DAY 1 - 16 May, 2024
07:30 - 08:30 Registration and Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderator’s Welcome | Elma Akob, Founder, Elevate Africa
08:40 - 08:45 Organiser’s Address: Richard Fletcher, Founder, Topco Media & Ethan Fletcher, Executive, Topco Media
08:45 - 08:55 Host City Opening Address: Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town
08:55 - 09:05 Platinum Partner Opening Address: Tebogo Leshope, Acting CEO, Sentech
09:05 - 09:20 Minister’s Address | The 2024 Innovation Imperative: How Government is Leveraging AI & New Tech for Economic Growth
Speaker: Honourable Mr Mondli Gungubele, Minister, The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
09:20 - 10:00 Panel Discussion | Broadband: The Backbone of Digital Transformation
● Broadband fuels digital transformation and social progress! This panel explores the tangible benefits: analysing SA Connect's socio-economic impact on communities through 5G access, uncovering Sentech's vision for leveraging 5G, and identifying key partnerships to accelerate deployment. We'll cap it off with a real-world example –emaXesibeni – showcasing how 5G transforms content delivery
Moderator: Nomahlubi Ogoh, Acting Chief Technology Information Officer, Sentech
Panellists:
● Mmapula Kgari, Acting Executive Broadband, Sentech
● Mr. Joseph Ndaba, 4IR Commissioner at the Presidential Commission on the Fourth
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Industrial Revolution and CEO of MDIHub
● Peter Mafagana, Acting CTO, Broadband Infraco
10:00 - 10:30 Panel Discussion | Unlocking your Data Goldmine: Leveraging Technology to Securely Capitalise on Your Company’s Data
● Dealing with disparity in data quality, how can businesses clean out the trash and tap into opportunities that a company is sitting on through their data while utilising cybersecurity strategies. How to ethically leverage your data along with cybersecurity to identify trends and build fortified partnerships. What is the role of data centres in bridging gaps and addressing inequalities in data accessibility?
Speakers:
● Jordan Seke, CRM Advocate, Strategist and Change Manager, Wits University
● Jessy Severins, Group Director: AdTech & MarTech, Jumia Group
● Steven Tshehla, Managed Infrastructure Business Portfolio Manager, Sentech
10:30 - 10:45 Tech Talk: Building the Infrastructure for Africa’s Cloud
● Africa's digital revolution is here! Discover how Africa Data Centres' interconnected network is fueling regional growth and innovation Explore how their secure, reliable data centre solutions empower businesses to thrive across the continent. Learn how you can be part of Africa's digital future with Africa Data Centres.
Speaker: Dr Angus Hay, Regional Executive South Africa, Africa Data Centres
10:45 - 11:00 Fast Track Networking | Turning Conversations into Connections
11:00 - 11:30 NETWORKING BREAK | Recharge & Refresh RegTech | Navigating Regulatory Tech, Data and CyberSecurity
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11:30 - 11:40 Tech Demo |The Future of Law is AI-Powered: How is Technology and Artificial intelligence Transforming the Legal Sector?
● The rise of AI both challenges legal frameworks and offers revolutionary potential. This session explores AI trends in law and their impact on businesses worldwide. We'll then showcase how LexisNexis uses AI to deliver solutions for your evolving needs within specific sectors. Finally, learn strategies to "future-proof" your business in this dynamic landscape.
Speaker: Terrance Naidoo, Chief Product Officer, LexisNexis
11:40 - 12:15 Panel Discussion| Innovative Tech Policies Boosting Intra-African Business and Trade
● Africa's booming tech scene needs policies that safeguard, not stifle, innovation. This session explores how tech policies canfoster stronger intra-continental ties around innovation in legislation, trade, and business. We'll also delve into digital platform policies and how to ensure they are empowering SMEs and driving overall socio-economic development.
Panellists:
● Mr Marumo Nkomo, Economic Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative, South African Permanent Mission to the WTO
● Benedict Macon-Cooney, Chief Policy Strategist, Tony Blair Institute
● Duduetsang Makuse, Public Policy Manager, SADC, Meta
EdTech | NextGen Upskilling for the Future of Work
12:15 - 12:30 Tech Talk |Leading the Reskilling Revolution to Break Barriers and Combat AI Anxiety
● In the Future of Work, where high youth unemployment exists alongside the rise of AI, our future generations need a renewed sense of job security and the opportunity to reskill themselves ALX SA shares how employers and educational communities can support reskilling our youth and future entrepreneurs in key areas such as AI, soft skills etc. to ensure their indispensability.
Speaker: Divesh Sooka, GM, ALX SA
12:30 - 13:30 Interactive Workshops | Immersive Conversations with Practical Outcomes
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Workshop 1
Breaking into the “Boys Club” | The Importance of Mentorship for Women Leading In Tech
Is gender inequality still existent at work?
How can women navigate being a female leader in the tech space and establish a formidable presence as a female in the Digital and STEM Industry.
Speakers:
● Victoria Nxumalo, Founder & Executive Director, Girls In STEM Trust
● Lara Rosmarin, Head of Entrepreneurial Development, UVU Accelerate
● Qaqamba Jikela, Head: Southern Region, Sentech
● Rashika Ramlal, Country Manager and Executive Director, AWS WWPS South Africa
Workshop 2
NextGen FinTech |How to Stay Relevant in an Ever-Changing and Competitive Landscape
How can your business stay relevant in an ever-changing and competitive fintech landscape? Learn how to evolve your financial products based on customer needs. Understand the power of the customer trust equation. How to maintain affordability and reliability as a Cross Border Payments leader. The transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
Hosted by: Mukuru
Moderator: Sandy Rheeder, CIO, Mukuru
Panellists:
● Andy Jury, CEO, Mukuru
● Juan Seco, Chief Growth Officer, Mukuru
● Tendai Tizirai, Head of Market Expansion, Mukuru
● Lorraine Nyawo, Head of Product Domain: Financial Services, Mukuru
● Andy Gardner, Head of Development and Technology Solutions, Mukuru
13:30 - 14:30
14:30 - 14:45 Tech Talk | Collaborating to unlock the potential of fintech to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Africa.
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● Despite persistent challenges, Africa has made significant progress in financial inclusion, with over 70% of adults having access to banking. However, gender gaps and digital literacy remain issues. Fintech is crucial in democratising access to financial services and empowering underserved sectors, yet collaboration is vital to overcome infrastructure, trust, regulatory, and interoperability barriers. Nedbank underscores the psychological benefits of financial inclusion, emphasising its commitment to leveraging fintech for happiness and societal well-being, urging collective action for a more inclusive and prosperous Africa.
Speaker: Chipo Mushwana, Executive of Emerging Innovation and Payments, Nedbank
15:00 - 15:40 Panel Discussion |Upcoming Tech Talent: Equipping Young Tech Entrepreneurs
● Who’s fresh on the scene, what do the new ways of working look like in light of the AI explosion and the gig and platform economy? What does collaboration, product development and innovation look like for the next generation? And what are the ways we can support them in becoming Africa’s next Elon Musk?
Panellists:
● Lungiswa Khethelo, Manager, Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn
● Lwandile Mxhamli, Founder, Eezy Technologies
● Alexandria Procter, Founder, DigsConnect
● Molehe Wesi, CEO, .ZADNA
● Jonathan Elcock, CEO & Founder at rather.chat
15:40 - 15:50 Moderator’s Closing
19:00 - 22:00 AWARDS FUNCTION
DAY 2 - May 17, 2024
07:30 - 08:300 Registration and Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderator’s Welcome | Caitlin Nash, Innovation Engagement Strategist
08:40 - 08:50 Sentech Opening Address | Itumeleng Segaloe (MBA), Chief Strategy Officer, Sentech
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Digital Transformation | Tech Innovation Transforming Business
09:00 - 09:40 Panel Discussion | Converging Broadcast and Digital Services: Opportunities and Challenges
● Join us as we dive into the merging of traditional broadcasting and digital streaming services and the impact on content access. The discussion will focus on overcoming challenges like infrastructure limitations and regulations, alongside solutions for improved delivery. Finally, a case study will showcase how OTT platforms like freevisionplayempower communities with education, information, and entertainment.
Panellists:
● Kopano Thage, Acting Executive: Media Business, Sentech
● Peter Zimri, Councillor, ICASA
● Dr Mashilo Boloka, CEO, Film And Publication Board
● Karen Thorne, Station Manager, Cape Town TV
09:40 - 09:55 Tech Talk | "My company has IP, should I have International Company Structures, now or in the future?"
● Owners of Technology Companies with valuable IP face a dilemma: local or global structures? This session explores the benefits, considerations, and potential pitfalls of international structures. Learn when and how to optimise your company's IP strategy for maximum global reach and protection.
Speaker: Richard Dewing, Founder, Venture Technology Partners
09:55 - 10:30 Panel Discussion |Actionable Business Insights from the Tech Titans: How to Stand Out and Scale Up your Tech Venture in Africa and Beyond
● During turbulent and disruptive economic seasons many companies admit defeat and close their doors for business But there are some tech companies that have notably remained miles ahead of competition. What is the standout factor? How do you Scale Up and remain ahead of the crowd in a highly saturated tech market? Learn from the experts.
● Alpana Goolab, Solutions Architecture Leader – South Africa, Amazon Web Services
● Manav Daby, Data and AI Specialist, Google Cloud
● Satish Babu, Technical Leader, IBM South Africa
● Matthew Kloos, Co-Founder & CFO, rather.chat
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10:30 - 10:45 Tech Talk |Seizing the Future: Leveraging Digital Marketing Strategies for Tangible ROI, Measurable Impact, and Unprecedented Reach in Africa's Youthful Digital Era.
● Uncover the power of Africa's young population and how the move from traditional marketing to digital marketing is reshaping the continent. Learn how Data Driven measurement fuels success, taking your strategies from the offline world to the dominant online sphere.
Speaker: Stephen A. Newton, Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Aleph Group
11:00 - 11:30 NETWORKING BREAK | Recharge & Refresh
11:30 - 12:30 FUTURE-TECH IN ACTION | A series of short demo presentations showcasing the use of Future-Tech applications across key industries on the continent.
11:30 - 11:45 TECH DEMO |Beyond Earth: Enhancing Connectivity through African SpaceTech Innovation
● Journey through Satellite Technology in 2024 and new innovations which highlight the diverse and cutting-edge applications of space technology in Africa's tech scene that are improving connectivity. Witness how precision agriculture makes use of Earth Observation methodologies to inform agricultural decisions.
Speaker: Mobe Flenk Mnisi, Interim Chief Operations Officer, Sentech
11:50 - 12:00 TECH DEMO | Smart City Solutions
● This talk explores the tech-driven monitoring system that bridges the gap between officials and communities This system aims to enhance urban living through technology.
Speaker: Bonginkosi Keith Tshabalala, CEO, QI Solutions
12:00 - 12:20 TECH DEMO |Agri-Tech: What happens when Innovation Meets Agriculture?
● Witness how precision agriculture makes use of Earth Observation methodologies to inform agricultural decisions
● Prof. Moses Azong Cho, Chief Scientist and Research Group Leader, Precision
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Agriculture Research Group, CSIR
12:30 - 13:30 Interactive AI Workshops | Immersive Conversations with Practical Outcomes
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Workshop 1
Finnovation | How is AI and Web3 Revolutionising Financial Services?
AI & Web3 are revolutionising finance, but can they empower Africa's growth? Join the debate: will AI & Web3 unlock millions through financial inclusion, or leave them behind? Are faster, smarter services just hype, or can AI and web3 build trust and reshape financial services for good? Let's explore the possibilities together!
Panellists:
● Norbert Amankwaa Adomako, Communications and Africa Lead, Metis.io, Ghana
● Kagiso Mothibi, GM - Fintech Products and Services, MTN
● Youshan Valloo, CEO, The Trade Center
● Devon Krantz, Chief of Operations at NeoNomad and Founder of Web3 Sanctuary
Workshop 2
Navigating Generation AI and Deepfake | Is there still space for human function in the Future of Work?
In the Future of Work addressing anxiety of AI overtaking jobs and human function is critical. Human workers need a renewed sense of job security and/or the opportunity to focus on new tasks. Which jobs open up now that AI is doing “menial work” and how can employers support “reskilling” in key areas to ensure employee indispensability. How do we distinguish between real and deep fake?
Panellists:
● Lavina Ramkissoon, Advisor to African Union and Founder of hu da ta
● Ashley Anthony, CEO, Isazi Consulting and Speaker for Singularity University
● Grant Hughes, IT Manager: Cybersecurity & GRC, Engen
● Dumisa Ngwenya, Head of Research and Innovation, Sentech
● Moira de Roche, Vice President of IFIP and Past President of the IITPSA
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13:30 - 14:30 LUNCH BREAK | Fuel Up and Connect
14:30 - 15:50 Pitching Battle | Top Tech Startups Battle it out
14:30 - 16:00 Pitching Battle | It’s time for the showdown!
● 7-Preselected Tech Startups will battle it out, pitching to our investor panel, delivering rapid-fire 3-minute presentations of their groundbreaking innovations followed by 5 minute Q&A’s with the panel. After deliberations our investor panel will reveal who they have unanimously picked as the Africa Tech Week 2024 Pitching Den Champion.
Finalists:
● Alex Forsyth-Thompson, CEO & Founder, Float Technologies
● Cherith Wareley, Founder, Digitisd
● Keletso Lekwakwe, Co-Founder and CEO, PASSWORDKID
● Cale Hollis, Co-founder and CEO, Servisor
● Goitsione Khumo Temo Percy Maphologela, Founder & CEO, EquiXToken Capital
● Melian Dott, Product Development Lead, BAOM (Eco Solutions)
● Kudakwashe Manzanga, CEO, The Daily Sale Shop
Judging Investor Panel:
● Ian Lessem, Managing Partner, HAVAÍC
● Henri Zietsman, Senior Startup Business Development Manager, AWS Startups
● Jocelyn Nyaguse, Head of Marketing & Storytelling, Startup Bootcamp Afritech
● Peter van der Zee, Investment Executive, Invenfin
● Jhana Weltman (CFA), Associate Principal, Nedbank Alternative Investments
● Jared Kahn, Angel Investor
16:00 - 16:10 Moderator’s Closing
DAY 2 CLOSE
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