GSMA Unveils Speakers for Mobile 360 Series–West Africa

By Dipo Olowookere

First speakers for the 2019 Mobile 360 Series–West Africa conference have been announced by the organisers, GSMA.

The, sponsored by MasterCard, Visa and Intelsat, is slated for April 16-17 at the Radisson Blu Abidjan Airport Hotel in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“The mobile industry is playing a major role in leading digital, financial and social inclusion in many African countries by providing access to essential information and services,” said, John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd. “We are excited to be returning to West Africa for a third time to continue examining what is needed to overcome critical roadblocks in technology, governance, business models and investment. The event will provide an invaluable opportunity for attendees to share their experiences and expand the positive impact of mobile throughout this vibrant region.”

Mobile 360 – West Africa will take a look at the role of the Digital Citizen – questioning what citizens of the future want as the number of active users and investment continues to grow. The 2018 event focused on who is leading the digital revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2019, GSMA builds on this and looks at who benefits from the digital revolution. What impact will digital have on the job market, content creation, commercial trends and what are the key stepping-stones for creating a digital society that is inclusive and secure for the future?

In addition to the conference, 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; accelerate socio-economic improvements for the underserved, especially women, rural populations and youth; drive digital and financial inclusion; and provide identity services for the unregistered.

A statement issued by the firm said the first speakers confirmed to present at Mobile 360–West Africa include Francis Obirikorang, CEO, AgroCenta; Dr Precious Lunga, CEO and Co-Founder, Baobab Circle; Grégoire Landel, CEO and Founder, City Taps; and Genesis Ehimegbe, Co-Founder and CFO, COLIBA.

Others are Carole Attoungbre, Country Director, Eneza; Onyeka Akumah, CEO and Founder, Farmcrowdy; Alain Nteff, CEO, GiftedMom; John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA; Delmas Ehui, CEO, ICT4DEV; and Vèna Arielle Ahouansou, CEO, KEA Medicals.

Also confirmed are Claudette Irere, Director General, Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (MiTEC) Rwanda; Ogunlana Olumide, COO and Founder, Prepclass; and Samba Sow, CEO and Founder, SudPay.