According to the GSMA’s upcoming Mobile Economy West Africa 2018 report, subscriber penetration rates reached 47 per cent in West Africa, up from 28 per cent at the start of the decade. This rapid growth has meant that mobile has brought new opportunities for governments, operators, start-ups, and other industry segments across all West Africa. But at the same time, are the policies supporting the integration of technology into society enough? How is mobile increasing consumer trust? How can the industry ensure digital inclusion works for all?
Senior-level delegates from mobile operators, the broader mobile ecosystem, regulators and policymakers will address these and many other issues at the GSMA Mobile 360 Series – West Africa. During the two-day event, key stakeholders will explore the digitisation efforts across all sectors of the economy in the ECOWAS region, focusing on two central drivers of the digital revolution: people and technology. How is mobile technology contributing to a truly Digital Africa and what are the implications for individuals, business, government and the economy?
On Day One of Mobile 360 – West Africa, we welcome the inaugural ECOWAS Annual Regional Conference which explores how government, working in partnership with industry, can create an enabling environment for the development and promotion of a digital regional economy.The Mastercard workshop brings together operators, regulators and other industry players to discuss how is mobile technology shaping a digitally inclusive Africa.
On Day Two, the conference programme will focus on how to empower Africa’s growing consumer base through mobile, as well as how regional policies can sufficiently support the integration of technology into society. Sessions will include ‘How Digital is Changing the Consumer Landscape’, ‘Opening New Markets to Financial Services through Technology’, ‘Supporting the Expansion of the Digital Economy in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)’ and ‘Building a Culture of Confidence and Trust in Data’, among others.
The conference features a stellar line-up of speakers, including:
- Bruno Nabagne Kone, Minister of ICT, Cote d’Ivoire
- Pierre Guislain, Vice-President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, African Development Bank
- Aurelie Adam-Soule, Minister of ICT, Benin
- Kago Kagichiri, CEO, Eneza Education
- John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA
- Fatoumata Ba, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Jumia
- Davidi Vortman, CEO, Lumos Global
- Freddy Tchala, CEO, MTN Cote d’Ivoire
- Aurelien Duval-Delort, Managing Director, Bizao, Orange Bizao
View the entire list of speakers here.
The event includes a range of networking activities including an Evening Networking Reception, which is open to all attendees on 11 April. On 12 April, alongside the conference, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Innovation Showcase featuring showcases from leading start-ups and innovative solution providers for the West African market.
Registration is open for Mobile 360 – West Africa and you can apply to attend here. Attending the event is complimentary but all interested registrants will go through a pre-approval screening process to ensure the seniority levels at the event.
Finally, don’t forget you can keep up-to-date with all the latest developments and news from the Mobile 360 Series – West Africa event on our social media platforms – use #M360WA to be part of the conversation.