Samsung’s Africa Forum 2017, the 8th edition of this annual event, will have Basetsana Kumalo, a well-known local TV personality, entrepreneur and authority in the field of African business, as the keynote speaker for the event’s upcoming Media Day.

The Africa Forum is scheduled to take place between 23 and 25 February 2017, at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town. South Africa and delegates will have the opportunity to obtain an innovative perspective into doing business across the continent from the highly knowledgeable Kumalo. 

As a well-known entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, Kumalo has established a track record of starting and managing businesses in industries as diverse as real estate, mining and the media. She is also executive chairman and CEO of Basetsana Woman Investment Holdings, a co-founder of Connect TV, a director of Uzalile Investments and the executive chairman of Tswelopele Productions, as well as sitting on various boards.

“We are thrilled to have a highly regarded business woman like Basetsana Kumalo addressing Africa Forum this year. It is clear that her extensive portfolio of experience gives her a unique knowledge of the African market. We look forward to her exclusive insights into the region and how organisations can best undertake doing business across this diverse continent,” says Michelle Potgieter, director: Marketing and Communications at Samsung South Africa.

This year’s event will also afford Samsung the opportunity to showcase its smart technology product ranges and highlight the company’s passion to the continent and its partners across Africa. Samsung continues to view this region as a vital part of its global business and the company will be building on its commitments to the region by demonstrating products selected specifically for the unique needs of Africa’s customers, as well as its tailored strategic vision and goals.  

Among the categories of innovative products that will be showcased at the event are home appliances for the kitchen and laundry, consumer and business air-conditioning solutions, the latest developments in television and audio visual products, as well as a range of wearable mobile devices.

In keeping with its African focus, the theme of this year’s event is ‘One Pride’. This relates to both Samsung’s pride in the quality of its products and the way the company and its partner network lead the region’s consumer electronics space, just like a pride of lions would lead in the bushveld. 

“With the expected continuous growth of the African market in 2017 and beyond, it will be interesting to hear what our keynote speaker has to say about the way the region is developing. Just like Samsung, Kumalo is an expert in her field and we expect she will provide delegates with significant insight into just what it takes to succeed in business on the continent. Furthermore, Samsung is also looking forward to demonstrating its smart technology, products and design, which will enrich customer lifestyles and contribute to growth and innovative vision across Africa,” concludes Potgieter.