- Shaping Africa’s Digital Future: TICON Africa Conference sets the stage
- AI, Big data & beyond: TICON Africa conference tackles Africa’s tech future
The second annual Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) Conference 2024 is to be held in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa 25–27 September and will be held in parallel with the third African Marketing Confederation Conference. This was announced at a pre-conference event hosted in Nairobi on 17May.
TICON Africa is the umbrella body for African ICT professional associations. Its conference is being held in collaboration with the ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK).
Speaking at a media launch, before a live and remote audience from across Africa, Dr Jannie Zaaiman – Secretary General of TICON Africa– welcomed the multi-faceted collaboration. He emphasised the rapid evolution of the ICT landscape across Africa and the growing importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, robotics, and virtual reality.
Zaaiman stressed the importance of establishing standards for African ICT professionals, promoting ICT as a rewarding career, and building capacity across borders. “To be particularly welcomed are initiatives such as the establishment of a Women in ICT chapter and international collaboration efforts.”
Looking ahead to the TICON Africa conference, Zaaiman outlined the key themes, including strengthening digital infrastructure, harnessing the power of AI and big data, and addressing cybersecurity and data privacy issues. “Today’s gathering is an important enabler of planning for the conference and the many learning opportunities and lasting partnerships that the conference will provide. Technology plays a pivotal role in shaping all modern business practices, leveraging digital tools and platforms to engage consumers effectively.
“Collaboration among ICT professionals is vital to boosting the potential of technology to drive sustainable development in Africa. With a focus on shared objectives and shared success, we can work together to realise the vision of a digitally vibrant continent,” he enthused.
Speaking on behalf of TICON Africa’s conference partners, the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK), MSK chairperson, Ms Zuhura Odhiambo, expressed industry excitement at the upcoming conference, which she believes will be a landmark event for Africa.
She described the marketing component of the September conference as promising to be “a landmark moment for African marketers”. With participants from across the continent set to converge, the conference aims to showcase the best of Africa’s offerings while fostering collaboration and dialogue on a regional and continental scale. “The event’s significance extends beyond mere networking opportunities, as it serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and collaborations aimed at driving sustainable growth and development across Africa.”
The joint conference brings together the continent’s top ICT and marketing professionals and will help to drive business across Africa.
Zaaiman noted that the convergence of marketing and technology was heralded not just as a passing trend but as a fundamental shift that demands attention and adaptation from industry players. “By harnessing the power of technology, marketers and business executives gain unprecedented insights into consumer behaviour, enabling personalised experiences and driving greater return on investment.
For executives, real-time data analysis facilitates informed decision-making, guiding organisations towards future success and helping them anticipate and target emerging consumer trends.”
Throughout the pre-conference event, participants discussed a range of topics from the convergence of marketing and technology to the role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in shaping business strategies. Interactive sessions and panel discussions provided valuable insights into emerging trends and best practices, equipping attendees with practical knowledge to navigate the dynamic business landscape.
Booking details to attend the conference are available at https://ticonafrica.org/ticon-africa-conference-2024/ .