Event News

Huawei showcases Xinghe at Africa Connect

Leon Wang, president of Huawei's data communication product line at HUAWEI AFRICA CONNECT 2024. (Image source: Huawei)

HUAWEI AFRICA CONNECT 2024 — themed "Accelerate Industrial Intelligence" — was successfully held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 2-3, 2024. The event showcased the Xinghe Intelligent Network Solution for the Southern Africa region, assisting all industries in progressing towards Net5.5G and accelerating their intelligent journeys

Intelligent transformation and upgrading are gaining momentum globally, with Southern African countries actively exploring their paths to digital and intelligent transformation. In the rapidly approaching intelligent era, networks are one of the most crucial ICT infrastructures. To usher in this era, the entire industry has reached a preliminary consensus that the next generation of data communication networks is Net5.5G.

Digital era to the intelligent era

In his keynote speech, Leon Wang, president of Huawei's data communication product line, stated, "Intelligent technologies are fast approaching, driving us to constantly innovate networking technologies so as to better embrace business changes. Huawei offers the Xinghe Intelligent Network Solution based on the Net5.5G target architecture, to accelerate industrial intelligence and build a solid bridge to the intelligent world."

Huawei's Xinghe Intelligent Network offerings include the Xinghe Intelligent Campus, Xinghe Intelligent Fabric, Xinghe Intelligent WAN, and Xinghe Intelligent Network Security.

Xinghe Intelligent Campus: Huawei's all-scenario Wi-Fi 7 products double the wireless signal strength and increase the number of concurrent users by 50%. Additionally, Huawei's audio and video assurance solution, unique in the industry, intelligently identifies and prioritises audio and video applications to ensure an always-optimal experience. Regarding wireless network security, Huawei launched Wi-Fi Shield technology, ensuring robust wireless network security.

Xinghe Intelligent Fabric: By leveraging AI Turbo and a network scale load balancing (NSLB) algorithm, Xinghe Intelligent Fabric performs intelligent optimisation for network-wide load balancing, achieving over 98% high link utilisation on average. Furthermore, Xinghe Intelligent Fabric ensures link- and device-level switchovers within milliseconds, as well as network-level switchovers within seconds. These three-level fast switchovers efficiently unleash intelligent computing power.

Xinghe Intelligent WAN: Utilising intelligent algorithms, Xinghe Intelligent WAN intelligently schedules tens of millions of service flows on the entire network and flexibly adjusts service bandwidth on demand. Additionally, latency-based path selection and end-to-end network slicing ensure efficient data transmission. By empowering network devices with AI, Xinghe Intelligent WAN can self-learn application traffic behavior, detect traffic exceptions in seconds, and deliver optimal application experience.

Xinghe Intelligent Network Security: With the Xinghe Intelligent Network Security Solution, enterprises benefit from integrated intelligent security protection across clouds, networks, edges, and endpoints. The security brain on the cloud automatically handles 99% of security events in a closed-loop approach. Specifically, four security engines leverage AI algorithms to detect threats with 99.95% accuracy. Moreover, the industry's first two-dimensional threat graph engine enables parallel threat detection, with the ransomware detection rate reaching 100%.

Additionally, Huawei unveiled an extensive range of Xinghe Intelligent Industry Network solutions to meet the unique needs of diverse industries like public services, finance, and electric power. Other key announcements included complete cost-effective distribution solutions and products, enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enjoy intelligent services easily and conveniently.

The intelligent era calls for intelligent networks. With this in mind, Huawei will continue to lead the development of intelligent networks and innovate its Xinghe Intelligent Network products and solutions, thereby accelerating digital-intelligent transformation in Southern Africa.

Connected Africa Summit 2024: Advancing digital connectivity

Owalo with key government leaders, sponsors and partners at Uhuru Gardens after the recce ahead of the Connected Africa Summit 2024.

Eliud Owalo, the cabinet secretary for information, communications, and the digital economy with key government leaders, sponsors and partners at Uhuru Gardens after the recce ahead of the Connected Africa Summit 2024. (Image source: Connected Africa Summit)

Preparations for the highly anticipated Connected Africa Summit 2024, the continent's premier ICT event of the year, are well underway, as confirmed by Eliud Owalo, the cabinet secretary for information, communications, and the digital economy

Addressing reporters at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, where he conducted an inspection ahead of the event's commencement on the 21st of this month, Owalo assured that all necessary arrangements are being made for an impactful gathering aimed at shaping the future of connectivity in Africa.

Additionally, Owalo convened a productive session with representatives from over 30 government and private sector entities. These institutions, spanning from Europe, America, Asia, Kenya, and across the African continent, will serve as sponsors for the summit, showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations and fostering collaboration towards a connected future for Africa.

“We have assessed where we shall have tents mounted, we have assessed where exhibition and plenary sessions and we are here with all partners and sponsors. We have invited heads of state, global technological companies, diplomats and tech thought leaders so that we think together as one Africa family within the technological space. We envisage that at the tail end of this summit we shall have come up with a tech road map for Africa that can guide us in strengthening our policies, laws and regulations while breaking the geographical barriers,” remarked Owalo.

The CS who was accompanied by John Tanui, principal secretary, ICT and digital economy, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority and key CEO’s from government institutions, sponsors and partners indicated that they are committed to ensure that the summit delivers its goal in advancing Africa to the next digital frontier.

“This summit is going to be a major platform which will able Africa think as one family from a global ICT sector. There are lot of emerging issues in our areas of operations such as AI and this Summit gives us an advantage of what we need to do in terms of policy to remain relevant,” added Owalo.

On his part, PS Eng. Tanui who spoke at an earlier media briefing highlighted the government’s commitment through partnerships with media and other organisations in ensuring that the event is successful.

“We have made a lot of progress as a country, and we would like to share this with other countries and also learn from them. We also believe this is another opportunity for media to engage more stakeholders and we invite all stakeholders to be with us from 21 to 25 April this year. The media can help us in telling the great stories in the continent and we shall be working closely with media, ICT Authority and other agencies.”

“We are going to have many conversations on connectivity, and we shall have a platform on bringing the entire Africa on how to move ahead in line with the emerging technologies.”

The local, regional and global sponsors who will participate in the Summit from 21st to 25 April in Nairobi include GIZ-Team Europe, Safaricom, Huawei Technologies, Dell Technologies Inc., Cisco, AWS, KCB, Oracle, Soliton Telmec, KEPSA, HP, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Nokia, NiaFibre, Fortinet, Airtel, Kaspersky, Sybl, Teltonika Networks and A-Z Technologies.

The summit will feature an impressive exhibition hall showcasing the latest solutions and technologies from leading companies such as Coseke, Dimension Data, Agile Business Solutions, Techo Brain, Certiport, Pavicon, among others. The ICT Authority noted that the diverse representation of investors and institutions will advance Africa’s digital space through valuable connections and strategic investments that can be leveraged to support Africa’s youthful and innovative population.

“We have learn a lot of lessons from previous Connected Summit editions. We have seen several fundamental initiatives which have been born out of this event. We all know Huduma Centre idea which was born from Connected. We also have our e-citizen which was also born from Connected and we continue to encourage that event on this summit our young people should come and showcase,” said Kamanguya.

The summit nurtures innovative ideas and partnerships that leverage technology to advance Africa's development agenda.

The summit will also be supported by Government agencies and regulatory bodies who will also participate as exhibitors, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to advance connectivity initiatives.

The partners and sponsors will get an opportunity to scale investment in Africa’s digital economy by connecting with thought leaders and policymakers who will put in place the policies that will be needed to accelerate both infrastructure development and investment in the digital economy as envisioned in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Africa's AI tech evolution

Lillian Barnard, president of Microsoft Africa. (Image source: GITEX Africa)

Exploring Africa's AI surge: Challenges & opportunities collide at AI Everything Expo by GITEX AFRICA, uniting global leaders in Marrakech, 29-31 May

President Ruto kicks off Connected Africa Summit 2024

President William Ruto at an Opening cermony

President William Ruto addresses attendees during the official launch of the Connected Africa Summit 2024 at Uhuru Gardens. (Image source: CIO Africa)

On Monday, the inaugural Connected Africa Summit 2024 was officially opened by president William Ruto at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi

MWC 2024: Pinnacle of 5G innovation

MWC 2024 illuminates 5G strides, with Huawei, Qualcomm, and Ericsson leading the charge in cutting-edge tech; GlobalData unveils insights. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The spotlight on 5G innovation was evident at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona held from February 26 to 29, with the event showcasing a range of cutting-edge technological advancements that captivated tech enthusiasts worldwide

SES to acquire Intelsat, boosting satellite industry

In the MENA region, cybersecurity is crucial amidst rising digitalisation and state-sponsored cyber threats, met by BBS Technology's comprehensive solutions. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

BBS technology: MENA's cybersecurity solution

Sparkle and Arqit’s quantum-safe VPN PoC heralds a new era in secure global communication. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Sparkle and Arqit unveil quantum-safe VPN milestone

Photo of Dr Reda Helal and Dr Diane Karusisi

(L-R): Dr Diane Karusisi, CEO, Bank of Kigali and Dr Reda Helal, group managing director – processing, Africa and co-head group processing, Network International. (Image source: Network International)

Rwanda's digital growth with Bank of Kigali & Network International

Avanti and Q-KON partner to launch LEO satellite services in South Africa, enhancing connectivity and business resilience. (Image source: Avant Communications)

Avanti’s LEO service boosts South Africa connectivity

AMN activates first base station with Starlink LEO backhaul, expanding rural connectivity in Nigeria and beyond. (Image source: AMN)

AMN enhances Africa's rural connectivity with Starlink

World Bank’s analysis reveals Djibouti’s digital economy potential and challenges, urging multi-sectoral collaboration for growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Djibouti’s digital economy: Strategic insights

Paratus Group pioneers fastest fiber express route linking Johannesburg to Europe, revolutionising telecommunications with low latency and high-speed connectivity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Fastest fibre route unveiled: Johannesburg to Europe

Vertiv launches Vertiv 360AI in EMEA, offering high-density power and cooling solutions to meet the demands of AI, from edge to data centers. (Image source: Vertiv)

Vertiv unveils Vertiv 360AI in EMEA

The new 5G towers can connect up to 10,000 users and offer speeds at least ten times faster. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Vox 5G in SA: Faster, better coverage

Network for channel partners and end users

Redington partners with Vertiv to empower African channel partners, leveraging Vertiv's critical infrastructure technology & Redington's extensive market reach. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa's channel expansion with Vertiv

enza will leverage TerraPay’s extensive connectivity to over 2.1 billion mobile wallets globally. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Transforming payments and financial inclusion

PalmPay was recognised in CNBC/Statista's "Top 250 Fintech Companies in the World" list, highlighting its role in advancing financial inclusion in Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)