GITEX AFRICA 2023: Top Emerging Technologies To Be Discussed

Africa, a continent brimming with untapped potential, is gearing up to showcase its technology prowess at the GITEX AFRICA 2023. The event features every major technology player, trend and vertical, and it covers sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IOT), Digital finance, smart cities, cybersecurity, the data economy, mobility, healthcare and telecoms, etc.

As the digital revolution continues to sweep across the continent, GITEX Africa 2023 is coming in as a beacon of innovation, uniting thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts to delve into the transformative power of digital transformation.

With each sector holding immense promise for Africa’s future, this event serves as a platform to ignite meaningful conversations, foster collaboration, and unlock the continent’s boundless potential. These emerging technologies are already in play across the continent and GITEX AFRICA provides a platform for the pioneers in these technologies to share ideas on how to further develop technology in the continent.

Artificial Intelligence

AI plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape. From enhancing healthcare delivery systems to optimizing agriculture practices, AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors in Africa.

By fostering conversations on AI-driven solutions such as machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics, the event seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators will converge to share their experiences, present groundbreaking research, and explore collaborations that can harness AI’s transformative power in building a sustainable and inclusive future for Africa.

The keynote speech on Artificial Intelligence and its societal impact will be delivered by Dr Adel Al Sharji, the Chief Operating Officer at Presight AI. Some other notable names that will be in different discussions around AI include: Mustapha Zaouini, Chairman, AI in Africa; Armin Ibrisimovic, Head of the Societal and Human Sciences Program in Morocco; Natalie Raphil, a leading AI innovator in Africa and a great championer of Women in AI; Yau Garba, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Nigeria; among other speakers.

Digital Finance

In the recent past, there has been a surge in fintech in Africa with loads of startups around the continent offering fintech related solutions. The event has placed a special focus on digital finance, especially with the transformative potential of blockchain technology.

With its diverse economic landscape and a significant unbanked population, Africa is poised to embrace blockchain as a catalyst for financial inclusion, transparent transactions, and secure digital indentities.

GITEX AFRICA provides a platform for financial technology leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of digital finance in Africa. Through insightful discussions, panel sessions, and workshops, attendees will explore how blockchain can drive economic growth, improve access to financial services, and foster trust in transactions across the continent.

Among the trending topics under financial technology, include Open Banking and SME Lending. GITEX AFRICA has two different highly anticipated for Fireside Chats that will look to dissect fintech and specifically Open Banking and SME Lending.

While open banking holds great promise for Africa it also faces significant challenges such as data privacy concerns, regulatory barriers, and limited infrastructure in some regions. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between industry players, policy makers and regulators to establish a secure, transparent and inclusive open banking systems.

A fireside chat of Djiba Diallo, the Senior Fintech Advisor at Ecobank and Simon Hardie, the CEO of Findexable will look to take their discussions deep into open banking. The two will discuss about whether Africa is betting big on Open Banking.

On the other hand, another fireside chat will be looking at how African SMEs can leverage innovative lending tools, technological solutions, and regulatory framework to exand their reach and drive business development. The panel will boast the likes of Shruti Chandrasekhar, Africa Regional Lead, International Finance Corporation; Omar Bekkali, Director, Africinvest; and Alex Sea, Founder, African Fintech Forum.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications infrastructure forms the backbone of Africa’s digital revolution, enabling connectivity and communication across vast distances. The event will bring together key players in the telecommunications industry, including policymakers, service providers, and technology vendors.

Internet penetration plays a big role in the development of technology in Africa, something that Telecommunication companies in the continent have been pioneering. The event will give a platform to discuss the challenges of bridging the digital divide, expanding connectivity to remote areas, and leveraging telecommunications to drive socio-economic growth and digital inclusion.

New network infrastructure projects are underway in Africa signaling a promising advancement in the continent’s connectivity and potential for economic growth. One of the great panels at GITEX AFRICA 2023 will take a deep look into this and discuss on advancing the continent’s connectivity and the latest updates on fiberoptics telecommunication projects in the continent as well.

Some of the top executives in Africa’s biggest telecommunication companies will lead the discussions in this. The main panel on Telecommunications has Robert Aouad, CEO, ISOSEC Telecom; Hendrick Kasteel, CEO, Orange Maroc; Vaughn Naidoo, General Manager, B2B Technology COE, MTN; and Loni Prinsloo, a Bloomberg correspondent based in South Africa.

Cybersecurity

As Africa embraces the digital age and experiences rapid technological advancements, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Gitex Africa recognizes that with increased connectivity and digital innovation comes the pressing need to safeguard data, privacy, and digital infrastructure from cyber threats. In a world where cybercrime is a growing concern, the event places a dedicated focus on cybersecurity, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the challenges and solutions associated with protecting Africa’s digital frontier.

Renowned speaker, Nathan Swain, the Chief information officer at the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and digital, will give his remarks on cybersecurity. Nathan is reputed for his 20 years of experience as a senior leader and trusted advisor in cyber security within both the financial service and government. The pivotal issue of cybersecurity will be tackled in different segments at the GITEX AFRICA digital summit.

The head of research center, GReAT META team France, Kaspersky will also be among speakers talking on matters cybersecurity as he will be tackling on the topic of the shocking reality of cyber threats. Amin recognizes and acknowledges the dynamic shift to the digital era and many economies undergoing significant tech transformations. However, the issue of security is inevitable.

In matters cyber security, there will also be a panel discussing on the threat demographics of Africa. The panelists include: Abdoulaye S. Doucoure, head of the ICT Ivory Cost (AFRIPOL), Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, chair Ethiopia. African Union cyber security expert group, Samuel Ubido, Global OT information security expert UK, University of Oxford scholar.

Gitex Africa stands at the forefront of Africa’s technological renaissance, championing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Finance, Coding, and Telecommunications. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking, the event aspires to accelerate Africa’s digital journey, creating an environment where innovation flourishes, challenges are addressed, and opportunities are seized. Gitex Africa represents a crucial milestone in Africa’s quest to embrace emerging technologies, propelling the continent towards a future where technology serves as a catalyst for economic empowerment, social progress, and sustainable development.