Latest news with #SentechAfricaTechWeek2025
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 Across Africa, governments grapple with outdated regulatory frameworks struggling to keep pace with AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity demands.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
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
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.
