The power of convergence
Bridging the infrastructure gap to drive growth and development for Africa
Africa’s digital infrastructure is expanding with mobile networks, internet penetration, and investments in data centers and fiber optic cables. However, challenges persist limited broadband access, especially in rural areas, high costs of internet services and devices, unreliable power supply, inconsistent regulations, and funding gaps. Additionally, a shortage of skilled professionals and rising cybersecurity threats hinder progress. Addressing these issues is essential for leveraging the full potential of digital infrastructure and achieving inclusive digital transformation across the continent. Despite progress, significant efforts are needed to overcome these barriers and ensure widespread digital access and connectivity.
On September 5 in Lagos Nigeria, for its inaugural annual conference, HCA will bring together Africa’s digital infrastructure leaders, decision-makers, and enablers from across the continent to leverage this platform to drive innovation and sustainable solutions and foster collaborations to achieve digital connectivity with a focus on 6 key transformative agendas.
| Time | Session Title |
|---|---|
| 09:00-09:05 | Video Montage: Introducing HCA and its Vision, 2024 Theme |
| 09:05-09:15 | Welcome Address |
| 09:15-09:25 | Convergence Charge |
| 09:25-09:45 | Keynote: The importance of digital infrastructure in Africa's growth |
| 09:45-10:45 | Panel: Innovating towards Africa's Digital Future |
| 10:45-11:00 | Fireside Chat: Building and exiting digital infrastructure: The MainOne story |
| 11:00-12:00 | Panel: Data Center and Cloud in Africa- the journey to 2500MW |
| 12:00-13:00 | Panel: Converting Africa's 1.4B people into a Digital Talent Boom! |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00-14:15 | Fireside Chat: Last-Mile Champions: IHS's Commitment to Digital Penetration in Africa |
| 14:15-15:15 | Panel: Satellite, Subsea and Terrestial- Africa's Path to Seamless and Integrated Connectivity |
| 15:15-15:30 | Fireside Chat: Raising Accountable Policy Leaders |
| 15:30-16:30 | Panel: Regulatory Frameworks for Fostering Digital Infrastructure Development in Africa |
| 16:30-17:30 | Panel: Funding Africa's Digital Infrastructure: FDI or IGIs? |
| 17:30-17:40 | Vote of Thanks and HCA 2025 Announcements |
Hyperscalers Convergence Africa agenda
9.00 – 9.05
Chairperson’s Welcome address
9.05 – 9.20
Data Center and Cloud Address: Artificial Intelligence in the Data Center: Understanding a new Market: Bill Kleyman, CEO Apolo/Program Chair, AFCOM and Data Center World
9.20 – 10.05
Panel Session: Data Center and Cloud Address: Africa’s Journey to 2500MW
Panelists:
Sayo Oshadami, General Manager, Technical Solutions/Managed Networks, MainOne (An Equinix Company)
Dr. Krish Ranganath (Krish), Regional Executive, Africa Data Centres
Adewole Adebisi, Head, Operations, Raxio Group
Babatunde Edun, Executive Director Tranos Contracting Limited
Gbenga Adegbiji, Chief Executive Officer, Geniserve (Moderator)
10.05 – 10.50
Panel: Funding Africa’s digital infrastructure: what is the right mix?
Panelists:
Ike Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Realty Nigeria
Egomaron Jegede, Program Manager, Network Investments, Meta Platforms
Dan Croft, Regional Industry Manager, Central and Anglophone West Africa, International Finance Corporation
Guy Zibi, Managing Director, Xalam Analytics
Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chief Executive Officer, Open Access Data Centres (Moderator)
10.50 – 11.35
Panel Session: Satellite, Subsea and Terrestial- Africa’s Path to Seamless and Integrated Connectivity
Panelists:
Reuben Oshomah, Regional Director, West and Central Africa, Avanti Communications Group Plc
Lanre Kolade, Chairman, ConnectedCompute
Wole Abu, Chief Executive Officer, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria
Josephine Sarouk, Managing Director, Bayobab
Jubril Saba, Vice President, Operations, IHS Towers (Moderator)
11.35 – 12.20
Panel: Innovating Towards Africa’s Digital Future
Panelists:
‘Deremi Atanda, Chief Executive Officer, Remita Payment
Frank Eleanya, Senior Writer for Infrastructure, Business and BigTech, TechCabal
Wabo Majavu, Executive, Strategy and Business Operations, Africa Data Centre
Ifeanyi Akosionu, Chief Executive Officer, inq (Moderator)
12.20– 12.30
Networking/coffee break: Musical interlude
12.30 – 12.45
Fireside Chat: Leveraging Powerlines for Improved Connectivity
Discussants:
Femi Fajemirokun, Head, Information, Telecoms and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), West African Power Pool (WAPP)
Lanre Kolade, Chairman, ConnectedCompute
Temitope Osunrinde, Vice President, Marketing, Partnerships and Business Development, Tizeti (Moderator)
12.45 – 01.00
Fireside Chat: Emerging Technologies in Africa’s data center industry
Discussants:
Dr. Krish Ranganath (Krish), Regional Executive, Africa Data Centres
Moderator: Engr. Makinwa Adetoro, Senior Business Development Manager, West, Central and Southern Africa, Baicells Technology
01.00 – 01.45
Panel: The Talent Gap: Developing sustainable digital talent for Africa
Panelists:
Hakeem Onasanya, Head, Startups (Lagos Innovates), Lagos State Employment Trust Fund
Olusola Teniola, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives, ipNX Nigeria
Adewale Adeyemi, Executive Business Director, Nigeria and Africa, Tek Experts
Olawale Owoeye, Chief Executive Officer, Cedarview Communications
Olusegun Maleghemi, Chief Innovation Officer, Ouranos Lab (Moderator)
01.45 – 02.00
Presentations
02.00 – 02.20
Keynote: Building the Future: Proactive Regulation for Africa’s Digital Infrastructure – Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association
02.20 – 03.05
Panel: Regulatory frameworks for fostering digital infrastructure development in Africa
Panelists:
Dr. Ayotunde Coker, Chairman, Africa Data Centres Association
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State ICT Agency.
Olatubosun Alake, Honorable Commissioner of Science, Technology and Innovation, Lagos State
Douglas Njenga, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, WIOCC Group
Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Meta Platforms (Moderator)
03.05 – 03.10
Thank you
Agenda
