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  2. The Year Ahead

The Year Ahead

Fairmont The Norfolk (and Virtually)
February 6, 2025
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (East Africa Time)

This is a past event and registrations are closed.

However, you can follow it on Linkedin using the hashtag below to see the latest conversations around the event.

As we approach 2025, the tech world stands on the cusp of monumental change. AI is continuing to reach new heights, quantum computing is moving from labs to practical use, and cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. The Year Ahead 2025 isn't just another tech conference; it's a window into the future, where today's innovations become tomorrow's necessities.

The Year Ahead 2025 brings together the trailblazers and visionaries who are driving this technological transformation - those already implementing emerging technologies alongside the greatest minds advancing them. This event will be full of riveting keynotes and illuminating sessions that will see you engaging with both recognized global thought leaders and pioneering startups on the cutting edge wherever you'll be, right from the comfort of your seat.

The State of African Tech

Conference Image
Conference Image

Topics & Themes

Attendees can anticipate dynamic discussions on both leading-edge technologies and how digital transformation will impact everything from business models, operations, products and services to leadership and culture. With a central theme of digital innovation shaping the future, pressing conversations will span across the following broad topics:

Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Advancements and Ethical Implications

Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Advancements and Ethical Implications

Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Protecting Data in an Increasingly Connected World

Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Protecting Data in an Increasingly Connected World

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing: Transforming Industries and Daily Life

The Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing: Transforming Industries and Daily Life

Emerging Tech Innovations: Startups Shaping the Future Landscape

Emerging Tech Innovations: Startups Shaping the Future Landscape

Speakers

The Year Ahead offers an opportunity to explore and discuss the major trends and innovations shaping the technology landscape in the coming year. As a speaker, you will have the chance to share your vision, connect with industry leaders, and help define the key technologies and strategies that will drive progress in the tech world. Join us in looking forward to the advancements and opportunities that lie ahead for the global technology community.

Andrew Karanja
Host
Andrew Karanja
Director, dx5
Geoffrey 'GG' Gitagia
CIO, Avenue Healthcare Limited
CEO, ICT Authority
Timothy Munyao
Lead Solutions Architect, Kitsilano Technologies Ltd (formerly 11 Degrees Consulting)
Cybersecurity Expert, -
VP of Technology and Analytics, Pathways Technologies
Venture Builder and Solution Architect, Gruppo Potente
AI Consultant, -
Carol Odero
moderator
Carol Odero
Head of Content, dx5
Ian Wagga
moderator
Ian Wagga
Lead, dxDigital, dx5
David Kabundu
David Kabundu
Managing Director, Eastra Solutions
Head of Sales and Business Development - Africa, Eclectics Intl
Senior Solutions Architect - Sub-saharan Africa, AWS
Country Manager, Tenece
Country Lead, CloudPlexo
Hartnell Ndungi
CDO, Absa Bank Kenya
Country Director, Gomycode
Head of Threat Intelligence and Threat Hunting, M-KOPA
Lead, Security Operations, NTT Data East Africa
Co-Founder and CEO, Fastagger
Consultant, Social Impact
Services business manager, HPE (Operated by Selectium)
Head Of Growth, Creatives Garage
Enterprise Sales - Google Cloud, Google
Caleb Kagera
Manager - Service Quality, Compliance & Improvement, KCB Group
Principal Technology Architect, Oracle
Business Process and Cyber Security Officer, Avenue Healthcare
Agenda
10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Opening Remarks
Andrew
Andrew Karanja
Director, dx5
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM
Keynote
The Rise and Rise of AI: Opportunities, Challenges and Perspectives
Geoffrey
Geoffrey 'GG' Gitagia
CIO, Avenue Healthcare Limited
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM
Keynote
The State of Tech: Opportunities, Challenges & Perspectives
Stanley
Stanley Kamanguya
CEO, ICT Authority
11:05 AM - 11:40 AM
Fireside Chat
Hybrid Cloud: Best of Both Worlds (And Then Some)
The hybrid and multi-cloud adoption are designed to avoid vendor lock-in and enhance flexibility. This trend allows businesses to leverage the strengths of multiple cloud providers while optimising costs and improving disaster recovery options. Explore cloud best practices.
Mbugua
Mbugua Njihia
Venture Builder and Solution Architect, Gruppo Potente
moderator
Timothy
Timothy Munyao
Lead Solutions Architect, Kitsilano Technologies Ltd (formerly 11 Degrees Consulting)
David
David Kabundu
Managing Director, Eastra Solutions
11:40 AM - 12:10 PM
Tea Break
12:10 PM - 12:40 PM
Panel Discussion
Cloud Nine: Agility for Soaring Business Performance
It is not enough to be flexible with your cloud solutions. True success hinges on responsiveness to market changes beyond simply scaling. Are you adapting to dynamic customer demands? Do you continuously evaluate and adopt new cloud technologies for a competitive edge? Are you familiar with Kenya’s cloud policy, evolving data regulations and security standards? Is your approach proactive and data-driven?
Ian
Ian Wagga
Lead, dxDigital, dx5
moderator
Geoffrey
Geoffrey 'GG' Gitagia
CIO, Avenue Healthcare Limited
panelist
Timothy
Timothy Munyao
Lead Solutions Architect, Kitsilano Technologies Ltd (formerly 11 Degrees Consulting)
panelist
Spiff
Spiff Moses
Country Lead, CloudPlexo
panelist
Solomon
Solomon Chiedo
Enterprise Sales - Google Cloud, Google
panelist
Martin
Martin Waigwa
Principal Technology Architect, Oracle
panelist
12:40 PM - 1:00 PM
Was It Data or Intuition? ROI Decision-Making
Organisations are increasingly relying on big data analytics to inform strategic decisions. A trend driven by advancements in machine learning and AI. The former enable deeper insights from complex datasets, allowing companies to tailor products and services more effectively to customer needs. Harnessing big data for predictive analytics means the capacity to forecast trends and make informed decisions.
Becky
Becky Abraham
VP of Technology and Analytics, Pathways Technologies
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Lunch
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Data - The “Big” Secret to Customer Experience
Meticulously collecting, analysing, and interpreting customer data from browsing history and purchase patterns to feedback and social media interactions allows businesses to gain invaluable insights into customer preferences, behaviours, and pain points. It is this kind of data-driven understanding that then empowers organisations to personalise interactions, anticipate needs, and proactively address potential issues. By leveraging data to tailor experiences, businesses can foster stronger customer relationships, increase loyalty, and ultimately drive significant business growth. It is, after all, one of the key drivers of digital transformation.
Hartnell
Hartnell Ndungi
CDO, Absa Bank Kenya
moderator
Mellany
Mellany Msengezi
Country Director, Gomycode
panelist
Becky
Becky Abraham
VP of Technology and Analytics, Pathways Technologies
panelist
Johnah
Johnah Ngui
Head of Sales and Business Development - Africa, Eclectics Intl
panelist
Caleb
Caleb Kagera
Manager - Service Quality, Compliance & Improvement, KCB Group
panelist
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
Hackers vs. Reality: A 50% Rise in Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks are projected to increase significantly, with estimates suggesting a 50% rise by 2025. This escalation underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity frameworks driven by factors like the increasing sophistication of attack methods, the growing reliance on technology, and the expanding attack surface. This escalating threat level underscores the urgent need for robust and proactive cybersecurity frameworks. Frameworks that must go beyond basic security measures and encompass a multi-layered approach. Prioritising cybersecurity and investing in robust frameworks means organisations can better protect themselves from the growing threat of cyberattacks, mitigate potential damage, and ensure business continuity.
Dr Bright
Dr Bright Gameli Mawudor
Cybersecurity Expert, -
3:20 PM - 3:50 PM
Panel Discussion
Level up Your Security by Building a Cyber Resilient Culture
A strong cybersecurity posture goes beyond just technology. It's about people and mindsets within the organisation where everyone understands and actively participates in safeguarding sensitive information. Yes, firewalls and encryption are crucial, but so is employee empowerment and leadership buy-in.
Beth
Beth Ikiara
Country Manager, Tenece
moderator
Kevin
Kevin Kanyi
Head of Threat Intelligence and Threat Hunting, M-KOPA
panelist
Dr Bright
Dr Bright Gameli Mawudor
Cybersecurity Expert, -
panelist
Robert
Robert Ngetich
Lead, Security Operations, NTT Data East Africa
panelist
Harvey
Harvey Sijenyi
Business Process and Cyber Security Officer, Avenue Healthcare
panelist
3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
Taming the AI Beast: Governance and Compliance
CIOs will prioritise establishing frameworks for AI governance to ensure compliance with emerging regulations and ethical standards. But as AI becomes more integrated into decision-making processes, CIOs must also balance innovation with the need for regulatory adherence, ensuring that AI systems are explainable, unbiased, and compliant with laws. Governance will prove to be crucial as we increasingly rely on AI to influence critical business outcomes.
Michael
Michael Michie
AI Consultant, -
4:10 PM - 4:40 PM
Panel Discussion
The Ethics of GenAI: It’s Not Just About Algorithms
Algos may be powering Generative AI significantly, but ethical considerations extend far beyond the technical. GenAI models are trained on massive datasets, which often reflect and amplify existing societal biases. Many GenAI models operate as "black boxes," making it difficult to understand how they arrive at their outputs. And the increasing capabilities of GenAI systems raise concerns about job displacement in creative fields like writing, art, and music while the use of copyrighted material in training data and the ownership of AI-generated content raise complex legal and ethical questions. Who gets to fix this mess?
Carol
Carol Odero
Head of Content, dx5
moderator
Mercy
Mercy Nyaga
Head Of Growth, Creatives Garage
panelist
Timothy
Timothy Laku
Consultant, Social Impact
panelist
Mutembei
Mutembei Kariuki
Co-Founder and CEO, Fastagger
panelist
Amritpal Singh
Amritpal Singh Rajbans
Services business manager, HPE (Operated by Selectium)
panelist
Michael
Michael Michie
AI Consultant, -
panelist
4:40 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Tea Break
Partners

African eDevelopment Resource Centre
Gitex Africa
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