23 November, 2015

Huawei gives glimpse of the future of ICT in Africa, at Africa Com 2015



[Cairo, Egypt, Nov 23rd, 2015] Huawei Technologies will be showcasing their latest offerings at AfricaCom 2015, the biggest technology exhibition in Africa, under the theme “Open ROADs to a better connected world”. The three-day event will see the technology giant sharing its end-to-end ICT solutions for building ubiquitous ultra-broadband networks, excellent user experience and agile innovation. Huawei will also share insights on ICT industry trends in Africa, and the many ways in which the industry can be improved.

“Huawei began its operations in Africa in 1998, and since then we’ve been working closely with customers to help get more people connected to high-quality networks, allowing them to enjoy digital life equally,” said Cao Ming, Vice President of Huawei Eastern and Southern Africa. Ming continued to say that "a better connected world brings us a more challenging digital business environment, where the traditional business and business models of telecom operators are being challenged constantly. Internet is changing the end-user's behavior, and Huawei has resolved to meet end-user demands by introducing ROADs- Real-time, On-demand, All-online, DIY, and Social networking capacity. Only by building open ROADs to customers can we help them achieve business success and build a better connected Africa.”

The Huawei booth at AfricaCom will focus on the experience of video service and digital service transformation. On display at the Huawei stand will be:  4K video demos, Smart Home, ubiquitous ultra-mobile broadband, operator digital business transformation, cloud computing solutions, excellent consumer experience, and enterprise solutions such as the Safe City.
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Dancing robot in Huawei smart home solution
At this year's Africa Com, Huawei will not only showcase innovative ICT solutions but will also engage customers and partners on Africa's ICT industry. Day one of Africa Com saw Huawei bringing together telecom operators, regulatory organizations, industry peers, media and analysts to share and discuss industry trends during the Network 2020 forum. Network 2020 provided the ideal platform for industry players to exchange solutions on the challenges faced by the ICT industry. The Forum also provided a platform for the major plays in the ICT industry to project the future of Africa's networks in 2020.
During the forum, Jacob Munodawafa, Executive Secretary of Southern African Telecommunication Association (SATA), shared the strategy on national broadband deployment and said: “Broadband network and related ICT applications are regarded as strategic infrastructure which can help tackle the most challenging global issues of the 21 century, such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, economic recession, public service, and healthcare.
There are more than 50 countries that have invested or committed to invest more than 100 billion US dollars on the construction of National ICT infrastructure. The “Connect 2020 Agenda” announced by the Broadband Commission on October 2014 has renewed the target of broadband for 2015 and set new goals for global ICT development. This action has further inspired many SADC countries to start their national broadband initiatives.” Mr. Jacob also handed over a certificate from Huawei to acknowledge Huawei as an official member of SATA.
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Jacob Munodawafa, Executive Secretary of Southern African Telecommunication Association, handing over the certificate to Cao Ming, VP of Huawei Eastern and Southern Africa

Spectrum allocation was another hot topic at the Network 2020 forum. Antony Chigaazira, Executive Secretary of the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) emphasized: “More spectrum resources can accelerate the adoption of broadband by individuals and households, and support the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities.

All these developments have the power to fuel ICT innovation. Over the next five years as Africa transitions from analogue to digital television, we are presented with an enormous opportunity: new frequencies are becoming available that can be used to increase high-speed wireless internet access for all Africans”. He added that CRASA was committed to expediting the revision of the SADC Spectrum Allocation Plan as soon as Final Acts from the ongoing World Radio Conference (WRC 15) were out.  

AfricaCom 2015 is from November 17 to November 19 in CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. Huawei booth is in D4.
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