Latest news with #Sentech
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Malatsi addresses Starlink concerns, insists the country's data must be protected
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi, right, seen talking to Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, at the Sentech Africa Tech Week taking place in Cape Town. Image: Supplied Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi used his address at the Sentech Africa Tech Week to not only explain the country's approach to its digital sovereignty but that the recent gazette he issued is to bring the country in line with international best practice. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope, Topco Media CEO, Ralf Fletcher, Data and also AI Specialist, Google Cloud, Manav Daby, among others. The minister delivered his address to tech innovators, and leaders where his speech focused on 'South Africa's Strategic Approach to Data Sovereignty'. He mentioned how through collaboration between the public and private sector, South Africa has quickly become a leading hub for data centres and cloud computing. 'To fully unlock the potential of data as a national asset, that further drives our competitiveness, economic growth and public service delivery, the government is committed to a regulatory framework that creates that environment for growth, and does not stifle innovation. 'At the same time, we acknowledge the responsibility of protecting our national and public interest in aspects of our data. The past few years have demonstrated the growing confidence that global cloud leaders have placed in South Africa, and our strategic approach to data sovereignty,' Malatsi said. He said that the country's current cloud market's value is expected to surge to beyond R130 billion in 2028, and that major international players such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are key contributors to this growth. 'This growth does not only represent our increased technological capacity, but it represents jobs for young people, skills development for the future economy, and improved service delivery. 'Looking forward, our strategic approach to data sovereignty will focus on maintaining the competitiveness of the local cloud market, while staying responsive to the rapidly evolving needs and capacities of this sector,' Malatsi said. The conference is currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town and has featured talks by Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Image: Supplied 'Our approach is based on four basic pillars - firstly, by acknowledging that not all data is equally sensitive and requires the same level of regulation (that) we are implementing in a risk-based approach. So it is this distinction between general commercial data and critical sovereign data that our national policy on data and clouds allows for the free-flow of this data, while (still) protecting our national interest. Malatsi said government is serious about creating a regulatory strategy which will help pursue by aligning data regulations with international best practices. 'Thirdly, we realise the importance of developing world-class digital infrastructure so that we can demonstrate to the rest of the world that we are truly open for business and that we can take them also beyond the boundaries of Cape Town. 'We believe the expansion of local data regions and data centres is crucial for this purpose. He said he understood that the country's regulatory role is critical for private sector investment. 'And lastly, we are consistently driving to maintain the resilience and relevance of cyber security mechanisms so that we can earn and invest trust in our national digital ecosystem. 'Data sovereignty means little without cyber resilience. Having our data physically located within our boundaries is only one piece of the puzzle. We must also ensure that it is encrypted, it is monitored, and recoverable in the face of threats.' Malatsi, speaking on the sideline of the conference said the recent policy directive proposal to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) requires it to investigate whether to open up applications for individual electronic communications network services (ECNS) licences. The directive coincided with engagements between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump during a trip to the United States - including controversial suggestions that Elon Musk's Starlink should be given priority in the country. 'The protection of the country's data is sacrosanct, and that is the case for every country in the world. What we equally have to do is ensure that we keep abreast with international best practice in this case. 'We (also) have to ensure that we are properly equipped to respond to the threats that exist in this space, where there are constant efforts by nefarious elements, globally, to intercept state data to gain unauthorised access to it, and to ensure that in the unlikely event that such happens, we can retrieve it promptly, quickly and protect citizens from any potential harm.' Sentech CEO, Tebogo Leshope. Image: Supplied Leshope, who separately was addressing how satellite technology is used for innovation, said: 'Innovation nowadays happens on top of a base… All the other innovations happening on top of satellite technology include connecting cars, connecting human beings and all those opportunities that come with that. 'If you fall behind on the base of it, you won't be able to participate first on the innovation side, and you won't be able to leverage that particular solution. 'So that is how far behind you can become. All the future innovation and development that is going to happen there, which will be to the benefit of your communities, you are going to miss out. Now we can connect our communities far cheaper with those solutions, but if you don't have a base, and you're not part, you lose out on that, and you remain on the most expensive terrestrial options.' [email protected]
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
Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025: Pioneering Africa's Digital Transformation
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. Image: Supplied As anticipation builds for the country's leading technology gathering, Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 is gearing up to be more thought-provoking, future-focused, and solution-driven than ever before. The event is set to bring together tech pioneers, global investors, policymakers, and digital disruptors under one roof, setting the stage for critical conversations and innovative demonstrations that will define Africa's digital transformation journey. Among this year's not-to-be-missed highlights is a panel discussion on Gamified Learning: Transforming Skills Development for a Future-Ready Workforce. Panellists include Zaio Institute of Technology co-founder and COO Akhil Boddu, Old Mutual Personal Finance Head of Innovation, Ajen Mothee and Digemy founder and CEO, Kobus Louw. Education meets innovation in this session on game-based learning. Speakers explore how gamification is equipping Africa's future workforce with the digital and cognitive skills needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy. The fireside chat on the Death of Vanilla Marketing with Adhive Group CEO Yaw Dwomoh, explores the rise of hyper-targeted, insight-led marketing strategies that deliver real results. Learn how The Hive is breaking away from bland and embracing meaningful engagement in the digital age. The panel discussion on Global Alliances, Local Impact: Strengthening Africa's Digital Economy Through Strategic Partnerships is a deep dive into how international partnerships are fueling Africa's tech advancement. This panel uncovers the power of cross-border collaboration in building inclusive, sustainable digital economies. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Panellists include UVU Group CEO, Ian Merrington, Cadena Growth Partners Digital Transformation and CX Leader, Tim Mitchell, Agence Francophone et Africaine de l'Intelligence (AFRIA) VP Maha Jouini, and advisor to the African Union and founder of hu da ta, Lavina Ramkissoon. At the tech demo, GoSolr unveils The Brain, an AI-powered solar device that's reshaping energy independence in South Africa. From auto-adaptive systems to real-time efficiency, discover how AI is lighting the way to a smarter, more resilient energy future. Speakers are GoSolr CEO Andrew Middleton, and CTO Dr Patrick Narbel. Get tickets for Sentech Africa Tech Week, scheduled for June 3 and 4 in Century City, here: Cape Times
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tech with purpose, progress with impact: Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 set to drive the digital future
As anticipation builds for the country's leading technology gathering, Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 is gearing up to be more thought-provoking, future-focused, and solution-driven than ever before. With just weeks to go, the event is set to bring together tech pioneers, global investors, policymakers, and digital disruptors under one roof, setting the stage for critical conversations and innovative demonstrations that will define Africa's digital transformation journey. Among this year's not-to-be-missed highlights: 1. Panel Discussion: Gamified Learning: Transforming Skills Development for a Future-Ready Workforce Panellists: - Akhil Boddu, co-founder and COO, Zaio Institute of Technology - Ajen Mothee, head of Innovation, Old Mutual: Personal Finance - Kobus Louw, founder and CEO, Digemy Education meets innovation in this session on game-based learning. Explore how gamification is equipping Africa's future workforce with the digital and cognitive skills needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy. 2. Fireside Chat: The Death Of Vanilla Marketing Speaker: Yaw Dwomoh, CEO, The Adhive Group Forget one-size-fits-all campaigns. This high-impact session explores the rise of hyper-targeted, insight-led marketing strategies that deliver real results. Learn how The Hive is breaking away from bland and embracing meaningful engagement in the digital age. 3. Panel Discussion: Global Alliances, Local Impact: Strengthening Africa's Digital Economy Through Strategic Partnerships Panellists: - Ian Merrington, Group CEO, UVU - Tim Mitchell, Digital Transformation and CX leader, Cadena Growth Partners - Maha Jouini, VP, Agence Francophone et Africaine de l'Intelligence (AFRIA) - Lavina Ramkissoon, advisor to The African Union and founder of hu da ta A deep dive into how international partnerships are fuelling Africa's tech advancement, this panel uncovers the power of cross-border collaboration in building inclusive, sustainable digital economies. 4. Tech Demo: The State of Solar in 2025 – Why AI is Driving Solar Change Speakers: - Andrew Middleton, CEO, GoSolr - Dr Patrick Narbel, CTO, GoSolr GoSolr unveils The Brain, an AI-powered solar device that's reshaping energy independence in South Africa. From auto-adaptive systems to real-time efficiency, discover how AI is lighting the way to a smarter, more resilient energy future.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Sentech Africa Tech Week Conference 2025: Building the future
Sentech Africa Tech Week Conference 2025 is where industry leaders and innovative start-ups converge to shape Africa's digital future. Image: Supplied Topco Media has announced the return of the Sentech Africa Tech Week Conference 2025, taking place June 3-4, 2025 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. As South Africa's premier future-focused technology event, the conference is set to spotlight the powerful convergence of start-ups, industry leaders, and transformative innovations – all working together to shape a smarter, more connected continent. Sentech is the Platinum and Naming Rights Partner for the fourth consecutive year - a testament to their unwavering commitment to driving innovation, expanding digital access, and championing Africa's technological evolution. As a leader in connectivity and broadcasting infrastructure, Sentech plays a pivotal role in building the digital future of the continent. Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, shared his excitement for this year's event: 'There's no sidelines in the future of tech — you're either building it, or being left behind. At Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, we're giving the builders a platform. Whether you're pitching from a garage or leading a top 500 team, this is where real innovation gets noticed, backed, and launched. Sentech gets that — that's why they're in. So if you're serious about shaping Africa's tech future, stop scrolling and start showing up.' Penny Ntuli, Head: Brand and Communications at Sentech also commented: 'Our partnership with Africa Tech Week reinforces Sentech's commitment to shaping a future-ready, digitally empowered Africa. This platform enables us to engage with changemakers, drive strategic conversations, and catalyse innovation that supports inclusive economic growth and digital sovereignty on the continent.' This year's programme will delve into high-impact themes such as Global Tech Alliances, LawTech's Role in Modernising Legal Services, Digital Innovation in Agriculture, and the evolving space of Cyber Insurance. These critical topics are designed to drive conversation, foster collaboration, and unlock actionable solutions for the continent's most pressing challenges. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The conference boasts a distinguished line-up of speakers, including: Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies ● Maha Jouini, Vice President, Agence Francophone et Africaine de l'Intelligence Artificielle (AFRIA) Akhil Boddu, Co-Founder & COO, Zaio Institute of Technology Kobus Louw, Founder & CEO, Digemy One of the most anticipated features of the event is the Startup Pitching Den, where seven preselected tech start-ups will compete for the prestigious title of Africa Tech Week 2025 Pitching Den Champion. This dynamic platform offers entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to pitch their breakthrough ideas to a panel of esteemed investors and industry leaders — paving the way for funding and strategic partnerships. Start-ups looking to make their mark are encouraged to apply by 11 May 2025 on this link. The success of Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 is made possible through the invaluable support of our sponsors and partners. Platinum and Naming Rights Partner: Sentech SOC Host City Partner: The City of Cape Town Gold Sponsor & Premium Digital Partner: / InterviewMe Ltd ● Silver Sponsor: Absa Bronze Sponsors: XLink, The AdHive Group and Africa Data Centres ● Premium Showcase Sponsors: GoSolr (Pty) Ltd, LexisNexis South Africa and Pula Management Showcase Counter Sponsors: Onex, Accso South Africa, 4IRI, Geeks4Learning / Reverside, Ethapath, Astraia Technology, 4IRI, Primedia Out of Home, Richen Attorneys, ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC), Desco Electronic Recyclers, and Zoho ● AI Photobooth Sponsor: Gold Otter Media Lifestyle Partner: Isanti Glass Strategic Partners: BPESA, Good Governance Africa, Promedia Out of Home, StartupGrind Cape Town, Financial IT, Cape Times and IOL Tickets are available from Quicket. Partnered Content Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
