Mawingu will participate in Africa Tech Festival 2026, taking place from 17 to 19 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. Farouk Ramji, CEO of Mawingu, will join industry leaders to discuss how satellite technology can help expand internet access in underserved communities and support economic development across Africa. 

Africa Tech Festival brings together stakeholders from across the telecommunications and technology sectors to explore developments shaping the continent’s digital future. The 2026 programme includes discussions on connectivity, satellite technology, artificial intelligence and network optimisation, among other areas of digital transformation. 

Despite progress in expanding internet access in urban areas, many communities across Africa still lack reliable connectivity. Reaching rural and underserved markets presents challenges, including the cost of infrastructure deployment and the difficulty of extending traditional networks to remote locations. Expanding access will require innovative approaches and partnerships that make connectivity more accessible and commercially sustainable. 

Satellite technology, particularly low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite services, offers opportunities to extend internet coverage to areas where deploying traditional infrastructure can be challenging. Partnerships between internet service providers and satellite operators can help accelerate coverage expansion while supporting access to online learning, digital literacy and skills development. 

Mawingu’s Engagement at Africa Tech Festival 2026 

Farouk Ramji will participate in a panel discussion titled “Driving Economic Development in Africa: Rural Connectivity Through Satellite Expansion.” The session will explore opportunities for internet service providers to partner with LEO satellite operators to expand coverage into rural markets, as well as how satellite-enabled connectivity can support virtual learning, digital literacy and skills training. 

The discussion will feature Collin Mamdoo, Principal Business Development at Vodacom, and Philippe Baudrier, Vice President for Africa in the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat. Temidayo Oniosun, Founder and Managing Director of Space in Africa, will moderate the session. 

Mawingu’s experience in extending internet access across underserved areas of Kenya brings a practical perspective to conversations about rural connectivity. By connecting communities, businesses, schools and other institutions, the company works to make reliable internet access available in areas that have historically faced barriers to connectivity. 

The session will provide an opportunity to examine how collaboration between local internet service providers and satellite operators can help unlock underserved markets, extend network coverage and support Africa’s wider digital economy. 

Session Details 

Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026 

Session: Driving Economic Development in Africa: Rural Connectivity Through Satellite Expansion 

Time: 3:20 p.m.–4:05 p.m. (SAST) 

Venue: Stage 2, CTICC 1, Hall 3, Cape Town, South Africa 

Mawingu Representative: Farouk Ramji, CEO, Mawingu Networks  

As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, expanding reliable internet access beyond major urban centres will be essential to ensuring that more communities can participate in digital opportunities. Collaboration between internet service providers, satellite operators and other industry stakeholders will play an important role in addressing connectivity gaps and supporting inclusive economic development. 

For more information about Mawingu’s participation in Africa Tech Festival 2026, please contact Millie Abila at millie.abila@mawingu.co