MWC Barcelona 2019
Mobile for Development: Catalysing partnerships to support the digital economy
Monday 25 February, 17:30 – 18:30
CC1, Theatres 1 & 2
(Open to all)
Over the last two decades, platform-based business models have become a key enabler of the digital economy. From e-commerce to ride-hailing and food delivery, the world is increasingly embracing digital platforms for the delivery of services which are often enabled by underlying payments capabilities.
In this context, many mobile money providers are transitioning towards a “payments as a platform” model, connecting consumers and businesses with a range of third-party services to meet their evolving needs. Major mobile network operators’ launch of a cross-border interoperable payments initiative, Mowali, is one of several steps in this direction. By transforming the mobile money model into a digital platform for the delivery of various goods and services, a platform approach will contribute to the economic empowerment of individuals, communities and businesses.
What will it take to get us from where we are today to a more integrated platform economy? How should the traditional business model change to create diversified revenue streams? How will the platform approach transform the way the needs of the underserved are addressed?
Join us as we explore these questions and unveil the latest industry trends to emerge from the 2018 State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money.
Mobile-Enabled Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Platforms: Addressing the Global Identity Gap and Looking to 2020
Monday 25th February
Location: NH Collection Barcelona Tower
8:00 – 9:30
This breakfast roundtable event has limited spaces. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected]
Mobile for development: Mobile IoT and Big Data for Climate Resilience and Rural Development
Tuesday 26 February, 1.30pm-3.00pm
(Places are limited)
Climate change has made weather patterns harder to predict and extreme events such as droughts and floods have become more frequent and severe. In the developing world, the availability of localised, granular weather forecasts can provide immense value to the two billion smallholder farmers who depend on rain for their daily agricultural activities. However, accurate weather data is scarcely available in developing countries where national meteorological agencies are chronically under-resourced. This session will look at the key role Mobile IoT and Big Data technologies can play in improving the range of services that strengthen the climate resilience of rural populations, from weather forecasts and agro-climatic advisory services to insurance against droughts and floods. The roundtable will be a unique opportunity to convene a range of stakeholders driving innovation in this area including weather companies, mobile operators and microinsurance providers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the key assets that mobile operators can offer to improve weather monitoring and forecasting in developing countries and discuss the potential business and implementation models that can support viable partnerships.
Mobile for Development: From challenge to impact – how to reach women at scale
Wednesday 27 February, 08:30 – 10:30
CC1, Theatre 2
(Open to all)
Join us for the launch of our 2019 “Mobile Gender Gap Report” and hear how our Connected Women Commitment partners are accelerating digital and financial inclusion for women, reaching over 12 million women and counting.
A significant gender gap in mobile phone ownership and usage in low- and middle-income countries, particularly for more transformational services such as mobile internet and mobile money services, is hindering growth for the mobile industry and means women are missing out. Learn what our new research and data says as we share our latest figures on the size of the mobile gender gap and explore the key issues and opportunities as well as progress that has been made. Hear also how our partners they are working to realize the significant commercial and social opportunity of greater digital and financial inclusion for women and network with others who are tackling this challenge. When women thrive, societies, businesses and economies thrive.
Mobile for Development: The Next 30 Years – Building an Inclusive Digital Future
Wednesday 27 February, 11:00 – 12:30
CC1, Theatres 1 & 2
(Open to all)
The World Wide Web, 30 years old in 2019, has revolutionised our global society at unprecedented speed. Given to the world for the good of humanity by its founder Sir Tim Berners Lee, the internet makes life-enhancing information and services available at the touch of a button, and mobile technology brings it into the palms of our hands. The mobile industry contributes $3.6 trillion to global GDP and Gallup research shows that mobile ownership combined with internet connectivity increases how individuals rate their own well-being. Mobile connectivity drives innovation and reduces inequalities in our world.
This seminar will showcase new innovations enabled by mobile internet and look at what the mobile industry, governments and development partners can do to ensure the next 30 years of the internet brings its benefits to everyone.
Addressing barriers to mobile access in humanitarian contexts – Agreeing areas of joint-action
Wednesday 27th February
CC3
14:00 -16:00
This roundtable has limited spaces. If you would like to attend, please email
[email protected]
#FYFN
25 – 27 February
(Open to all)
Visit the Ecosystem Accelerator Programme and their start-ups at stand 54, Hall M8 at Four Years From Now and learn about what innovation they are using to solve local challenges across Asia-Pacific and Africa. You will also find the start-ups at speaking throughout the week at both 4YFN and at MWC.