Page 9 - WIOCC - Africa Connected FEB 2021

Edilson Sixpene is WIOCC’s Sales Manager based in Mozambique. He facilitates collaboration between WIOCC, its Mozambique-based shareholder TMCEL and partners in the Southern Africa region to develop tailored solutions that meet client requirements.
What has been your highlight of 2020?
The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to change our way of life and how we do business. Staying committed and positive amidst the uncertainty has helped me stay on course with all the targets I had set for the year – both personal and work-related.
What do you think was the most significant innovation of the telecom industry?
I have worked in the telecoms industry for a long time and
I enjoy its dynamism. There are always new technologies, products and systems developing around the world. I would say the launch of the first subsea cable in 1850 revolutionised
communications and opened up possibilities for the telecoms industry. This cable was used to transmit telegraphic messages between England and France and now we can instantly communicate with people anywhere in the world via an online application.
Natasha Mzungu is WIOCC’s Greater East and Central Africa Regional Sales Manager. She is based in Zimbabwe and supports WIOCC shareholders in the region by facilitating collaboration between WIOCC, its shareholders and other strategic partners to help strengthen the overall value proposition. In her role, she seeks to continually identify opportunities to grow WIOCC’s presence within the region by developing and fostering strong relationships with government, regulators and clients to develop bespoke connectivity solutions.
What has been your highlight of 2020?
I recently started an MBA program at Africa Leadership University, where I was awarded two partial scholarships: The Women’s Scholarship, which is awarded to those who have proven to empower and mentor other women and The Social Impact Scholarship, for those individuals who contribute towards
making a positive social impact according to the UN Sustainable Developmental goals.
In September, I participated in the Women of Purpose Fellowship Programme, where
I mentored girls in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), sharing basic knowledge to help them understand business and entrepreneurship. I am proud that two of my STEM mentees were awarded book prizes for the ‘Best Graduating Student in Technopreneurship’ and ‘The Best Capstone Project’ – both being awards given to students who deliver outstanding projects in the graduating class.
What do you think was the most significant innovation of the telecom industry?
The Internet of Things seamlessly integrates data, software and other technologies without human intervention to make life easier for all of us. We now have smart homes where lighting, heating, security, air conditioning, media systems, etc. are all connected and can be controlled by one application on your phone. It’s a fun and useful innovation.