Connected Africa 2026 to Bring Africa’s Telecom Leadership Together in Johannesburg

Niharika Deshpande
October 8, 2026

Johannesburg will become a focal point for Africa’s telecommunications and digital transformation agenda on 15 October 2026 at the NH Johannesburg Sandton, when the 7th Edition Connected Africa – Africa’s Premier Telecom Summit brings together senior telecom executives, digital leaders, technology innovators, infrastructure providers and industry experts.

Organised by the International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA), the summit will be held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Telecom Shift to Digital Platforms and Next-Gen Infrastructure”, examining how Africa’s telecom industry is moving beyond traditional connectivity towards intelligent digital platforms and next-generation infrastructure.

A New Era for Africa’s Connectivity Ecosystem

Africa’s telecom landscape is evolving rapidly. 5G, fibre expansion, cloud and edge computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT and digital platforms are changing both the economics of connectivity and the services built on top of it.

Connected Africa 2026 will bring these developments together in an executive forum designed to explore practical opportunities, infrastructure priorities and the partnerships needed to build a more connected and digitally resilient continent.

Key Conversations

5G deployment and network modernization
Fibre and broadband infrastructure expansion
AI-powered networks and intelligent operations
Cloud, edge computing and data-centre infrastructure
Cybersecurity, digital risk and network resilience
Digital platforms and new telecom business models
IoT and connected ecosystems
Telecom–fintech convergence and digital payments
Digital inclusion and affordable connectivity
Enterprise transformation and strategic partnerships

Senior Leaders Driving the Conversation

The summit will feature senior leaders from across Africa’s telecommunications, digital infrastructure and technology ecosystem.

Jason Mwanza — CEO, Zamtel Zambia
Dr. Noxolo Kubheka-Dlamini — Chief Digital and Information Officer, Telkom
Divyesh Joshi — Chief Commercial Officer, MTN
Rishal Balkissoon — General Manager (Acting): Group Strategy & Transformation, MTN
Malebu Makgalemela Mogohloane — Group Executive: Enterprise Risk Management, Security, Forensics & Insurance, Telkom
Koketso Ngobeni — CISO Senior Manager: Lead Information Security Officer, Bayobab Africa
Aishwarya Rohit — Group Executive Head: Products & Solutions, Vodacom
Hendri Boshoff — General Manager: Cloud Centre of Excellence, MTN
Mabohlale Addae — Managing Executive: Group Strategy and Innovation, Vodacom
Martins Ogbolu — Group Executive: International Risk and Compliance, Vodacom
Kavish Maharaj — General Manager | Global CVM, MTN
Alastair Tempest — CEO, Ecommerce Forum of South Africa
Nitesh Marcel Singh — Managing Director, Communications, Media & Technology, Accenture

Accenture Co-Host

Accenture joins Connected Africa 2026 as Co-Host, bringing its Communications, Media & Technology expertise to the summit and strengthening the focus on enterprise transformation, digital platforms, intelligent operations and the evolution of Africa’s connectivity ecosystem.

Nitesh Marcel Singh, Managing Director, Communications, Media & Technology, Accenture, is among the featured speakers, adding an enterprise transformation perspective to the discussion around the future of telecom and digital infrastructure in Africa.

Tether – Gold Sponsor

Tether joins Connected Africa 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, bringing its perspective on digital assets, stablecoins and the development of digital financial infrastructure.

Tether is the issuer of USD₮ and describes itself as the largest company in the digital asset industry. The company states that USD₮ has more than $184 billion in circulation and 673 million users worldwide. Tether works with exchanges, fintech companies, banks, governments, payment service providers and financial institutions to build accessible, sustainable and compliant digital payment infrastructure across emerging markets.

At Connected Africa 2026, Tether’s participation adds an important perspective to discussions around the convergence of telecommunications, digital finance, blockchain-enabled infrastructure and the wider digital economy.

Learn more: https://tether.io/

Telecom Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026

The summit will also recognise organisations and leaders contributing to Africa’s telecom and digital transformation journey, with awards spanning network innovation, 5G, fibre, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, digital platforms, fintech convergence, cloud infrastructure and leadership.

Media and Industry Engagement

Connected Africa 2026 is supported by media and ecosystem partners across the telecom, technology and business landscape. The summit will combine thought leadership with sponsor sessions, technology showcases, executive networking and strategic meetings, creating opportunities for meaningful industry engagement.

Event Details

7th Edition Connected Africa – Africa’s Premier Telecom Summit 2026
15 October 2026 | NH Johannesburg sandton | Johannesburg, South Africa
Theme: Driving Africa’s Telecom Shift to Digital Platforms and Next-Gen Infrastructure
Co-Hosted by Accenture
Organised by International Center for Strategic Alliances (ICSA)
https://connected-africa.com/