13:30 - OPENING & REGISTRATIONS
14:00 - Welcome word
- Waheed Adam, Global Board Director, MEFÂ
14:05 - About MEF
- Matt Ekram, Advisor, MEF
14:20 - 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
14:50 - 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
15:20 - A Conversation with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town: Rugby, City Vision, Innovation, and business landscape
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
Waheed Adam – Global Board Director, MEFÂ
Eddie Andrews – Deputy Mayor of Cape Town
15:50 - Networking Coffee break
16:20 - Empowering Africa’s Telecoms to Thrive Beyond Challenges.
Africa’s telecom industry is at a turning point. Rapid digital adoption, changing customer expectations, and the rise of OTT services are reshaping the market, while economic fluctuations and fierce competition create new pressures on revenue and margins. These trends present both significant challenges—such as traffic moving away from traditional channels, volatile pricing, escalating fraud, and rising enterprise demands—and fresh opportunities for growth.
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.
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
16:55 - Digital Engagement in Motion: Strategies for Africa’s Mobile Market
Discuss the trends, opportunities, and innovative models that are shaping content creation, distribution, and monetisation in a mobile-first Africa.
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
17:25 - Networking Coffee break
17:40 - Let’s Get Ready for Super Apps – The Next Digital Frontier
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.
Vijay Vichhi Country Manager – South Africa, Digital Virgo
Renaud Ganascia – Head of strategic partneships & alliances, Digital Virgo
- Â Mounia Terhzaz, Regional CEO, Africa, Digital Virgo
18:10 - From Insights to Inspiration: The Path Forward
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.















