Johannesburg to Host IoT Forum Africa 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next big wave in technology, with major repercussions for Africans.

By connecting everyday devices to the internet the Internet of Things opens up a host of new opportunities and challenges for companies, governments and consumers.

The IoT has the potential to solve many of the issues the African continent is currently facing. And many African countries have already embarked on the IoT journey.

Healthcare providers in Ethiopia are monitoring the health status of outpatients to better adjust treatment.

Intelligent traffic lights in Nairobi are helping ease traffic congestion. Utility providers in South Africa are using load-limiting smart meters that can warn residents ahead of imminent controlled outages.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite imagery, DNA analysis and apps are being used as part of conservation efforts – by predicting poaching attempts and monitoring wildlife.

“The potential is limitless. As technology advances and encroaches upon most people’s day-to-day lives in some shape or form, people can expect more IoT enabled solutions that address the unique issues facing Africa,” Vee Lidzhade of itnewsafrica and promoters of the Forum said in an email to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek.

“There is no question: the IoT is coming to Africa and African businesses cannot ignore it.

“IoT Forum Africa 2017 (www.iotforumafrica.com) will bring together senior IT executives, service providers, developers and CxOs from diverse fields, with representation from healthcare, manufacturing, energy, utilities, rail, transport and retail to name a few,” the statement read.

Lidzhade also disclosed that keynotes and interactive sessions will focus on carefully selected topics such as: the IoT Revolution: From “Things” to business outcomes; deploying an IoT solution. A strategic overview for decision makers; creating a sustainable framework for IoT Integration; creating value from connecting “things” and assessing the commercial feasibility and monetization of IoT; IoT, Big Data & the City: A standards perspective; reinventing IT security to support IoT and How will IoT remake your industry?

“Speakers have already been confirmed from Dangote Industries Limited, Woolworths, Aon South Africa, FNB Fiduciary, Discovery Limited, Barclays Africa Group, FastNet, Kenya Bankers Association and McAfee amongst others” the message reads.