In West Africa, mobile is increasingly becoming critical for millions to access life enhancing services and solutions. With 175 million unique subscribers – accounting for 320 million mobile connections – West Africa is one of the fastest growing mobile markets globally. Mobile broadband connections are projected to reach nearly 60% by 2020, and the mobile industry plays a key role in creating, distributing and consuming innovative digital solutions and services across the sub-region.
The GSMA recognises a growing opportunity to bring the conversation to West Africa with its Mobile 360 Series event. The GSMA Mobile 360 Series – West Africa event will convene senior policymakers and executive-level industry representatives from across the region. At the event, attendees will hear the latest views on what is needed to enhance digital transformation in the region in a way that is sustainable for business, government and society. The event is designed to address the economics of rural deployment and how policies should inspire confidence and encourage long-term private investment in the digital economy. Regional and international policy, regulatory, operator, investor and start-up representatives from across the mobile ecosystem will discuss how mobile can continue leading the development of life-enhancing services, highlighting its positive impact on economic growth and inclusion.
Through a series of keynotes, panel discussions and in-depth case studies, the conference programme at the event will focus on mobile as the foundation for digital transformation in West Africa. Some of the conference themes include:
- Building an environment conducive to expanding mobile broadband connectivity
- Stimulating the development of scalable, life-enhancing services
- Fostering growth, inclusion and innovation
- Use cases: mobile and social transformation
Explore the full agenda here.
The event has an incredible line-up of speakers comprising senior executives from organisations including:
- Airtel
- African Development Bank
- Etisalat
- Esoko
- GSMA
- Orange Côte d’Ivoire
The full speaker line-up is available here.
In addition to the conference, GSMA Mobile 360 – West Africa will highlight the initiatives and activities undertaken by the GSMA Mobile for Development programme. The event will focus on the GSMA’s work to increase access to and use of life-enhancing mobile services, the acceleration of socio-economic improvements for the underserved, especially women, rural and youth, and particularly digital and financial inclusion and identity for the unregistered.
By bringing together a range of constituencies including mobile network operators, agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure, finance, local start-ups representatives, and others, the GSMA aims to enable partnerships between public and private stakeholders to deliver social impact and drive growth.
Registration to attend the GSMA Mobile 360 Series – West Africa event is open. Get all the information and indicate your interest to attend the event here.
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.