies and Roadmaps – Keynote
| Attracting foreign investment along with domestic capital is key for growing the digital ecosystem and innovation potential of a country. Effective policies and roadmaps show how needs of international investors can be met for companies at various stages of growth |
15:15 – 15:45
NETWORKING
15:45 – 16:30
| Innovative Business Models – Panel and showcase |
| A range of proven business models has emerged for operators and service providers to meet CAPEX challenges. Examples include MVNOs, infracos, as-a-service, performance-based billing, and subscription models. Best practices and trends will be showcased |
16:30 – 17:15
| Digital Ethiopia – Panel 1 |
| The first of two deep-dive panels into Ethiopia’s digital ecosystems. We chart the progress made in ensuring access to the internet and mobile networks, and promoting local content and services. What were the key lessons learnt, and what are the future pathways? |
Day 2
09:30
Networking
10:00 – 10:45
Tech Futures – Panel
The future is already here but not evenly distributed! What should stakeholders be watching on the radar we explore the practical application of higher speeds and lower latency connectivity. ChatGPT, metaverse and 5G are all the rage – what’s coming next?
10:45 – 11:00
Broadband Investment
Broadband penetration correlates strongly with GDP growth. What are the services that are driving demand for broadband investment? We look at impact metrics, and how governments are responding to industry needs.
11:00 – 11:45
Rural Community Access – Panel
digital access in remote rural areas is key not just for digital inclusion but community empowerment. Citizens in these areas are looking for better livelihood and dignity. We analyse the practical use cases justifying investment into connecting underserved areas
11:45 – 12:15
NETWORKING BREAK
12:15 – 13:00
Social Impacts and Environmental Sustainability – Panel
The energy crisis, political upheaval, and climate change have thrown up a wide range of challenges – and ICT innovators and policymakers have risen to the occasion. We learn how social good can be an economical driver of growth
13:00 – 13:15
National Agenda Showcases
Experts from across the continent share best practices, policy achievements, and notable digital innovations from their respective countries. Peer learnings from nations at different stages of ICT diffusion will include recommendations for industry and government.
13:15 – 14:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
14:30 – 15:15
Regulating for Innovation – Fireside Chat
Innovative approaches to regulation are needed to yield digital dividends for a new generation of players. Countries must focus not just on ICT penetration, but value capture and IP generation through innovation. Learn how regulators are rising to the challenge here
15:15 – 16:00
Digital Ethiopia – Panel 2
The second deep-dive panel into Ethiopia’s digital agenda. We examine key shifts in demographics, economy, and global connections. How can ICTs raise GDP while also meeting commitments to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals? We examine forecasts and signposts ahead.
16:30
CLOSING CEREMONY
Sponsors
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