DESIGNING AFRICA’S DIGITAL FUTURE
DAY 1 - 12 May 2026
07:30 - 08:30 Registration and Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderator’s Welcome |
08:40 - 08:45 Organiser’s Address | Ralf Fletcher, CEO, Topco Media
08:45 - 08:55
08:55 - 09:05
Platinum Partner Opening Address |Tebogo Leshope, CEO, Sentech
Host City Opening Address | Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor, City of Cape Town*
09:05 - 09:20 Opening Fireside Chat |Ethics, Safety and Trust: Building a Responsible AI Economy in Africa
As AI adoption accelerates across public institutions, financial systems, and everyday services, the continent faces urgent questions around safety, accountability, and societal impact. In this fireside chat; South Africa’s Minister of Communication and Digital Technology, Honourable Solly Malatsi, explores how Africa can harness emerging technologies responsibly.
Speakers:
● Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister, Department of Communication and Digital Technology
Re-Engineering Africa’s Foundational Systems for the Future
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09:20 - 09:50
Hosted by Sentech
Panel Discussion |The Backbone of the Digital Economy: Building Resilient Continental Infrastructure for The Future
As Africa accelerates towards a cloud-driven, AI-enabled economy, the strength of its digital foundations will determine who leads and who lags. This session unpacks the critical role of resilient national infrastructure, from broadcast networks and broadband systems to data transport and last-mile connectivity, in enabling innovation, economic growth, and service delivery at scale. Join us as we explore the engineering, policy, and investment pathways needed to build an infrastructure backbone capable of supporting the continent’s digital ambitions for decades to come.
Panellists:
● Ziaad Suleman, CEO, Cassava Technologies
● Kabelo Makwane, Country Director, Google
● Toni Pellegrino, Managing Director, Nokia South Africa
09:50 - 10:20 Panel Discussion | Digital Tools That Will Redefine Energy Security in Africa
With rising energy demand across homes, industries and cities, Africa is shifting focus from reactive power cuts to proactive energy management. This session explores how smart metering, AI-enabled demand forecasting, battery-orchestration systems, virtual power plants and IoT-based energy controls are helping businesses and communities optimise consumption rather than reduce it. From real-time energy dashboards and automated switching to dynamic pricing models, delegates will uncover how digital tools are decentralising power resilience, extending grid capacity and enabling smarter decision-making ultimately shaping a future where energy availability is predictable, transparent and equitably stabilised
Panellists:
● Len de Villiers, Group CTIO, Eskom
● Hilton Baartman, Digital Energy Director - Anglophone Africa, Schneider Electric
10:20 - 11:00 NETWORKING BREAK | Recharge & Refresh
11:00 - 11:15 Keynote Address | Alan Knott-Craig, Founder, fibertime
Digitised Systems for a Modern Africa
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11:15 - 11:50
Hosted by Telkom Panel Discussion|Building Trusted Digital Infrastructure: Responsible AI in the 5G & 6G Age
As Africa rolls out next-generation connectivity, trust in the infrastructure powering the digital economy is becoming just as critical as speed and coverage. AI is increasingly embedded within telecom networks, optimising traffic flows, managing spectrum, predicting network faults and strengthening cyber resilience.
This session explores how responsible AI is shaping the evolution of 5G and emerging 6G networks across the continent, ensuring intelligent automation enhances network performance while maintaining transparency, data protection and ethical oversight.
Panellists:
11:50 - 12:30
Hosted by Sentech Panel Discussion|Next-Generation Broadcasting: Hybrid Models for a Cloud-Driven, Multi-Platform Africa
As consumer behaviour shifts and content consumption fragments across devices, Africa’s broadcasting landscape is moving rapidly toward hybrid, cloud-enabled distribution models. This session explores how traditional broadcasters, OTT platforms and telecom networks can collaborate to deliver scalable, flexible and cost-efficient services that meet modern demand. From cloud playout to interactive features and personalised content delivery, we unpack the technologies reshaping the future of broadcasting in a multi-platform Africa
Panellists:
● Senior Representative, Sentech*
● Lungile Binza, COO, SABC
● Sabelo Mwali, CTO, MultiChoice Group
12:30 - 12:45 Fireside Chat |The Rise of Crypto Economies in Africa
Crypto adoption across Africa is accelerating as individuals and businesses look for faster payments, alternative stores of value, and access to global markets. This session explores how digital assets are shaping new economic ecosystems across the continent
Panellists:
12:45 - 13:45 LUNCH BREAK | Fuel Up and Connect
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13:45 - 14:20
Hosted by Lexis Nexis
Panel Discussion |Governing Africa’s Digital Future: Policy, Risk and Innovation in a Tech-Driven Economy
This session moves the conversation from legal tools to systemic transformation, exploring how policymakers, regulators, corporate leaders and legal advisors are shaping adaptive governance frameworks for emerging technologies, cross-border digital commerce, data protection, algorithmic accountability and digital public infrastructure.
Speaker:
14:20 - 14:35 Fireside Chat | The Convergence of IT and OT: Building Truly Connected Industrial Ecosystems
As industries across Africa accelerate their digital transformation journeys, the convergence of Information Technology and Operational Technology is becoming a critical enabler of efficiency, visibility, and performance. Traditionally siloed systems; from enterprise software to on-the-ground industrial machinery are now being integrated to create connected, data-driven ecosystems. This session explores how organisations are bridging the gap between digital and physical operations, unlocking real-time insights, improving decision-making, and enhancing operational resilience. Delegates will gain insight into how IT/OT convergence is shaping the next generation of intelligent, responsive industrial environments across the continent
Panellists: ●
14:35 - 15:05 Panel Discussion |Learning 4.0: How Intelligent Tech is Reinventing Skills Development
The future of skills development is digital, personalised, and powered by AI. This session explores how intelligent learning platforms, immersive technologies, and data-driven insights are transforming how Africans acquire, apply, and continuously update skills. From workforce upskilling to lifelong learning, discover how Learning 4.0 is bridging gaps, boosting employability, and preparing the continent for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Panellists:
● Akhil Boddu, Co-Founder, Zaio.io
● Divesh Sooka, Managing Director, Impira Tech
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15:05 - 15:15 Tech Talk |The Future of African Public Transport: Digitisation, Payments and Passenger Experience
African public transport is evolving rapidly through technology. This session explores how intelligent mobility platforms are transforming the way people move across cities and regions. Attendees will see how data-driven insights and innovative digital solutions are making transport safer, more efficient, and more responsive to the needs of passengers.
Speaker: Jamie Wyngaard, Co-Founder, Loop
15:15 - 15:45 Panel Discussion |Driving African Manufacturing Competitiveness Through Industry 4.0
As global production ecosystems become increasingly digital and data-driven, African manufacturers face a defining moment: adapt, modernise and compete or fall behind This session explores how Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI, industrial IoT, automation, robotics and advanced analytics, are transforming factory floors into intelligent, high-performance environments.
Panellists: ● Vinesh Maharaj, Director: Smart Manufacturing & Industry, NTT DATA Africa & Middle East
15:45 - 16:00 Tech Demo | Precision, Speed, Intelligence: A Live Robotic Systems Showcase
Experience the future of manufacturing in real time as intelligent robotic systems demonstrate precision, speed, and seamless automation on stage. From assembly tasks to complex operations, this live showcase highlights how smart robotics are transforming factories, boosting efficiency, reducing errors, and redefining industrial productivity Witness cutting-edge technology in action and discover how automation is shaping the next generation of African industry.
16:00 - 16:05 Moderator’s Closing:
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EMPOWERING AFRICA’S DIGITAL FUTURE
DAY 2 - 13 May 2026
07:30 - 08:30 Registration and Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderator’s Welcome |
08:40 - 08:50
Sentech Opening Address | Itumeleng Segaloe, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Sentech*
08:50 - 09:10 Deputy Minister’s Address | Powering Africa’s Innovation Economy
As Africa accelerates into a technology-driven era, the real opportunity lies in converting research and scientific discovery into scalable economic impact. Innovation must move beyond laboratories into industries, startups and public systems that drive growth, competitiveness and job creation.
Speaker:
09:10 - 09:40 Hosted by Sentech
Powering Progress: AI, Access & Automation
Panel Discussion | Spectrum, Satellites, and Space-Tech: New Frontiers for Expanding Africa’s Connectivity Grid
Africa’s connectivity future is being shaped above the ground as much as on it. With satellite broadband, spectrum policy reform, high-density orbital networks, and low-earth-orbit constellations transforming access, the continent is entering an era where coverage no longer stops at urban boundaries This session unpacks how space-enabled connectivity is supporting remote service delivery, powering digital economies, and enabling resilient national networks. Delegates will explore investment trends, regulatory developments, and real-world deployment cases that are redefining what universal access looks like for Africa’s next decade of growth
Panellists: ●
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09:40 - 09:55 Fireside Chat | Building the African Gaming Ecosystem: Talent, Technology, and Global Reach
Africa’s gaming industry is evolving into a major driver of innovation, digital skills, and economic opportunity. This session explores how local studios, esports, and technology platforms are cultivating talent, developing globally competitive content, and positioning African IP on the world stage. Attendees will gain insight into investment opportunities, industry growth trends, and strategies to scale the continent’s gaming ecosystem while building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Speaker: ● Wayne Lurie, Founder & Director, Lurie Inc
09:55 - 10:15 Fireside Chat | Tech-Enabled Approaches to Upgrading Africa’s Fastest-Growing Urban Spaces
Africa’s informal settlements are evolving into dynamic urban centres, yet many still face inadequate housing, limited infrastructure, and fragile service delivery. This discussion explores how technology; ranging from digital mapping and low-cost connectivity to modular infrastructure and community platforms; is transforming these spaces into engines of economic opportunity. Delegates will unpack how tech-enabled urban upgrades can create jobs, improve access to essential services, and integrate informal areas into the broader urban economy. Ultimately, this session imagines a future where informal cities become hubs of innovation, resilience, and inclusive development.
Speaker:
10:15 - 10:30 Fireside Chat |The Next Phase of Africa’s Digital Economy
Africa’s digital economy is entering a new phase of growth, driven by advances in connectivity, artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital infrastructure. As technology adoption accelerates across industries, governments, businesses and innovators must work together to unlock sustainable economic opportunity This session explores the emerging trends, partnerships and strategic priorities shaping the next chapter of Africa’s digital transformation; and what it will take to convert innovation into inclusive growth across the continent.
Speakers: ●
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10:30 - 11:00 Panel Discussion|The Rise of Autonomous Attacks: AI-Powered Breaches, Self-Learning Malware and Defensive Automation
As cyber threats evolve, attackers are harnessing AI to create self-learning malware, automated phishing campaigns, and adaptive intrusion strategies. This session explores how autonomous attacks are reshaping the threat landscape and forcing organisations to rethink their defensive posture. Delegates will gain insight into how AI-driven security tools, real-time threat intelligence, and automated response systems are being deployed to detect, contain, and mitigate these next-generation cyber risks while maintaining operational resilience and protecting critical assets across industries.
Panellists:
● Abdul Kader Baba, CTIO, Infrastructure SA
● Mamela Luthuli, Founder & CEO, TakeNote IT
● Ram Ramakrishnan, Founder & CEO, Cloud23
11:00 - 11:15 Tech Talk | Predictive Environmental Modelling: AI for Climate Resilience
As climate events become more unpredictable, the ability to forecast environmental risk is emerging as one of Africa’s most critical strategic advantages. AI-powered modelling is transforming satellite and environmental data into clear, actionable foresight helping anticipate droughts, floods, crop failures, rising temperatures, and extreme weather before they occur. This session explores how predictive analytics is enabling governments, insurers, agribusiness, energy providers, and humanitarian agencies to plan proactively rather than reactively.
Speakers:
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11:15 - 11:30 Fireside Chat|EntertainTech: Where Human Imagination Meets Intelligent Experiences
As entertainment shifts from passive consumption to fully immersive participation, technology is reshaping how stories are produced, distributed, and experienced. This session explores the next wave of digital entertainment; from AI-generated media to multi-platform worlds, spatial viewing, virtual collaboration, and community-led franchises. Uncover how technology is expanding creative possibility, redefining audience engagement, and building an interconnected entertainment ecosystem where imagination and intelligence converge.
Speakers: Simon Wall, Group CEO, Glynt
11:30 - 11:55 NETWORKING BREAK | Recharge & Refresh Building Smarter Futures: Innovation in Education, Experience, and Industry
11:55 - 12:25 Panel Discussion |The Role of FinTech in Driving Economic Participation
FinTech has become a powerful lever for economic inclusion across Africa. By digitising payments, unlocking new forms of credit, enabling frictionless cross-border transactions, and simplifying access to formal financial systems, technology is reshaping how individuals and businesses participate in the economy. This session explores how banks, mobile platforms, fintech innovators, and regulators are building systems that help small businesses scale, support youth and informal economy earners, and enable wider access to savings, lending and insurance products.
Panellists:
● Kagiso Mothibi, CEO: Fintech, MTN SA
● Hannah Kasaby, Senior Director: Business Operations, Carry1st
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12:25 - 12:40 Tech Talk | Embedded Intelligence: When AI Leaves the Screen and Enters the Real World
From autonomous drones and robotics to smart vehicles and industrial automation, AI is now embedded directly into hardware; operating in real time, adapting instantly, and executing complex decisions on demand.
Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, mining and mobility are undergoing a structural shift as AI-powered machines:
Speaker:
12:40 - 13:00 Fireside Chat |Edge-to-Cloud Continuity: Redesigning Infrastructure for Live Intelligence
As Africa digitises core industries, the ability to process data in real time becomes mission-critical. Edge-to-cloud architectures are enabling this shift, combining local processing power with centralised cloud intelligence. This session explores how modern infrastructure is being redesigned to support low-latency analytics, real-time decision making, remote industrial operations, and AI-powered monitoring.
Panellists: ● Ricardo Canovi, Director & Country Manager - South Africa, Kocho
13:00 - 14:15 LUNCH BREAK | Fuel Up and Connect Expanding Financial Access in Africa
Pitching Battle | Top Tech Startups Battle it out
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14:15 - 15:45 Pitching Battle | The Ultimate Showdown!
The stage is set for 7 pre-selected Tech Startups to deliver a powerful 3-minute elevator pitch about their groundbreaking innovation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session with our esteemed panel of judges. After a fierce round of deliberations, our panel of expert judges will reveal the winner, crowning them as the Africa Tech Week 2025 Pitching Den Champion. The spotlight is on, and only one can take the prize!
Finalists:
Judging Panel:
Judges Deliberations // Startup Grind Presentation
Africa Tech Week 2026 Pitching Den Champion announced | Prize Giving
16:05 - 16:10 Moderator’s Closing:
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