Latest news with #AfricaTechWeek2025
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Tech Week 2025: Sentech leads the charge in empowering Africa's digital future
Africa Tech Week 2025 is taking place at Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town June 3-4, 2025. Image: Supplied As cyber threats escalate, data sovereignty becomes a geopolitical battleground, and digital inequality widens across Africa, the continent stands at a critical crossroads. Governments and businesses are under immense pressure to secure infrastructure, protect citizen data, and ensure inclusive growth in an increasingly connected world. Enter Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, the flagship event shaping Africa's digital destiny. Taking place from 3–4 June 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, this year's conference is set to be the most pivotal yet, bringing together top government officials, global tech leaders, innovators, and enterprise decision-makers to tackle the continent's most pressing digital challenges head-on. A continent on the edge of transformation – but what's holding it back? Across Africa, governments grapple with outdated regulatory frameworks struggling to keep pace with AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity demands. Businesses face rising risks of data breaches, IoT vulnerabilities, and digital exclusion that threaten both operational resilience and economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, millions remain unconnected, excluded from the digital economy due to inadequate broadband access, unreliable energy sources, and a lack of skills for tomorrow's workforce. The stakes have never been higher, and neither has the opportunity. Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 rises to the challenge by offering a powerful platform where policy meets innovation, and strategy aligns with scalable solutions . This is not just another tech conference, it's a catalyst for transformation, designed to turn today's fears into tomorrow's foundations. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ What to expect at Africa Tech Week 2025 The two-day programme promises deep-dive conversations and actionable insights across key pillars: Cybersecurity & Data Sovereignty: With high-level addresses from South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, and expert panels on AI-driven edge security, the conference will explore how African nations can protect their digital borders while attracting global investment. AI, Cloud, and Earth Tech for Inclusive Growth: Discover how artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and environmental intelligence are being harnessed to revolutionise agriculture, finance, healthcare, and more, bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact. Connectivity & Broadband Expansion: From satellite infrastructure to next-gen broadband strategies, industry leaders, including executives from Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Rain South Africa, and Sentech, will unpack how universal connectivity can drive economic growth and empower underserved communities. Digital Banking & Financial Inclusion: With fintech reshaping the financial landscape, banks and startups alike will share how they're leveraging blockchain, mobile payments, and decentralised finance to bring millions into the formal economy. Education & Workforce Readiness: Gamified learning, AI-powered legal tools, and neurodiverse talent integration will be spotlighted as essential tools for building a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in a digital-first world. Smart Cities & Sustainable Infrastructure: From smart mobility platforms to intelligent solar systems, the event will showcase how African cities can leapfrog legacy systems and build sustainable, inclusive urban ecosystems. Why Sentech Africa Tech Week matters Hosted by Topco Media in partnership with Sentech SOC, Africa Tech Week isn't just about showcasing innovation, it's about driving action. With strategic partnerships from leading organisations like Binance, Softswiss, Absa, and the City of Cape Town, the event serves as a bridge between African ambition and global best practices. 'Technology is no longer optional, it's existential,' says Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media. 'If Africa wants to compete globally, it must lead locally. Sentech Africa Tech Week is where that leadership begins.' From fireside chats with pioneers like Yaw Dwomoh of The Adhive Group and Ashif Black of InDrive, to panel discussions on everything from data centres to lawtech, the event promises a rich tapestry of thought leadership, networking, and collaboration. And for startups looking to make waves, the Africa Tech Week Pitching Den offers a high-stakes stage to pitch groundbreaking innovations to a panel of elite investors and industry experts, with the winner crowned live on stage. Sponsors Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to innovation and progress is helping drive Africa forward. A special thank you to: Platinum and Naming Rights Partner : Sentech SOC Gold Sponsor & Premium Digital Partner : / InterviewMe Ltd ● Host City Partner : The City of Cape Town Crypto Coffee Counter Sponsor: Binance Silver Sponsor: Softswiss, Absa Bronze Sponsors : XLink, The AdHive Group, Africa Data Centres, and InDrive ● Premium Showcase Sponsors: LexisNexis South Africa, GoSolr (Pty) Ltd and Pula Management, Nutanix and Dell Technologies Showcase Counter Sponsors: Zoho, OneX, Accso South Africa, 4IRI, Geeks4Learning / Reverside, Etapath, Astraia Technology, 4IRI, Primedia Out of Home, Richen Attorneys, ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC), Desco Electronic Recyclers, SETSIBI IT Support Services, ITTHYNK AI Photobooth Sponsor: Gold Otter Media Lifestyle Partner: Isanti Glass Strategic Partners : UVU Africa, BPESA, Good Governance Africa, Promedia Out of Home, StartupGrind Cape Town, Tractor Outdoor, Financial IT, Cape Times and IOL Join the movement Media representatives are invited to cover the event. For press accreditation or interviews with speakers and organisers, please contact: Thabiso M. Mohlabeng: For general event inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or speaker details: marketing@ Visit for full agenda, registration, and link: AfricaTechweekConference2025 About Sentech Africa Tech Week Africa Tech Week is a flagship event focused on unlocking digital transformation across the continent. Hosted by Topco Media in partnership with Sentech, the conference brings together visionaries and innovators to explore how technology can accelerate inclusive economic growth and development in Africa. Partnered Content
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking data sovereignty: Minister Malatsi's vision for South Africa at Africa Tech Week 2025
At Africa Tech Week 2025 Minister Malatsi unveils South Africa's ambitious strategy for data sovereignty, amidst a surge of investment from global tech giants. As South Africa cements its position as a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing in Africa, the government is taking decisive steps to ensure the country remains both competitive and secure in an increasingly digital world. At Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, set to take place from 3–4 June 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, will deliver a landmark address on South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty . This keynote comes at a pivotal time, as global tech giants such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft continue to invest heavily in African infrastructure. The Minister will outline how South Africa is aligning regulatory frameworks with international best practices to attract investment while safeguarding national interests. Key highlights of the address will include: Regulatory reforms aimed at balancing innovation with cybersecurity compliance ● Promotion of renewable energy for data facilities to support sustainable growth ● Building a secure digital ecosystem that supports global cloud leaders and local innovators alike Policy initiatives to ensure data sovereignty and protect citizen information. The session promises to be a defining moment for policymakers, enterprise leaders, and technology stakeholders seeking clarity on how Africa's most advanced digital economy is navigating the complex intersection of regulation, security, and growth. Streaming the Future: Sentech hosts panel on unlocking growth in media & OTT Services Also featured prominently on Day 1 of the conference is a high-level panel discussion hosted by Sentech, titled: 'Streaming the Future: Unlocking Growth in Media and OTT Services'. As traditional broadcasting continues to evolve into digital-first platforms, the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) services represents both a challenge and a massive opportunity for Africa's media industry. This panel will bring together top executives to explore how infrastructure providers and tech innovators can collaborate to expand access, enhance content delivery, and monetise new digital audiences across the continent. Panellists Include: Kopano Thage, Chief Commercial Officer – Media Business, Sentech Shoeshoe Qhu, CEO, Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Yokow Quansah , Managing Director, Broadsmart The conversation will cover: Data-driven viewer insights to improve engagement and retention Local content strategies that resonate with African audiences Next-generation streaming technologies that overcome bandwidth limitations Partnership models between broadcasters, tech firms, and regulators to enable scalable growth With Africa's digital audience growing rapidly, this session will provide actionable insights into how the continent can harness its creative potential while building a robust, future-ready media ecosystem. Sponsors Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to innovation and progress is helping drive Africa forward. A special thank you to: Platinum and Naming Rights Partner: Sentech SOC Gold Sponsor & Premium Digital Partner: / InterviewMe Ltd ● Host City Partner : The City of Cape Town Crypto Coffee Counter Sponsor: Binance Silver Sponsors: Softswiss , Absa Bronze Sponsors: XLink , The AdHive Group , Africa Data Centres , and InDrive ● Premium Showcase Sponsors : LexisNexis South Africa, GoSolr (Pty) Ltd, Pula Management, Nutanix and Dell Technologies Showcase Counter Sponsors: Zoho , OneX , Accso South Africa , 4IRI , Geeks4Learning / Reverside , Etapath , Astraia Technology , SETSIBI IT Support Services , ITTHYNK AI Photobooth Sponsor: Gold Otter Media Lifestyle Partner: Isanti Glass Strategic Partners : UVU Africa , BPESA , Good Governance Africa , Promedia Out of Home , StartupGrind Cape Town , Tractor Outdoor , Financial IT , Cape Times , and IOL Join the movement Media representatives are invited to attend and report on the event. For press accreditation or interviews with speakers and organisers, please contact: Thabiso Mohlabeng – For general event inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or speaker details: marketing@ Visit for full agenda, registration,and updates. Get Tickets: About Sentech Africa Tech Week Africa Tech Week is a flagship event focused on unlocking digital transformation across the continent. Hosted by Topco Media in partnership with Sentech, the conference brings together visionaries and innovators to explore how technology can accelerate inclusive economic growth and development in Africa. Let's build Africa's digital future—together. Partnered Content
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa Tech Week 2025 promises innovation and collaboration
Join industry pioneers and policymakers to explore innovations that will accelerate Africa's digital economy. The countdown has begun for Africa Tech Week 2025, the continent's premier technology and digital transformation event, set to take place on June 3-4 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. Designed to be insight-driven and solution focused, this year's event is expected to gather industry pioneers, policymakers, and investors to accelerate Africa's digital economy. As Africa moves toward a tech-driven future, the conference will explore how strategic partnerships, AI-driven solutions and digital infrastructure can propel sustainable growth across sectors. Under the theme "Tech with Purpose, Progress with Impact," Africa Tech Week 2025 highlights the critical advancements shaping Africa's next chapter in digital transformation.
