Cape town: Africa Tech Festival has announced the first set of speakers for its 2026 edition, highlighting the continent's growing digital investments. As Africa experiences an influx of capital into AI infrastructure, cloud platforms, subsea cables, fibre networks, and data centres, the festival serves as a platform for pivotal discussions. The event, recognized as Africa's longest-running and most influential technology gathering, aims to foster conversations that shape the continent's digital future and investment decisions.
According to African Press Organization, the festival will feature Hon. Solly Malatsi, South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who will provide insights into building a competitive digital economy. The line-up also includes notable figures such as Alex Okosi from Google, Emmanuel Lubanzadio of OpenAI, and Robert Koen from Amazon, addressing investment in cloud and AI infrastructure and AI readiness in African markets.
Telecommunications leaders like Enzo Scarcella of MTN Group, Norbert Prihoda of Tunisie Telecom, and Daddy Yogo Ngbabendo of Airtel Africa will also participate. Additionally, experts like Marcel Louw from Digital Realty and enterprise leaders Thato Sopeng of Sasol and Linda Oniwe from Standard Bank Group will offer perspectives on data centres and enterprise transformation.
The speaker line-up reflects significant investment and transformation areas in Africa, focusing on connectivity, data infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, startups, and enterprise transformation. David Monaghan, Vice President of Africa Tech Festival, emphasized the importance of collaboration across industries to address Africa's digital challenges.
The festival, set for its 29th edition, will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November, with sessions from 17 to 19 November. Registration is open through the official portal. More senior leaders, including ministers, CIOs, telecom operators, investors, and global tech firms, will be announced in the coming months.