As Africa’s digital transformation gathers pace, South Africa is gearing up to host the 28th edition of the Africa Tech Festival from November 11 to 13, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Now recognized as Africa’s tech capital, Cape Town and the broader Western Cape region have become the heart of the continent’s innovation economy. The Cape Town–Stellenbosch tech corridor is home to over 450 technology companies and employs nearly 40,000 professionals, supported by a growing network of incubators, accelerators, investors, and training institutions.

With more than 60% of South Africa’s startups based in the city, Cape Town leads in venture capital activity and continues to attract global firms thanks to its skilled workforce, world-class universities, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. Its advanced digital networks, renewable energy initiatives, and thriving innovation ecosystem have positioned the city as a model for technology-driven growth and sustainability.

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“Cape Town isn’t just where the Africa Tech Festival happens. The city embodies the collaboration and ingenuity that define Africa’s tech story. We look forward to welcoming the continent’s industry leaders and innovators to participate in a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival.

The festival remains Africa’s largest platform for enterprise technology and innovation, spanning key sectors such as telecommunications, connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green ICT, and digital media. The 2025 event will draw over 15,000 global attendees, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, connecting Africa’s local tech ecosystem with international investors, policymakers, and innovators.

This year’s edition will bring together the festival’s four flagship programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town — under one unified theme that promotes responsible, inclusive, and sustainable growth. The event will highlight how digital transformation, entrepreneurship, policy, and artificial intelligence can collectively accelerate Africa’s development goals.

Africa Tech Festival 2025, the continent’s most influential technology event, has announced new additions to its speaker line-up, reinforcing its role as a premier platform shaping Africa’s digital future. The event will bring together influential voices from government, enterprise, innovation, and sport to discuss strategies driving the continent’s digital transformation.

Delivering the ministerial welcome and opening address is Hon. Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. His participation highlights South Africa’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, digital literacy, and policy alignment in accelerating its digital economy.

Also joining the line-up is Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, the renowned former Springbok rugby star and founder of The Beast Foundation, which empowers young Africans to reach their potential both on and off the field. From the enterprise technology sector, Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres, will share insights on expanding Africa’s AI capabilities through sustainable and secure data infrastructure.

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Other notable speakers include Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General for Digital Society and Economy at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, who will explore practical frameworks for AI governance; Obed Frimpong, Chief Information Security Officer at First National Bank Ghana Ltd, who will discuss cloud computing and enterprise innovation; and Charles Murito, Regional Director for Government Affairs & Policy (Sub-Saharan Africa) at Google, offering strategic perspectives on digital workforce development.

Together, these leaders represent the diverse forces driving Africa’s digital evolution—from policymakers and corporate executives to innovators and social impact champions.

“Africa Tech Festival continues to be the continent’s leading platform for creating national digital strategies, driving economic growth, advancing infrastructure, and fostering meaningful public-private collaboration,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “The addition of these speakers underscores the Festival’s cross-sector appeal. It’s where vision meets action, and where public and private leaders, entrepreneurs, and even athletes come together to challenge convention and inspire transformation.”

The 28th edition of Africa Tech Festival will be held from 11–13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The event will feature four flagship programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town — addressing Africa’s most pressing digital priorities under the themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation.