The 'Leaders in Africa Summit' and 'Leaders in Africa headline keynotes' are among several drawcards for AfricaCom 2016, touted as 'the largest and most influential Africa-focused tech event' globally, to be hosted in Cape Town in November.

The ICT and business event runs from 14 – 18 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the central theme is economic development and social empowerment of Africa through digital connectivity.

Organisers have emphasised the value of the interactive think tank 'Leaders in Africa Summit', a forum and exclusive stream for discussion and debate with decision makers who are tasked with digital transformation.

Topics up for discussion during this stream include collaboration between the private and public sectors to accelerate technology and telco growth, and partnerships between telco and OTT players.

Major influences like the Internet of Things (IoT), fintech and the role of governments will form part of the discussions.

Debate is likely to focus on business models for deployment i.e. should Africa carve its own path on its digital journey or follow what is being done internationally, in more developed markets?

Delegates will also tackle the issue of last mile connectivity and the role of tech and telco innovation in uplifting and connecting remote communities.

Several speakers are scheduled to present, including Thione Niang, Founder Give1 Project and Co-founder of Akon Lighting Africa; Dr Vanue Bose, President and CEO at VANU; Deshun Deysel, the first black female to climb Mount Everest at Deshun Deysel & Associates, as well as Bisila Bokoko, founder Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project.

Now in its 19th year, event organisers expect the full-week schedule (incorporating various streams, exhibitions, networking opportunities and satellite sessions and over 350 speakers) to attract over 10 000 attendees.