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By Aanuoluwa Omotosho and Oluwatobi Opusunju
DG of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami with other stakeholders at WACC 2016
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital will be hosting the 9th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC – http://waconvergenceconference.net/) with the theme: Convergence & the New Deals: – Entrepreneurship & Employability. WACC, scheduled to hold Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja, Lagos is organised by Knowhow Media and Market Intelligence International Ltd, a tech research, and media company. WACC 2017 already has the support of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigcomsat Limited, Medallion Communications Ltd, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Precise Financial System (PFS) Limited, Unique Solutions, The Gambia and SBTS Group, Sierra Leone.
Read: http://itedgenews.africa/2016/12/06/convergence-nitda-will-enforce-local-content-it-regulation-pantami/
The 2017 edition of WACC is drawing participation from thought leaders and decision makers across industry verticals to underscore the convergence of industry convergence within the broad spectrum of technology and its application across sectors. The major theme on ‘the future of work’ highlights the changing work-spaces, and the expansive portfolio of new careers hinged on the convergence of technologies and industries. Panelists are looking at the future of work, new skills, the new economy, the expanding frontiers, barriers for entrepreneurship & employability.
WACC 2013 with Late Amazon of IT, Florence Seriki, founder of Omatek Computers (extreme right) WACC and the industry misses this entrepreneur par excellence
Supported by NITDA, the 2017 theme is featuring panelists on the InventSpace session which offers insight on ‘leveraging local and global opportunities for IT startups; bolstering Inspiration for tech-ecosystem. InventSpace considers how to foster budding tech-entrepreneurs in a converged era – What lies ahead for innovators? How do we cultivate mentorship, pitch-culture, encourage investors and venture-capitalists to look this direction? The session is hosting the technology hubs and startups communities across West Africa.
“We are happy to have speakers and sessions that reflect the depth and dynamics of the industry in a way that points to the future of things. WACC offers an opportunity for self-examination as a country and as sub-region: Are we doing things right? Are we adopting and implementing the right policies for growth? What is perpetually next in our industry, country, continent and globally? At WACC, we always try to address these questions.”
– Co-Chair of WACC 2017, Dr. Sola Afolabi who is also the Chairman off Baobab Think Ltd and Qitech Technologies Ltd.
WACC 2017 is advancing the discussions on Infrastructural Challenges, Disruptors, and Regulations even as industries converged. Attendees would be opportune to network with regulators and operators on the recurring challenges of regulating in a converged market. The session enjoys the support of the NITDA, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigcomsat Limited, Medallion Communications and the Rack Centre. Leading the discussion is the Director General of the NITDA, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami who has championed a reforming and refocusing of the government IT clearinghouse since assuming office last year. On the panel are: Ms. Abimbola Alale, CEO of Medallion Limited, Ike Nnamani, MD/CEO of NigComSat Limited, MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Ltd, Mallam Yusuf Kazaure, MD of Rack Centre, Tunde Coker, and President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Olusola Teniola.
WACC 2012 with current Secretary-General of Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Shola Taylor and ex-DG of National Broadcasting Commission, Alhaji Yomi Bolarinwa
This year’s WACC gathering is featuring for the first time, the discussions on ‘Convergence, Automobile Innovation and the Future of Cars.’ Supported by the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), panelists will consider the auto industry from the perspective of interrogations that include: “Is the future where industries converge already here? Are we getting there? Is Nigeria ready for Smart integrated technology, innovation, and a sustainable lifestyle? How is the convergence of automotive and tech creating a new ecosystem? As cars, high-tech and electronics converge – Where is the auto industry in Nigeria headed? Any possibility for leapfrogging and is there a policy thrust on this? Are we gearing for Convergence and the Disruptive trends that will transform the auto industry? Participants have the opportunity to engage the DG of NADDC, Mr. Jelani Aliyu on his blueprint for Nigeria’s automobile industry.
At WACC 2016: DG of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami with MD/CEO of Jos based Smart Web Ltd and startups from nHub
“We are happy to have speakers and sessions that reflect the depth and dynamics of the industry in a way that points to the future of things. WACC offers an opportunity for self-examination as a country and as sub-region: Are we doing things right? Are we adopting and implementing the right policies for growth? What is the learning from shared experiences and knowledge? What is perpetually next in our industry, country, continent and globally? What’s next? At WACC, we always try to address these questions,” said Co-Chair of WACC 2017, Dr. Sola Afolabi who is also the Chairman of Baobab Think Ltd and Qitech Technologies Ltd.
WACC 2017 major highlights include Convergence Conference and Networking, Convergence New Frontier Companies, the Convergence InventSpace, and the Convergence Tech Leadership Recognition awards.
