The GSMA has said the Mobile 360 West Africa forum, scheduled to take place next month in Ivory Coast will focus on two key drivers of digital adoption; the people and the technology.
The global body that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, said the forum will digest how the people and the technology are shaping the Digital Africa that is known and the Digital Africa that is wanted.
Africa is one of the fastest growing mobile markets globally. Access to the Internet in West Africa is reaching unprecedented levels. However, according to the GSMA’s Mobile Economy West Africa 2017 report, subscriber penetration rates are now at 50 per cent, highlighting the significant gap between access and adoption.
The proliferation of mobile has brought new opportunities for governments, Mobile Network Operators, start-ups and verticals to collaborate across West Africa. Are policies supporting the integration of technology into society enough? How is mobile increasing consumer trust? How can the industry ensure digital inclusion works for all?
These and other questions the Mobile 360 West Africa forum will look to answer.