The Operations and Transformation Forum (OTF) Africa 2024, held during AfricaCom, brought together telecom operators, policymakers, and industry experts to look at how technology can grow Africa’s economy.
Hosted by Huawei, the event focused on ways to create strong, eco-friendly networks.
Africa’s digital transformation
The forum, themed “Accelerating Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Future,” examined how new ideas for tech and operations can address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges.
Several industry leaders shared insights into accelerating digital transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable connectivity for Africa’s future.
Key speakers included:
- David Li, President of Huawei Southern Africa Delivery & Service Business
- Teresa Cottam, Chief Analyst at Omnisperience and Senior Contributing Analyst, TM Forum
- Anthony Gacanja, Chief Technology Officer, Safaricom Kenya
- Simo Mkhize, Chief Commercial Officer, Telkom Consumer South Africa
- Calvin Govender, General Manager of ICT Enterprise and Digital Services, MTN South Africa
- Gobe Mbayi, Chief Technical Officer, Orange Botswana
- Jorge Mendes, Chief Executive Officer, Cell C South Africa
- Steven Luo, Vice President, Service and Software Solution & Marketing, Huawei
Operational excellence in a digital age
The OTF 2024 explored critical strategies to drive operational excellence while addressing the continent’s unique connectivity challenges.
These discussions highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in shaping the future of digital networks.
Key themes of the OTF 2024:
- Improving efficiency in telecom operations: Utilizing technology to lower costs while enhancing user experience.
- Green ICT solutions: Exploring solar-powered towers and energy-efficient 5G stations as steps toward sustainability.
- Scalable connectivity projects: Expanding networks in underserved areas to bridge the digital divide.
David Li, President of Huawei’s Southern Africa Delivery and Service Business, underscored the importance of matching operations with eco-friendly goals.
“The AI era has arrived. By bringing together AI for operations and operations for AI, we will reshape everything from modes of monetisation to user experiences as well as ways of doing O&M mode,” said Li.
Success stories and real-world impact
Throughout the event, Huawei shared examples of successful digital transformation initiatives that have helped reduce costs and improve network efficiency.
For instance:
- Implementing intelligent tools that cut downtime for telecom providers.
- Using energy-efficient systems to lower operating costs without compromising service quality.
Panel discussions focused on how innovative solutions like these can help telecom operators prepare their networks for the future while supporting economic growth.
Africa’s evolving digital operations
TM Forum’s chief analyst, Teresa Cottam, said intelligent operations are the key to a prosperous future.
She also spoke about why operators are taking different paths to revenue growth and business diversification.
It’s because digital operations are evolving into intelligent operations.
Cottam also emphasised how operators like MTN and Safaricom are refining best practices in Africa.
Meanwhile, MTN South Africa’s general manager of ICT enterprise, Calvin Govender, said there are still challenges to overcome:
“Full-stack end-to-end intelligent maintenance, optimisation, and NSOC synergy will enable customer-centric experiences and allow us to build an automated and intelligent target network,” Govender said.
A path to sustainable connectivity
As OTF Africa 2024 concluded, one clear message emerged: Africa’s telecom sector is ready for transformation.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with green practices, the industry can pave the way for a more connected and inclusive digital economy.
The forum ended with a call to accelerate the adoption of these strategies, to ensure Africa stay competitive in a rapidly digitising world.
