Africa’s technology leaders opened the 28th annual Africa Tech Festival 2025 with a unified call for responsible, inclusive, and people-centred digital innovation to drive the continent’s AI and tech future.
The opening day brought together government officials, global tech companies, and startup leaders to discuss strategies for ethical AI, equitable digital access, and meaningful social impact. Key participants included South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, Deputy Minister Hon. Mondli Gungubele, and representatives from Cassava Technologies, OpenAI, and Meta.
Minister Malatsi stressed that Africa’s digital growth depends on affordable connectivity, reliable digital infrastructure, and strong digital literacy.
“When these foundations are in place, everything else accelerates,” he said, highlighting the importance of coordinated action to ensure technology benefits society at large.
In a major announcement, Cassava Technologies revealed it is now Africa’s first NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP), deploying NVIDIA GPUs across five sites to power AI development. Founder Strive Masiyiwa noted partnerships with Google, Anthropic, and others are enabling access to world-class AI tools tailored for African industries.
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Deputy Minister Gungubele, speaking on “Building Digital Nations – Governance for a Tech-Driven Africa,” highlighted South Africa’s national AI policy as a blueprint for safe, inclusive, and transformative AI innovation.
The AI Summit Cape Town featured panels on equitable AI access, open-source innovation, and the role of autonomous systems in African industries. Speakers included Emmanuel Lubanzadio (OpenAI), Akim Benamara (TechAfrica News), Thabo Makenete (Meta), Katarzyna Hewelt (Resolution), Abdul Kader Baba (Infrastructure South Africa), and Ravi Bhat (Microsoft Africa).
“Africa Tech Festival is more than an event—it’s a movement showcasing Africa’s ingenuity and ambition in the digital age,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager of Africa Tech Festival. “This year, the focus is on responsible innovation that delivers real-world impact.”
The festival, running across multiple platforms including AfricaCom, AfricaTech, The AI Summit Cape Town, and AfricaIgnite, also celebrated entrepreneurial innovation during AfricaIgnite Founder Day on 10 November, drawing investors, founders, and venture capitalists.
The opening day concluded with AFest at Grand Africa Café & Beach, offering delegates networking opportunities alongside live music and entertainment.
The 2025 edition of Africa Tech Festival highlights Africa’s growing digital ecosystem and its commitment to shaping a sovereign, inclusive, and socially impactful tech future.