The Africa Broadband Forum 2024 (BBAF 2024), taking place yesterday as part of Africa Tech Festival 2024, saw discussions around F5.5G, amongst others, under the theme of “F5.5G Accelerating All-Optical Connectivity in Africa”. The Forum focused on advancing fibre broadband development across Africa by fostering discussions on policy frameworks, F5.5G, technological innovation and industry best practices.

Over 150 experts and industry leaders from international organisations, government agencies and telecom operators gathered to explore strategies for expanding fibre infrastructure and enhancing connectivity on the continent. These included Huawei, Safaricom, MTN Nigeria and Kenya’s state department for housing and urban development.

Kim Jin, VP of Huawei’s Optical Business Product Line, delivered the opening speech, emphasising how Huawei will work with fibre industry sectors to build an intelligent, All-Optical access network and seize opportunities for coverage monetisation, bandwidth monetisation and experience monetisation to achieve business success and accelerate the development of Africa's digital economy.

Trends in broadband across the continent

In a keynote titled “Enabling Next Generation Global Broadband Industry”, World Broadband Association (WBBA) Secretary-General Martin Creaner discussed global trends in broadband connectivity, noting advancements in speed, intelligence and accessibility.

Moreover, key industry leaders shared insights and successful strategies from across the African broadband sector. The MD of Eswatini Post and Telecommunication Company (EPTC), Thembumkhululi Khumalo, shared how the EPTC, originally a copper-based carrier, has leveraged national broadband goals, optimised resources, adopted cutting-edge technologies, and embraced generational advancements to transform their network.

Representing a successful Fixed-Mobile Convergence strategy within African mobile operators, Safaricom’s head of Fixed Network Solutions, Elaine Kyalo, outlined recent innovations in Safaricom's FMC strategy and home broadband offerings.

MTN Nigeria GM, Adewale Sulaiman, also summarised four major experiences in ice-breaking: strategy-driven, precise investment, quality-first, and ecological cooperation. Secretary of Administration in Kenya’s Secretary, Administration, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Hiram Kahiro highlighted the important progress made in updating building codes of all new buildings with fibre to accelerate digital superhighway implementation.

2024 Broadband Africa White Paper released

The Africa Broadband Forum 2024 reached its peak with the release of the 2024 Broadband Africa White Paper, jointly presented by the Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) and leading consulting firm Africa Analysis. This white paper outlines the vision and roadmap for fibre broadband development across Africa’s initial, developing and leading markets through 2030, drawing on both global and African best practices. The white paper envisions that Africa’s broadband penetration will surpass 30% by 2030, with fibre connections comprising over half of broadband users. It further details strategic policies and business pathways essential for achieving widespread broadband access across the continent.

The Optical Industry Development Pioneer Award was also presented to organisations and individuals who have made longstanding contributions to advancing Africa’s fibre industry. Leaders from prominent international bodies, including the WBBA, ATU and Digital Council Africa (DCA) participated in the award ceremony, celebrating the dedication and achievements of these industry pioneers.

Now in its sixth year, Broadband Africa Forum has become a key platform for industry exchange across region. By bringing together expertise from across Africa, the forum supports countries in refining broadband policies, promoting technological innovation, and sharing best practices. Its ongoing impact is evident in the forum’s contributions to Africa’s broadband growth and digital transformation efforts.