25 - 26 April 2023
Radisson Blu Upper Hill Hotel,
Nairobi
The East Africa Com Glossary
Define the keywords and terms shaping the regions telco and digital transformation.
# - B
4G
The fourth generation cellular network technology, offering much faster wireless Internet access and high-definition digital voice.
5G
The upcoming next generation cellular network technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, increased availability, improved reliability and innovative new use cases.
AgTech
Agricultural Technology (AgTech) represents the application of technology to the farming sector – this comprises hardware (machinery) and software (databases and analytics). AgTech encompasses diverse solutions to every step of food production.
AHUB East
AHUB East is our tech start-up zone at East Africa Com, designed to highlight the critical role of entrepreneurship in fueling the region’s digital economy and connecting tech start-ups and scale-ups with investors and corporate partners.
Artificial Intelligence
AI refers to the development of computer systems to perform tasks which previously required the intelligence of a human such as understanding human speech.
Blockchain
A digital, distributed ledger which resists the modification of its data and can therefore be applied to uses such as financial transactions which need to be permanently verifiable.
C - E
Connectivity
Connectivity most often refers to internet connectivity – the access people have to the internet and services it provides. It can also refer to connectivity to an electricity grid.
Digital Security
A broad term simply defined as the protection of online identity, personal or business. Digital security often refers to the tools available to secure identity, financial and technological assets online.
Digital Inclusion
Digital inclusion means ensuring that everyone in society, including disadvantaged groups such as the elderly and rural populations, have the access and skills they need to use Information & Communication Technologies (ICT).
Digital Learning
Any type of learning accompanied by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. Most often referring to online learning resources but also encompassing physical learning tools such as mobile phones, tablets and virtual reality.
Digital Transformation
The process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements.
Disruptive Technology
Any innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate, creating a new market and/or value network. IoT, AI and FinTech are types of disruptive technology.
E - M
eCommerce
Electronic commerce (eCommerce) is the business of buying or selling of products through online services such as the internet, and the transfer of money and data to facilitate these transactions.
FinTech
The Financial Technology (FinTech) industry uses technology to optimise processes in finance, including mobile banking and cryptocurrency.
Fourth Industrial Revolution
A technological revolution whereby current technologies are replaced by new more productive and efficient technologies, affecting every level of business and society.
Future of Work
The study of how the workplace and labour market will be affected by technological progress.
Internet of Things
The IoT refers to the connections between objects, appliances and machinery via embedded sensors and chips, enabling them to interact, operate and receive and transmit data automatically.
Mobile Money
Payment services operated under financial regulation and performed from or via a mobile device, instead of paying with cash, cheque, or credit cards.
M - Z
Sustainable Development
Development that meets the needs of the society and business without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often encompassing gender inclusion, financial equitability and resource use.
Technology Ecosystem
A network of organizations that drives the creation and delivery of information technology products and services.