By David GOWU
It is with a profound sense of honor and responsibility that I stand before you today at the 2024 TICON Africa Conference. As we gather here in the beautiful city of Mombasa, Kenya, we are reminded of the incredible journey we have embarked upon together as a community of ICT professionals dedicated to advancing technology across our beloved continent.
Remembering David Kepaletswe
Before we delve into the exciting agenda of this year’s conference, it is imperative that we take a moment to honor and remember a remarkable individual whose legacy continues to inspire us all. David Kepaletswe, the former President of the Botswana Information Technology Society (BITS), passed away in July 2024. His unwavering commitment to advancing ICT knowledge and practice has left an indelible mark on our continent.
Mr. Kepaletswe was not only a visionary advocate for technology but also a passionate leader who believed in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing. His instrumental role in organizing the inaugural TICON Africa Conference in Entebbe, Uganda, last year showcased his dedication to bringing together technology experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts. His active participation in all conference activities demonstrated his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and networking. We will sorely miss his presence at this conference, but his spirit and contributions will forever remain with us.
Overview of TICON Africa
The Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) is a leading Pan-African ICT professional body dedicated to advancing knowledge, education, and collaboration for technology professionals across the African continent. Our mission is to spearhead the ongoing development of the highest possible standards of ICT knowledge and practice, ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
TICON Africa serves as a unifying platform for ICT professionals, promoting excellence through education, networking, and collaboration. By bringing together a community of like-minded professionals, we aim to drive innovation and create a brighter future for all Africans.
Since our inaugural conference in Entebbe, TICON Africa has grown to include 12 member countries. We are proud to welcome our new members: the Computer Society of Zimbabwe (CSZ), ICT Chamber of Rwanda, ICT Association of Ethiopia, Lesotho ICT Association, and our host, the ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK).
Summary of the inaugural TICON Africa Conference 2023
The inaugural TICON Africa Conference held in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2023 under the theme: ‘Unifying ICT Talent to Power the African Continent to 2030 and Beyond’ was a resounding success. It brought together the brightest minds in ICT to explore the best means of action to power Africa to a brighter future beyond 2030. The conference provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking, setting the stage for future collaborations and advancements in the ICT sector.
TICON Africa Conference 2024 in Mombasa, Kenya
Building on the success of our inaugural conference, we are thrilled to welcome you to the TICON Africa Conference 2024, hosted in partnership with the ICT Association of Kenya (ICTAK). This year’s conference is dedicated to addressing our primary theme: Advancing ICT Solutions for Sustainable Development in Africa.
TICON Africa Conference is an annual ICT event that brings together industry thought leaders from across the continent and beyond. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for ICT decision-makers and professionals to come together to debate, learn, and forecast the leading trends and development prospects for ICT across Africa.
The topics to be covered this year include strengthening digital infrastructure and access, harnessing the power of AI and big data for African development, and addressing cybersecurity and data privacy challenges. We will also explore AI in healthcare, examining whether it presents an opportunity or a threat from a medical practitioners’ perspective. Additionally, we will discuss the impact of big data analytics in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data protection, regulatory requirements
Benefits of participating in the conference
For IT professionals from various parts of Africa, participating in this conference offers numerous benefits. It will significantly boost your brand exposure across the continent, allowing you to connect with senior decision-makers and generate valuable leads. You will have the chance to network with fellow professionals from related industries, showcase your innovative products or services, and stay ahead of the competition by demonstrating your leadership and expertise in the field.
As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the legacy of Mr. David Kepaletswe and strive to uphold the values he championed. Let us work collaboratively to advance ICT solutions for sustainable development in Africa, ensuring that our continent continues to thrive and innovate.
>>>the writer is President, TICON Africa (www.ticonafrica.org) and CEO of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH). This was his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the recently held three-day TICON Africa 2024 conference in Mombasa, Kenya 2024
