(Article originally appeared 12 November 2024)

As one of the opening keynote speakers at Africa Tech Festival 2024, which started yesterday in Cape Town, Dr. Mohamed Madkour, VP ICT Strategy & Marketing at Huawei, urged African leaders, innovators and businesses to embrace digital transformation. This in a bid to build a more sustainable and intelligent future for the continent.

His speech, entitled “Advancing Intelligent Africa”, highlighted the crucial role of technology, from 5G, fibre to solar microgrids, in driving the next phase of Africa's economic and social development.

Madkour's address included a clear call to action: "The country that does not have a digital future will not have a future." He stressed that the ongoing digital revolution offers a golden opportunity for Africa to accelerate economic growth, improve health and increase sustainability. However, these opportunities will only be realised if the continent fully embraces digital transformation.

Connectivity and industry digitisation a must

One of the core themes of Madkour’s talk was the role of connectivity in transforming Africa’s economy. While African nations have made significant strides in expanding digital access over the past few years, Madkour pointed out that a substantial portion of the population still relies on feature phones and 2G or 3G networks. He emphasised the need to bring smartphones and high-quality connectivity to every African citizen, noting that more than 300 million people live more than 50 kilometres away from the nearest fibre connection, which is seen as the best method of connectivity.

Madkour highlighted Huawei’s work on solar microgrids in remote villages, where communities are now receiving off-grid electricity powered by solar energy. “In just three to six months, you can power up to 150 households with renewable energy,” he said, also noting that this includes a wireless site which offers connectivity.

Madkour explained that connectivity is not just about speed, but that security, low latency, convenience and value should also be taken into consideration. He further noted that better connectivity goes hand in hand with enabling more affordable and accessible smartphones on the continent. Moreover, it is also about ensuring that once people are connected, they have the tools, infrastructure and skills to fully participate in the digital economy.

Dr. Mohamed Madkour, VP ICT Strategy & Marketing at Huawei, addressing the audience at Africa Tech Festival 2024

Sustainability at the core

As a key part of Huawei’s vision for an "intelligent Africa," Madkour stressed that technological progress must be achieved with sustainability at its core. “You cannot improve technology and hurt our planet,” he said, echoing calls from global leaders to address climate change through innovation. He pointed to the fact that by integrating greener ICT can play a significant role in reducing global carbon emissions – up to 20% – through more efficient use of energy and the promotion of greener industries.

Huawei, Madkour said, has been working with governments and telecom operators to improve infrastructure across the continent, from fibre optic networks to 5G services. He noted, for example, the achievement of the first 5G-connected mine in South Africa, in partnership with MTN.

But Madkour’s commitment to bridging the divide goes beyond just infrastructure. Talent development is another key pillar of Huawei’s strategy. “The foundation for prosperity is talent,” he said, highlighting the company’s investment in training and upskilling programmes for African youth, to ensure they are equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

More to come in future

In his concluding remarks, Madkour painted a picture of a digitally connected, prosperous and sustainable Africa, powered by technology but rooted in sustainability and social good.

Madkour believes Huawei’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation, from mobile money initiatives to renewable energy solutions, is already making a tangible impact.