CEO of Digital Afrique Telecom Shares Insights on Digital Connectivity and Africa’s Growth

Mobile phones in Africa are increasingly driving social and economic transformation across the continent, according to Simplice Anoh, Founder and CEO of leading mobile solutions provider, Digital Afrique Telecom (DAT). Mr. Anoh shared these insights on digital connectivity in Africa and the region’s growth, at the Africa Tech Summit in London on September 29.

He joined technology leaders from across Africa and Europe, international investors, entrepreneurs and leading African start-ups in London for the one-day conference to discuss the African technology landscape in Africa. Simplice Anoh was the only CEO invited to present a Francophone perspective on digital Africa at the summit.

More than 50% of all Africans over the age of 15 own a mobile phone, according to research by Boston Consulting Group. For most of these people, mobile banking is their only access to financial services. By 2019, an estimated 250 million “un- banked” Africans are expected to own mobile phones and earn at least $500 per month — generating a projected $1.5 billion in revenues from mobile financial services, the report says.

“The mobile industry is therefore a key driver of economic growth in Africa,” said Simplice Anoh. “It is addressing a range of socio-economic challenges, especially financial inclusion, and enabling access to vital services such as education and healthcare.”

Mr. Anoh has founded and built a successful technology business, working with more than 40 mobile network operators in over 25 African countries.

He said, “At Digital Afrique Telecom, we already have digital payment partnerships across almost every sector and are helping to build a great world of accessible and inclusive financial services. We will continue to take advantage of the social and economic opportunities that technology brings to people across the continent.”

Simplice Anoh is a graduate of J.L. Kellogg School of Management and Harvard University. He founded Digital Afrique Telecom in 2005.

The Africa Tech Summit highlights the most exciting opportunities for technology ventures, investors and global companies, focusing on practical examples of success stories across the continent in various sectors.