This informative document explores how AI-enabled solutions improve operational efficiencies, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 29, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The 2024 Broadband Development Congress: Cape Town, hosted by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) (www.WorldBroadbandAssociation.com) during Africa Tech Festival 2024, brought together global industry leaders and stakeholders from the operator, technology, ministerial, and banking sectors to address the critical challenges and opportunities in expanding broadband access across Africa.

In addition to showcasing broadband adoption success stories, a highlight was the launch of a whitepaper, The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability. This informative document explores how AI-enabled solutions improve operational efficiencies, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions while supporting sustainable and resilient fixed broadband infrastructure.

With broadband subscriptions up by 22% in the past year, and broadband service revenues forecast to grow 45% to $6.7 billion in 2029, the conference emphasised the importance of partnerships and innovation.

Collaborative solutions to Africa’s broadband challenges

With over 130 global members and a growing African membership, the WBBA is a multilateral, industry-led association providing leadership for digital broadband innovation. The organisation’s objective is to overcome industry challenges and support the drive toward the provision of broadband networks and services for all. The 2024 Broadband Development Congress: Cape Town provided the perfect platform to achieve these goals.

Key discussions and expert insights

Delivering the event’s opening address, Dr. Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association, discussed broadband’s transformative role in Africa’s digital landscape, highlighting the continent’s rich resources and bright digital future. Nfaly Sylla, Chief of Staff at Guinea’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, reinforced this message, showcasing initiatives like the National Data Centre and its role in digital growth.

Ke Ruiwen, Executive Director, Chairman, and CEO of China Telecom, outlined the evolution of telecom companies into ‘techcos’ and Africa-focused investment strategies. Reflecting on the whitepaper theme, Norbert Prihoda, Deputy CEO of Tunisie Telecom, emphasised AI’s impact on broadband deployment.

Dr. Sunil Piyarlall, Network Architecture and Modelling Executive at Openserve, called for equitable digital infrastructure access, and Pieter Viljoen, CEO of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable, explored scalable fibre production models for Africa.

A dynamic panel addressed critical themes like investments, regulatory frameworks, and financing models, with experts from Omdia, Gambia Telecom, Africa Cyber Defense Forum, MTN, Standard Bank, and ZTE Corporation discussing practical steps to accelerate broadband deployment.

Tebogo Moloi, Head of Cloud Engineering at Standard Bank Group, highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in supporting banking services and enhancing customer experiences across Africa. Kim Jin, Vice President and CMO of Huawei’s Optical Business Product Line, presented on the company’s initiatives to support broadband expansion in Africa, suggesting African carriers consider monetisation models to drive digital economy and revenue growth.

In the closing address, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner discussed the concept of smart sustainability and how AI is transforming broadband through smarter network planning, optimisation, and management. He elaborated on the key themes of The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability whitepaper, reiterating that the biggest challenge identified – ensuring data availability and quality – is a call to action for operators aiming to maximise AI’s benefits.

Get the whitepaper

The whitepaper, The Role of AI in Fixed Networks Sustainability, is now available for download (https://apo-opa.co/4icS8r4) on the WBBA website. It provides essential guidance for industry leaders navigating the path toward a sustainable, digitally connected Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Broadband Association (WBBA).

A judging panel will review the top entries per region and select the top three finalists based on their creativity

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Exness (www.Exness.com), one of the world’s largest retail brokers, has announced the launch of its new social media initiative, forming part of its ongoing #BornToTrade campaign. This user-generated campaign (UGC) invites traders across Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa to share their personal trading journeys and connect with a massive community of like-minded individuals.

Building on the success of the powerful #BornToTrade campaign, this UGC further emphasizes the inherent passion and drive that fuels successful traders. By encouraging participants to share their stories, Exness fosters a community, empowering traders worldwide with inspiring stories.

Campaign Mechanics

This initiative calls traders to complete the phrase “I was Born To Trade because…” through videos or pictures of themselves and their trading setups. Each submission will represent an authentic and creative story about why trading is an essential part of their lives. Participants must use the hashtags #IWasBornToTrade and #BornToTrade, tag @Exness, and nominate two friends to join the challenge. All entries must also use the official Exness campaign audio provided on Instagram.

This initiative provides a platform for traders to connect, inspire others, and celebrate their shared passion for the markets

To see how you can take part in the competition, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3B5CXiT).

A judging panel will review the top entries per region and select the top three finalists based on their creativity. These entries will be showcased across Exness’ social media channels.

Exciting Prizes by Region

Depending on the region, winners will receive exclusive prizes, including tech devices, signed sports memorabilia, and other rewards. In addition, all regional winners will receive a custom Exness merch kit featuring exclusive “Born to Trade” branding and personalized winning phrases.

Dildora Djalolova, Exness Head of Social Media, commented, “We believe that every trader has a unique story to tell. This initiative provides a platform for traders to connect, inspire others, and celebrate their shared passion for the markets. We are excited to see all the creative ways our clients will express how they were #BornToTrade.

This UGC initiative will run from 25 November to 27 December 2024.

Exness uses a combination of technology and ethics to raise the industry benchmark and create favorable conditions for traders. It offers clients a frictionless trading experience and unique market protections and allows them to experience how the markets should be.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.

New Format Promises Enhanced Networking, Hands-on Workshops, Interactive Insights and Country Showcases

This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), Africa’s premier conference for tourism and hospitality investment, is gearing up for its 2025 edition in Cape Town. Taking place from 17 to 19 June at The Westin Cape Town, AHIF 2025 will introduce an innovative, dynamic format aimed at fostering new partnerships and facilitating deals within Africa’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector – one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant visitor economy, provides the perfect backdrop for AHIF’s annual gathering. Moreover, the South African hospitality industry is projected to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 billion by 2029, driven by increasing traveller numbers and a resurgence post-COVID-19. 

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, the organiser of AHIF, commented: “We are excited to bring AHIF to Cape Town, a city that embodies the energy and potential of African hospitality. This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders. AHIF is where the future of African hospitality is shaped. By offering delegates the chance to explore Cape Town, we are adding a unique layer of value to their participation. The connections made and the insights gained from these hands-on experiences will be invaluable as we work together to drive investment and development across Africa.”

The new format, which is focused on networking and tailored insights, has been carefully designed to go beyond the conference rooms, introducing country pavilions from across Africa to showcase the latest opportunities in the region to investors. The advantages of the new format include personalised itineraries, hands-on workshops, roundtables, enhanced networking, and insights on economic trends. Focused on C-level hospitality and tourism investment decision-makers, AHIF continues to be exclusively focused on those who are shaping the future of hospitality in Africa.

Daniel Silke, political economist, emphasised the potential impact of AHIF: “The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum is taken seriously as an industry-leading event globally. It addresses one of the most intriguing and exciting markets, Africa, where growth rates remain high, and demographic shifts, urbanisation, and an increase in air connectivity are driving substantial interest from hotel groups. AHIF stands out not just for the expert speakers and deep insights, but also for fostering personal connections that are invaluable in this dynamic industry.”

With opportunities growing at an unprecedented rate, AHIF is more than a meeting; it’s a catalyst for action, insight, and strategic partnerships that are shaping the continent’s hospitality future.

For more information, visit www.AHIF.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.