Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 13 | Page 9

NEWS Cloud company awarded major contract from African mobile operator number of connected devices, IoT is taking shape in the rest of the region especially in East Africa. “The number of cellular IoT connections in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 38% from 2016 to 2022, as governments and industries in the region begin to explore IoT solutions to solve region- specific challenges.” A cloud communications platform company has been awarded a major contract from one of Africa’s largest mobile phone operators. Pareteum Corporation has been awarded a three-year contract from Ericsson, a significant player in the mobile phone market across the continent. Under the terms of the agreement, Pareteum will provide its global cloud services platform and receive revenue for subscribers, data and messaging services. In a statement Ericsson said: “While Nigeria and South Africa will continue to have the highest Vic Bozzo, CEO of Pareteum, said: “We are honoured to be chosen for this contract. It represents the continued expansion to all corners of the globe where there is a need for new offerings, applications, settlement services and access to a superior cloud platform. We look forward to deploying these services.” ///////////////// Africa Tech Summit offers an insight into continent’s technological development A n event in Rwanda will offer an insight into technological developments in the African continent. The Africa Tech Summit Kigali , which takes place on February 14 and 15, will offer networking and business opportunities for African and international tech leaders and investors who want to drive growth in the continent. The two- day event, supported by the Rwandan Ministry for ICT, will explore the latest technology trends and connect 250 plus key stakeholders from across the continent through keynote speeches, breakout sessions and networking events. The event will offer the chance to learn about Africa’s future unicorns in Rwanda, the new home of technology and innovation on the continent. There will be 50 expert speakers making presentations. Subjects to be covered include connectivity, blockchain, African mobility, cloud and IoT, investing, mobile www.intelligentcio.com and data, tech and talent, future trends, payments, fintech, EdTech, AgriTech, artificial intelligence and robotics, virtual reality, digital media and creative tracks. The event, held at the Marriott Kigali, will host: leading investors, funds and VCs from Europe, USA and Africa; supranational investors; leading tech companies from Africa and Europe; African Government regulators and agencies; mobile and telecoms ventures; banking and fintech leaders; media and entertainment companies; and African start-ups. INTELLIGENTCIO 9