Johannesburg, South Africa – 07 April 2025: Openserve, the Telkom Group subsidiary and South Africa’s leading wholesale Fibre and connectivity solutions provider, has announced its sponsorship and hosting of the Southern Africa Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, the premier information and communications technology (ICT) event in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The conference will take place from 23 to 25 April at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Registration for conference delegates is now available on the SATA website.
Hosted by Openserve and centred around the theme ‘ICT Connectivity and Service Delivery for the Benefit of All: Transforming Our Society Through Broadband and ICT Development’, the 45th edition of the conference will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the region to address shared challenges, showcase the latest innovations, and foster collaboration to accelerate broadband infrastructure deployment.
“This event is like no other with its ability to bring us together as an industry to realise the vision of a digitally transformed and connected continent. The SATA Annual Conference is an opportunity to check the status of the SADC region’s connectivity journey, while also highlighting the latest advancements in broadband technologies. It is also a platform for unpacking the latest in consumer and business trends, while networking with our industry stakeholders. As the main sponsor of the conference, Openserve is proud to facilitate a space where all of this can take place, reflecting our commitment to building an intelligent, inclusive and sustainable future through connectivity,” said Makgosi Mabaso, the Chief Commercial Officer at Openserve.
Boasting a comprehensive three-day agenda, the conference will feature panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on some of the most pressing issues and opportunities shaping the region’s digital future. These include the evolution of connectivity across SADC countries, sustainable investment in fibre and digital infrastructure, policy harmonisation to support cross-border collaboration, and regulatory strategies to unlock ICT growth. A key focus area will also be the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to drive public service innovation, economic inclusion, and improved digital access across urban and rural communities.
A major highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, on day one, setting the tone for three days of strategic dialogue around ICT development and regional integration. Notable sessions include a high-level G20 panel on global ICT trends and regional implications, featuring Telkom Group CEO, Serame Taukobong, and Business Leadership South Africa CEO, Busi Mavuso, alongside other key stakeholders. The agenda also covers critical issues such as the digital dividend and infrastructure sharing, the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks, and industry-led workshops exploring smart cities, digital government initiatives, and future-ready networks.
Adding to the conference highlights is the ceremonial handover of SATA’s chairmanship from Botswana Fibre Networks to Openserve, set to take place on 25 April. This symbolic transition marks a significant leadership milestone for the association and reinforces Openserve’s ongoing commitment to driving digital transformation across the continent.
“Telecommunications in Africa is constantly evolving thanks to the introduction and integration of new technologies, new regulatory mandates, and changing market conditions that influence the rollout of new infrastructure and services. The rapid pace of that evolution means we need to remain agile and receptive to new developments. SATA embodies that agility and through events such as the annual conference, we can come together as an industry and collaborate to realise a shared vision of a connected, secure, and sustainable future. We are incredibly excited for the conversations set to take place and for all our stakeholders to contribute to what should be an insightful and productive three days,” said Mpho Koolese, the current Chairperson of SATA and CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks.
Openserve’s investments in broadband solutions, including terrestrial Fibre networks and wholesale internet services across South Africa, serve as the starting point for accelerated digital transformation. “We help enable consumers, communities, and enterprises to connect to and participate in the global, digital economy. Platforms such as the SATA Annual Conference enable us to engage as an industry, consolidate our collective efforts, and pursue a region-wide, fully integrated ICT initiative. We must work together to realise Southern Africa’s digital potential, and that starts with having impactful conversations,” Mabaso added.
For more information about the 45th SATA Annual Conference, click here. To register to attend the event, click here.