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.

TimeSession Title
09:00-09:05Video Montage: Introducing HCA and its Vision, 2024 Theme
09:05-09:15Welcome Address
09:15-09:25Convergence Charge
09:25-09:45Keynote: The importance of digital infrastructure in Africa's growth
09:45-10:45Panel: Innovating towards Africa's Digital Future
10:45-11:00Fireside Chat: Building and exiting digital infrastructure: The MainOne story
11:00-12:00Panel: Data Center and Cloud in Africa- the journey to 2500MW
12:00-13:00Panel: Converting Africa's 1.4B people into a Digital Talent Boom!
13:00-14:00Lunch
14:00-14:15Fireside Chat: Last-Mile Champions: IHS's Commitment to Digital Penetration in Africa
14:15-15:15Panel: Satellite, Subsea and Terrestial- Africa's Path to Seamless and Integrated Connectivity
15:15-15:30Fireside Chat: Raising Accountable Policy Leaders
15:30-16:30Panel: Regulatory Frameworks for Fostering Digital Infrastructure Development in Africa
16:30-17:30Panel: Funding Africa's Digital Infrastructure: FDI or IGIs?
17:30-17:40Vote 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

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