AfricaCom and AfricaTech become virtual events as part of new Virtual Africa Tech Festival

Industry trade events AfricaCom and AfricaTech will move forward as fully events in 2020 as a part of a newly created Virtual Africa Tech Festival.

Organiser Informa Tech said that it had undergone “an extensive period of review and consultation” before deciding “that it is in the best interest” of the industry to take the events online.

The two events will now take place over a one week period from November 9-13 under the moniker of the Virtual Africa Tech Festival.

A statement from the organiser said: “Going virtual in 2020 presents an excellent opportunity to make our events infinitely more accessible both within Africa and beyond, with an internet connection being all that is required to participate. We have also invested in leading software that will offer attendees AI powered networking, on-demand content and personalised agendas.”

AfricaCom has been held on the continent for more than 20 years. It brings together the industry’s elite executives together in one place to connect, learn and do business.

The statement continued: “At a time when connectivity and technology have never been more relevant, we look forward to welcoming you all to the first Virtual Africa Tech Festival to ensure the innovation, change and progress within our industry continues to thrive in Africa.”

As the world continues to contend with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a large number of major industry events are making a similar leap online, with this news coming just after the announcement that IBC 2020 will similarly take place as a virtual event.