Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
10:15 am
Aldrich 108
Ecosystem Development

Telecoms vs. Fintech Startups: The Race for Financial Innovation

In the realm of Africa's mobile money evolution spanning the last seventeen years, telecom companies initially took the lead, steering growth and diversification. Yet, the narrative is shifting with the rise of fintech startups, who are evolving beyond mobile money infrastructure to value-add services like credit, insurance, savings, and connectivity across global borders. This transition has left telecom companies struggling to keep pace, raising questions about the sustainability of their traditional business models. The pivotal query revolves around whether the market's tilt toward these incremental financial services will challenge the established order. Fintech startups, considered catalysts for this transformation, are nudging telecom companies to revamp their mobile money operations into more agile fintech entities.

Telecoms vs. Fintech Startups: The Race for Financial Innovation

In the realm of Africa's mobile money evolution spanning the last seventeen years, telecom companies initially took the lead, steering growth and diversification. Yet, the narrative is shifting with the rise of fintech startups, who are evolving beyond mobile money infrastructure to value-add services like credit, insurance, savings, and connectivity across global borders. This transition has left telecom companies struggling to keep pace, raising questions about the sustainability of their traditional business models. The pivotal query revolves around whether the market's tilt toward these incremental financial services will challenge the established order. Fintech startups, considered catalysts for this transformation, are nudging telecom companies to revamp their mobile money operations into more agile fintech entities.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 10:15 AM
Aldrich 108

Other Sessions

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Keynotes
Saturday
|
9:05 am
Klarman Hall
Building Africa’s Digital Infrastructure to Spur the Next Decade of Innovation
Bridging Africa's digital divide and navigating its impact on African innovation
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Building Africa’s Digital Infrastructure to Spur the Next Decade of Innovation

Africa is in the midst of a digital revolution: approximately 473 million Africans are online, and an additional 300 million will likely join them by 2025. Average download speeds in Africa doubled between 2015 and 2019, while data costs halved. Underpinning this growth is the installation of digital infrastructure (fiber optics, data centers, and more) -  Africa has witnessed notable strides in digital infrastructure development, with increased investments in 4G and 5G technology. In an era where digital connectivity has become the linchpin of economic progress, what will it take for Africa to compete in the global digital economy? 

In this keynote panel, we will hear from the folks building that infrastructure and deploying. The session will share insights into bridging Africa's digital divide, navigating the impact of these technological advancements on the continent's innovation landscape, as well as delve into discussions on financing structures, inclusivity in access, digital economic transformation, and the pivotal role of government policies.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 9:05 AM
Klarman Hall
More Info
Breakout 1
Saturday
|
10:15 am
Aldrich 109
Empowering Africa's Pharma Revolution
A discussion on the critical issue of pharmaceutical production on the continent
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Empowering Africa's Pharma Revolution

African nations are on the precipice of momentous changes in the healthcare landscape. Challenges in infectious disease still ravage major segments of the continent while chronic illnesses are emerging as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The push for changes, however, has often led to the adoption of partial solutions while the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that the most difficult problems remain unresolved. In this session, we are convening an elite group of professionals, ranging from drug manufacturers, regulators, entrepreneurs, and astute investors to discuss the critical issue of pharmaceutical production on the continent. This session is meticulously designed for decision-makers and innovators seeking to capture tremendous opportunity and make a tangible impact in the healthcare sector. 

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 10:15 AM
Aldrich 109
More Info
Lunches
Saturday
|
12:25 pm
Batten Hives 304
Thematic Lunch: Travel & Tourism
Themed Networking Lunch
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Thematic Lunch: Travel & Tourism

Connect with folks that are interested in travel and tourism in Africa over lunch.

America/New_York
Feb 17, 2024 12:25 PM
Batten Hives 304