Africa Telecoms Roundtable targets next connectivity frontier

by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG – SOUTH Africa is set to host a high-level, invitation-only Telecoms Executive Roundtable on 5 May, positioning the country—and the continent—at the forefront of the next phase of global connectivity transformation.

Convened ahead of the Africa Telecoms Summit in June, the roundtable will bring together a curated group of senior decision-makers to shape policy, investment priorities and infrastructure strategies at a pivotal moment for the telecommunications sector.

The engagement comes as direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity rapidly transitions from emerging innovation to commercial deployment, redefining how connectivity is delivered—particularly across underserved and remote regions.

The convergence of satellite technology, terrestrial networks and smart devices is unlocking new models for coverage, resilience and inclusion, with significant implications for Africa’s digital economy.

Positioned as a closed-door, solution-driven platform, the roundtable will convene chief executives, managing directors, CIOs, policymakers, regulators, investors and innovators across the telecoms value chain.

This includes mobile network operators, satellite providers, device manufacturers, infrastructure and tower companies, as well as energy, battery and network optimisation solution providers—reflecting the full ecosystem required to enable next-generation connectivity.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has confirmed participation, with Acting Chief Director for Hydrogen and Energy, Dr Mandy Mlilo, representing government.

Her participation signals strong alignment between public policy and private sector innovation at a time when coordinated action is critical.

Jointly organised by CAJ News Africa and CAJ Global, the roundtable is structured to drive focused engagement on key issues including spectrum policy, infrastructure resilience, interoperability, energy sustainability and the evolving role of mobile network operators in a satellite-enabled ecosystem.

CAJ News Africa CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Savious-Parker Kwinika, said the level of cross-sector participation reflects both the urgency and scale of transformation underway.

“The telecommunications sector is entering a new era where the boundaries between satellite and terrestrial networks are dissolving,” said Kwinika.

“For operators, this is not merely disruption—it is a strategic inflection point requiring innovation, partnership and leadership. For investors, it presents a compelling opportunity to back the infrastructure, devices and services that will define the next decade of connectivity.”

He added that the roundtable creates direct access to decision-makers, enabling participants to engage on practical collaboration models and unlock new partnership pathways.

Outcomes from the roundtable will inform the agenda and strategic direction of the Africa Telecoms Summit in June, where broader industry stakeholders will convene to advance implementation, scale partnerships and unlock investment opportunities across the continent. This will be followed by regional engagements across Southern, East and West Africa.

With billions in infrastructure investment expected to flow into satellite-enabled and hybrid connectivity networks over the coming decade, participation in the roundtable is being positioned as a strategic imperative for organisations seeking to influence Africa’s digital future.

Attendance is strictly limited to senior executives and key stakeholders, with final seats and sponsorship opportunities currently being allocated to organisations aiming to shape policy, capital flows and infrastructure development in Africa’s next connectivity era.

– CAJ News