[AfricaCom 2013] Day three

Higlights

1. Day three keynote: "Next Steps to Connect Africa"

   Richard Bell, vice chairman at Wananchi, opened the final day of AfricaCom 2013 detailing how fixed broadband networks will be the platform for the next surge in African telecoms. Strong investment in the infrastructure continues, as the explosion of content drives traffic on the internet and promotes economic growth in the region.

   The devices discussion continues and panellists from Microsoft and Intelligent-Energy assessed the specific needs of African consumers. Price remains a key factor in the purchase decision, but as smartphone prices continue to fall, consumers are prepared to pay a little more for added functionality.

   The keynote session wrapped up with MTN's perspective on how to enhance the quality of connectivity across Africa.

2. Regulatory evolution

   Africa has a dynamic regulatory space which significantly impacts the whole continent's communications industry. The take away from today's Regulatory Evolution stream at AfricaCom was a real toolbox focusing on increasing competition to drive fairness. Speakers discussed the use of market intervention to avoid domination, easing market entry; economies of scale, and mandatory infrastructure sharing were just some.

3. Infrastructure sharing

   Helios Towers' hosted Infrastructure Sharing stream proved that it's come a long way from mere outsourcing as it was considered years ago. The models to reduce both CapEx and OpEx are varied and the advantages far reaching: from operators and clients to ecological and aesthetic benefits. Infrastructure sharing is also set to grow strongly over the coming years thanks to increasing regulator support.

4. Wireless broadband

   The third day of AfricaCom featured the popular wireless broadband stream with a turn out proving the continent's dedication and desires to connect each corner of the vast continent. Topics discussed included current levels of internet penetration, network infrastructure, cost and management issues, as well as human and development factors. Wireless technology is most certainly something which will continue to give the industry much to talk about.

5. Big Data

   AfricaCom took on the buzz of Big Data on day three in the first-ever dedicated session on the topic. A world-class speaker lineup featured Huawei's Big Data expert delivering the opening keynote, followed by case studies from the City of Cape Town, First National Bank and Deutsche Telekom. Mahindra Comviva and Folup also discussed the future value of Big Data as one of the most promising technologies.

6. AfricaCast

   AfricaCast looked at local content and the impact of this content across Africa. Major case studies came from regional stations including Cape Town TV, Channels TV and Umuntu Media. This was mixed in with a special presentation from Stephane Mayoux, Current Affairs editor for BBC Africa, discussing the future of the BBC in Africa

7. AfricApps

   AfricApps had a day full of local innovation from local app developers. It continued the themes of the Google workshop the previous day looking at the importance of SDKs and the evolution of User Consumption. Highlights were a workshop led by Polymorph, as well as a presentation from a local Polymorph developer looking at creating apps that cater to Africans Abroad.

For more:

• Bizcommunity search: AfricaCom
  
• Google news search: AfricaCom 2013
  
• www.africa.comworldseries.com