In the last three years, Techpoint has gathered innovators, disruptors and developers, from tech companies across the African continent and the world at the Techpoint Inspired Conference, in Lagos, Nigeria.
This year saw another converge of tech enthusiasts, at the Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, June 2, 2019.
The conversation around the future of technology and how it will disrupt finance, medicine, agriculture, etc., cannot be overemphasized, as the continent is to launch into the fourth industrial revolution.
The keynotes and workshop session of the event, had its discussion centered around the Future of work, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Taking the first stage, was Funke Opeke, Founder and CEO, MainOne, who spoke on how technology can, effectively impact broadband penetration. She emphasized the dire need of technology in the future of work, “with technology you need to scale, or, remain irrelevant”.
She further discussed the challenges of going fully digital, in the country; inadequate infrastructure and the dearth of skills.
Prof. Maziar Nekovee, HOD Engineering and Product Design, University of Sussex, discussed “Leveraging the Potential of 5G for Africa”.
According to him, “Africa is one of the fastest growing markets for mobile broadband, nevertheless, with these seeming high numbers, an estimated 800 million people, are unconnected on the continent”.
The 5G network, is 20 times fast, compared to the 4G and it is set to offer disruptive initiative on the continent, by bringing a compelling solution to broadband coverage.
He further mentioned the effective growth Startup, if they leverage mobile broadband and platforms, however, the essence of increased broadband, is not just about the connectivity, but the digital economy.
Dr. Weibe Boer, CEO, All On, spoke on, “The Nigerian Access to Energy Sector: Challenges and Opportunities”, according to him, “80% of Nigeria’s installed generating capacity, gets lost by the time it reaches the final consumer”
Despite the challenges, currently in Nigeria’s energy sector, opportunities abound.
Boer mentioned a $10 billion investment opportunity, in mini-grids and a high willingness, by consumers, to pay for uninterrupted power supply.
Other keynote speakers at Techpoint Inspired include; Rolayo Akhigbe, Divisional Head Transaction, FCMB, who spoke on, “Future of banking experience: Friction between banks and customers; Seni Sulyman, Vice-President, Global Operations, Andela, who spoke on, “The model for educating Africa’s future”; Ngozi Aderibigbe, Sector Head, Technology, Media & Entertainment, Jackson, Etti & Edu., who spoke on, “The Future: Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual property”; Bosun Tijani, Co-Founder/ CEO, CoCreation Hub, who spoke on, “Why Design”.
