Africa’s vibrant tech ecosystem is set to be energized by these key events in the upcoming year, offering a platform for cutting-edge ideas, meaningful connections, and the advancement of the continent’s technological revolution.
1). Innovate Nigeria Conference and Expo 2024
- Date: February 6 – 9
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Overview: The largest Corporate Innovation Conference and Expo in Nigeria, themed “Accelerating Business Transformation in the Age of AI,” featuring 14+ industry tracks and attracting top-notch speakers. The event will foster cross-sector discussions, attracting over 5,000 attendees and 10,000 online participants.
2). 9th Edition Connected Banking Summit
- Date: February 21
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Overview: A two-day summit in Accra, Ghana, focusing on forward-thinking banking models, digital transformation, customer experiences, regulatory compliance, privacy, and security. Global executives and industry experts will convene to discuss and network.
- Date: March 18 – 21
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Overview: A cross-disciplinary conference with approximately 700 attendees from public, private, and civil society organisations. The event explores the transformative potential of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and data innovations, showcasing their impact on humanitarian relief and development projects.
4). GITEX Africa
- Date: May 29 – 31
- Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
- Overview: GITEX AFRICA offers a unique opportunity to align with policymakers, shape governmental strategies, and participate in public-private partnerships driving Africa’s tech readiness. The event promises immediate ROI and economic prospects.
5). Africa Money and DeFi Summit West Africa
- Date: TBD
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Overview: Connecting industry leaders from African fintech and crypto industries with international players, the summit facilitates networking and business dealings in fintech, payments, DeFi, crypto, and various related sectors.
6). MWC Kigali 2024
- Date: October 29 – 31
- Location: Kigali, Rwanda
- Overview: Exploring how mobile technology and digital solutions can address challenges and create opportunities in Africa, covering topics like 5G, FinTech, the digital economy, and health tech.
7). Tech In Ghana Conference 2024
- Date: TBD
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Overview: A platform dedicated to showcasing and strengthening Ghana’s tech ecosystem, providing a venue for global knowledge exchange, networking, and innovation showcase.
- Date: TBD
- Locations: Kigali, Lagos, Accra
- Overview: A global social enterprise unifying the global African diaspora and building a future of tech that embodies culture, connection, and community.
9). Africa Tech Festival, Cape Town
- Date: November 11 – 14
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Overview: A comprehensive tech festival offering insights into the latest technology trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and avenues for exploring new opportunities.
10). Africa Bitcoin Conference
- Date: TBD
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Overview: A premier event for Bitcoin enthusiasts and professionals, providing a platform for education, networking, and exploring the potential of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in Africa.
As these tech events take center stage in 2024, they are not merely gatherings but pivotal moments propelling Africa’s tech narrative forward. The Innovate Nigeria Conference and Expo 2024, for instance, serves as a microcosm of the nation’s commitment to embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fostering innovation across diverse sectors. With over 14 industry tracks, the event is poised to spark collaborative efforts and drive transformative changes in AI, Fintech, Manufacturing & Automation, Healthcare, and beyond.
Meanwhile, the 9th Edition Connected Banking Summit in Accra is more than a meeting of minds; it represents a nexus where global executives and industry experts converge to chart the future of banking. With a spotlight on digital transformation, customer experiences, regulatory compliance, and privacy, the summit mirrors the industry’s evolution towards a more interconnected and customer-centric approach.
The 12th ICT4D Conference in Accra is a testament to the growing importance of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). As the conference brings together technical advisors and executives from diverse sectors, its impact extends beyond discussions to tangible outcomes. The transformative potential of ICT4D and data innovations showcased here has the power to positively influence humanitarian relief, development projects, and conservation initiatives.
GITEX Africa, scheduled for May 2024 in Marrakesh, Morocco, presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders to not only witness the tech-driven metamorphosis but actively contribute to it. The event’s promise of immediate ROI and economic prospects underscores the crucial role such gatherings play in shaping the policies and partnerships driving Africa’s tech readiness.
Looking ahead, the Africa Money and DeFi Summit West Africa aims to foster international collaborations within the fintech and crypto space, reflecting the dynamic and borderless nature of the industry. As the global community engages in discussions on decentralized finance (DeFi), digital lending, and cybersecurity, the summit in Accra becomes a nexus for forging partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries.
The journey continues with MWC Kigali 2024, where the exploration of mobile technology’s role in addressing challenges aligns with the broader narrative of technological empowerment. From 5G to FinTech and health tech, the conference aims to unravel the potential of digital solutions in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and creating new opportunities.
As these events unfold throughout the year, each contributes to the narrative of Africa’s technological rise, bringing together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to collectively sculpt a future where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping economies and improving lives. Stay tuned as these gatherings unfold, setting the stage for a tech-driven evolution across the continent.
