Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 36 | Page 7

NEWS Bringing together leaders at Africa Tech Summit Kigali insights, opportunities and trends from the African tech and investment ecosystem. The Future Summit will deliver a cross- sectional view of new technologies, solutions and opportunities across the African mobile, digital and tech landscapes. An array of keynotes, panels and breakout sessions from future thinkers, industry leaders and global corporates will also provide a future line of site to drive business forward. A frica Tech Summit Kigali is to bring together leaders from the African ecosystem and international players under one roof. The event – which is taking place in the Rwandan capital from February 4 to 6 – will include industry leaders from banks, mobile operators, tech companies, investors and leading start-ups to driving business and investment over two days with multiple networking events. You can learn from 100 expert speakers and investors with passion, knowledge and experience from across Africa who share key Meanwhile, the Money and Blockchain Summit will connect industry leaders, platforms and thought leaders from across the continent, with an array of keynotes, panels and breakout sessions delivering key insights and opportunities to connect, network and do business across the continent. For more information, visit africatechsummit. com/kigali ///////////////// Huawei launches flagship store in South Africa H uawei has launched its first ever flagship store in South Africa at Menlyn Shopping Centre. Not only does it provide technical support and maintenance repairs, but it also sells the full range of Huawei products that are available in South Africa and delivers a unique consumer experience that is not often seen in the country. “Our first global flagship store in South Africa is part of Huawei’s commitment to our consumers to give them the best experience with our 360-degree service offering,” said Likun Zhao, Vice President of HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa. “We have both online and offline offerings for our consumers. In terms of online, we have a 24/7 service hotline, WhatsApp, our Hi-Care app and very active social media platforms. “In terms of offline, we have our Huawei service centres and now our Huawei global flagship store, which, as well as its service offering, also has all our Huawei products, including those that you might not normally get at retailers or operator channels.” Explaining Huawei’s approach when conceptualising the global flagship stores, Zhao added: “In the smartphone era, a retail store is not only about products, it is also about an experience. “In the future, retail stores will become experience or lifestyle centres, in addition to being shopping centres. They will be spaces where www.intelligentcio.com people meet to experience new products, participate in community events, discover new technologies with expert guidance and enjoy positive experiences. “Huawei’s global flagship stores showcase Huawei’s seamless smart life experience approach to consumer technology. It enables customers from all over the world to experience a broad portfolio of products and understand how they can enjoy a fantastic smart life experience.” INTELLIGENTCIO 7