Welcome to Cape Town for the MEF Leadership Forum Africa 2025 – this premier event addresses the transformative trends, challenges, and opportunities reshaping direct carrier billing, content & advertising, voice, messaging, anti-fraud efforts, and enterprise omnichannel communications across the continent. Together, we will explore how to shape the future of telecommunications and create new opportunities across Africa.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Waheed Adam, Global Board Director, MEF
A Short Word about MEF
- Â Matt Ekram, Advisor, MEF
21 Years of WASPA: Lessons Learnt From a Self-Regulatory Payments- and Messaging Landscape
-  Anzelle Robertson – Board Member, WASPA
- Ant Brooks – Managing Director, Future Foundation
- Jacqui Jones – CEO, Worldplay
- James McNab – Chairperson, WASPA
- Kev Dawson – Director, MCP Insight
In 2025, the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association (WASPA) marks 21 years of serving as one of the world’s longest-running industry self-regulators. From the early days of premium SMS and ringtone subscriptions to today’s data-driven digital content and payments ecosystem, WASPA has evolved alongside South Africa’s mobile economy: setting standards, resolving disputes, and safeguarding consumers while enabling innovation. This session reflects on the Association’s journey, exploring what self-regulation looks like in practice and how a transparent, industry-driven model can sustain both growth and credibility. Senior representatives from WASPA and its member base discuss lessons learned and what the next 21 years of digital service governance might hold.
Messaging Matters: The Evolving Role of Messaging in Africa’s Digital Economy
- Anzelle Robertson – Board Member, WASPA
- Casper de Villiers – Board Member, WASPA
- Sizo Nkosi – Telco Carrier Relations Manager, Infobip; WASPA Board Member
- Monwabisi Mabude – Senior Manager, Digital Wholesale & Content Services
- Sabelo Nxele – Portfolio Manager: Messaging & Value-Added Services Wholesale & Carrier Services, Vodacom Enterprise Business Unit, Vodacom
Hosted by WASPA, this discussion brings together leading messaging aggregators, operators, and enterprise partners to unpack how messaging is evolving in the region. Panelists will debate the commercial outlook, challenges around quality and compliance, and the integration of messaging within broader digital customer-journey strategies.
A Conversation with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town:Rugby City Vision, Innovation & business landscape
- Waheed Adam – Global Board Director, MEF
- Eddie Andrews – Deputy Mayor of Cape Town
Join us for a special fireside chat with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town as he shares insights from his remarkable journey — from representing South Africa as a Springbok Rugby champion to leading one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. Together, we will explore Cape Town’s vision for business growth and and how innovation and vision can drive transformation across the continent
Empowering Africa’s Telecoms to Thrive Beyond Challenges.
- Matt Ekram – Advisor, MEF
- Alexander Vavilov – Market Manager, Africa, LANCK Telecom
- Anastasia Ivanets – Business Development Manager, LANCK Telecom
- Zipporah Kiarie – Sales & Procurement Manager, Africa, ME Global Messaging, LANCK Telecom
In this session, we’ll explore how telcos can turn these challenges into profit. By leveraging Africa’s expanding digital economy, innovating with new service models, and targeting underserved customer segments, operators can unlock sustainable growth. Using real-world case studies and data-backed insights, we will showcase practical approaches for telcos—ranging from adaptable business models and optimized service delivery to bundled solutions and sophisticated anti-fraud measures—aimed at managing risk, safeguarding profits, and seizing the key trends driving Africa’s telecom future.
Digital Engagement in Motion: Strategies for Africa’s Mobile Market
- Valentina Ferrari – Chief Operating Officer, MEF
- David Hudson – Managing Director, CFM Africa
- Jon Hoehler – Head of Digital Content, MTN
- Hussein Taki – Chief Commercial Officer, Mobile Arts
Discuss the trends, opportunities, and innovative models that are shaping content creation, distribution, and monetisation in a mobile-first Africa.
Digital Engagement in Motion: Strategies for Africa’s Mobile Market
- Valentina Ferrari – Chief Operating Officer, MEF
- Vijay Vichhi Country Manager – South Africa, Digital Virgo
- Renaud Ganascia – Head of strategic partneships & alliances, Digital Virgo
- Mounia Terhzaz, Regional CEO, Africa, Digital Virgo
Super Apps are redefining digital ecosystems, bringing together payments, content, and communication into one seamless user experience. Building a Super App requires a different approach — from integration to marketing, from user journeys to payment models — with specific success factors and key points of attention to consider. Drawing on Digital Virgo’s hands-on experience with Telcos in Africa and in other regions, this session will share practical insights, lessons learned, and what truly makes a Super App strategy work.
From Insights to Inspiration: The Path Forward
- Valentina Ferrari – Chief Operating Officer, MEF
- Waheed Adam, Global Board Director, MEF
- Matt Ekram, Advisor, MEF
As we close the MEF Leadership Forum Africa, this session brings together key insights and reflections from the day. Together, we will transform today’s ideas into inspiration for action—exploring how collaboration and innovation can shape the future of Africa’s digital and telecommunications landscape.
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