Connecting the masses
There are reams of statistics pointing towards a groundswell of connectivity activity going on across much of the African continent. From smartphone uptakes and digital money sign ups to fibre rollouts and mobile network installations, the opportunities to be reaped from connecting African consumers and businesses are there for all to see.
This theme forms an important thread of the 74th issue of Africa Outlook, starting with our cover story on South Africa’s SENTECH SOC.
Responsible for providing broadcasting signal distribution services across the country, the company provides essential services across three main strands: content and multimedia, managed infrastructure and connectivity services.
“Connectivity and the accessibility of internet services are more important than ever before,” declares Mlami Booi, SENTECH’s CEO. “Telecommunications and infrastructure are some of the cornerstones of this digital economy, pillars that the economic development of Africa will be dependent upon.”
In an in-depth interview, Booi explains the company’s role in boosting the deployment of such vital infrastructure.
Google’s CSquared is another company making technological waves across multiple African nations, this having succeeded in laying the foundations in Kampala, Uganda, for consumers and businesses to connect to fibre. The company has since been active in Ghana, Liberia and Kenya, with bold expansion plans on the horizon.
We couldn’t go through this issue without acknowledging the recently completed Africa Cup of Nations, the regional flagship football tournament won by Algeria. The event is keenly sponsored by Orange, the tech giant engaging fans through numerous channels such as virtual reality, a new addition to this year’s AFCON. Donna Soane, Global Sponsorship and Partnership Director, tells us more.
Also harnessing the power of technology is Pelebox, an Amazon Locker-style setup for medical prescription collections which is helping to cut down waiting times for vital medicines. We spoke to the brain behind the idea Neo Hutiri, recipient of the
Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Elsewhere we delve into topics and sectors such as CSR, food and drink, oil and gas, mining and supply chain, while our travel guide this month explores the best that Limpopo, South Africa’s northernmost region, has to offer.
Enjoy the issue!