Cape Town – Africa Tech Festival 2026 is set to bring together government ministers, telecommunications executives, technology companies, investors and digital innovators in Cape Town, South Africa, from 17 to 19 November, as the continent seeks to expand connectivity, strengthen digital infrastructure and accelerate technology driven economic growth.
The event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with a programme covering telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, cybersecurity, startups and digital transformation.
Organised under the Informa Connect division of Informa PLC, the festival is positioned as a major meeting point for Africa’s technology ecosystem, offering opportunities for industry leaders and policymakers to discuss developments shaping the continent’s digital economy.
South African Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi is among the featured speakers, alongside Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Botswana’s Minister of Communication and Innovation, David Tshere.
Their participation is expected to bring government perspectives into discussions about digital policy, infrastructure investment, innovation and the expansion of technology services across African markets.
Other senior figures listed among the featured speakers include South African Broadcasting Corporation Group Chief Executive Officer Nomsa Chabeli and Orange Middle East and Africa Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Yasser Shaker.
Telecommunications and infrastructure
Telecommunications operators and digital infrastructure providers will form a significant part of the programme, reflecting the importance of reliable connectivity and investment in networks to Africa’s digital development.
Speakers include Equinix Managing Director for West Africa Abu Wole, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer Charles Molapisi, and Eswatini Mobile Chief Technology Officer Jabulile Dlamini.
The participation of Dlamini places Eswatini among the markets represented at the gathering, providing an opportunity for the kingdom’s telecommunications industry to engage with regional and international players on developments in connectivity and digital services.
Other speakers in the telecommunications and infrastructure category include Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Chief Executive Officer Jürgen Peschel, AT Ghana Chief Executive Officer Leo Skarlatos and Digital Realty Managing Director for Africa Marcel Louw.
Vodacom Group Chief Information Officer Mohamed Sami, Telkom Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mugo Kibati, and Airtel Africa Group Head of Africa Wireline Network Elaine Kyalo are also on the programme.
Mauritius Telecom Chief Executive Officer Veemal Gungadin is another listed participant.
The discussions are expected to cover the infrastructure required to extend digital services, support growing data consumption and meet the demands of emerging technologies, including AI.
AI and enterprise technology
Artificial intelligence and enterprise technology are also central to the festival, with business leaders expected to explore how emerging digital tools can improve operations, support innovation and create new economic opportunities.
OpenAI Africa Lead Emmanuel Lubanzadio is among the speakers in the enterprise category, alongside Shoprite Nigeria Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Bunmi Cynthia Adeleye and Mr Price Group Chief Information Officer Kim Sim.
Ecobank Group Chief Technology and Information Officer Mohammed Merej Khan and Sasol Group Chief Information and Digital Officer Sabelo Dlamini are also listed.
The programme further includes African Development Bank Chief Innovation and Digital Expert Uyoyo Edosiyo, Microsoft Chief Security Advisor for Africa Kerissa Varma and Jumia Chief Executive Officer for East Africa Vinod Goel.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Managing Director for South Africa President Ntuli and Zipline Africa and International Markets Chief Executive Officer Caitlin Burton are also among the featured enterprise speakers.
Their participation reflects the breadth of sectors expected to engage in conversations about digital transformation, from financial services and retail to energy, logistics and development finance.
Six pillars of digital growth
The festival’s programme is organised around six themes designed to address different aspects of Africa’s technology development.
Telecommunications and connectivity will examine the provision of digital services across the continent, while the data centre pillar will focus on infrastructure needed to support AI and broader economic growth.
The AI programme will explore the technology’s potential contribution to economic development. Cybersecurity discussions will address the protection and resilience of digital services as organisations and governments become increasingly dependent on connected systems.
Startups will form another pillar, with attention directed towards entrepreneurship and the development of new businesses. Digital transformation will examine how cloud computing, financial technology and software as a service can support growth.
Together, the six themes are intended to bring policymakers, technology providers, investors and businesses into discussions about the infrastructure, skills and partnerships needed to strengthen Africa’s digital economy.
Networking and investment opportunities
Beyond its conference sessions, Africa Tech Festival aims to connect telecommunications operators, hyperscalers, investors and enterprise technology leaders from across the continent.
The event will provide opportunities for participants to examine emerging industry trends, hear from international technology leaders and establish partnerships across different parts of the digital ecosystem.
Exhibitions will also allow technology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, connectivity and digital infrastructure companies to present their products and services to prospective customers and partners.
The organisers are inviting businesses interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event to explore available opportunities, while attendees can register through the festival’s official website.
As African countries pursue digitalisation across public services, commerce, communications and industry, the Cape Town gathering will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on the technologies and investments that could shape the continent’s next phase of digital development.
Africa Tech Festival 2026 is scheduled for 17 to 19 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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