Organisations big and small celebrated at the 7th annual Africa Tech Week Awards
On the evening of 3 June 2025 we celebrated excellence in tech at the 7th annual Africa Tech Week Awards. The awards were opened with a keynote address delivered by Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who reminded us of the importance of celebrating achievements, especially when it comes to people and businesses advancing technology in South Africa and the wider continent. The black-tie event took place on the first evening of the 2-day Sentech Africa Tech Week conference hosted by comedian Alan Committee, where guests were treated to dinner and a show. We congratulate the finalists and winners in the organisational and individual categories: Organisational Awards: AFRICA TECH: START–UP AWARD Sponsored by Sentech Winner: LEMI App AFRICA TECH: FINTECH AWARD Winner: Wonga Online AFRICA TECH: TECH IMPACT AWARD Sponsored by City of Cape Town WInner: Old Mutual AFRICA TECH: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AWARD Winner: Etapath AFRICA TECH: PUBLIC SECTOR DIGITAL INNOVATOR AWARD Winner: MMT Inland (Mint Group) AFRICA TECH: TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: XLink AFRICA TECH: SECURITY TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AWARD Winner: PaySolutions AFRICA TECH: EDTECH AWARD Winner: WeThinkCode_ AFRICA TECH: AI INNOVATION AWARD Sponsored by iME Winner: LexisNexis AFRICA TECH: HEALTHTECH AWARD Winner: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Individual Awards: AFRICA TECH: WOMEN IN TECH AWARD Winner: Xoliswa Kakana – ICT Works AFRICA TECH: LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Trishen Moodley – MAST SERVICES (PTY) LTD AFRICA TECH: TECH FOUNDER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Oscar Molaba – Batanidza Technologies For more information on the Africa Tech Week please email marketing@africatechweek.co.za. To enter the 2026 awards please contact quarnita.jumat@topco.co.za. Visit our LinkedIn page for more on Africa Tech Week and to congratulate our winners.
Youth Empowerment: South Africa’s most critical investment in the age of AI
By Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution accelerates, empowering South Africa’s youth means preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that this transformation brings. On this journey, we face a critical juncture. We’ve increased access to higher education and created innovative work experience programmes like the Youth Employment Service (YES), but we’re still grappling with a world of rapid technological change that threatens to leave many people behind. As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated, the world will bifurcate between those countries that possess technological capabilities and those that lag behind. Hence vaccine-producing rich countries kept six vaccines per citizen before they released vaccines to Africa (which barely could get six per 100 people). Moreover, technological capabilities are enabling a “cross-species transmission” in an economic sense – for example, companies once more famous for making cellphones are now producing state-of-the-art SUVs. There is no question that as new technology advances, many old industries will be massively disrupted with concomitant employment implications. Accordingly, it is imperative that we prepare young people for that technology-driven future. The Harvard Business Review investigated the challenges and opportunities presented by AI’s impact on the labour market. Tools like ChatGPT and image-generating AI have significantly impacted automation-prone jobs like writing, software development, and coding. This indicates that workers in automation-prone jobs are more likely to face challenges in this shifting job market compared to manual-intensive jobs. To keep up and remain hireable, they’ll need a diverse skillset and a comprehensive understanding of AI tools. It’s clear that basic digital skills are foundational to mastering AI and successfully navigating the workplace of the future. The African Development Bank Group projects that by 2025, at least 263 million young Africans will lack economic opportunities, partly due to a lack of digital skills. According to The African Union’s AI for Sustainable Youth Development in Africa Report, “If harnessed effectively, emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence could create new jobs and business opportunities in agriculture, health, trade, and education, among other sectors.” Countries across Africa are waking up to these possibilities and starting to invest in AI upskilling to overcome challenges in these sectors and beyond. Our mandate is clear. We must harness the enormous potential of AI by addressing South Africa’s digital divide and upskilling our youth. This begins with providing essential digital infrastructure at a basic education level and building on these skills in universities and in the workplace to align with global standards. Although universities are producing highly skilled STEM graduates, the current state of youth unemployment in South Africa shows that formal education is still falling short when it comes to preparing youth for this digital shift. While South Africa has made strides in increasing access to tertiary education—with universities like UJ growing their student population by 50% in just four years—we still face a critical challenge as students struggle to complete their qualifications. A 60% dropout rate in first year is a clear indication that we need to rethink our approach to youth empowerment through education. The reality is that a qualification rapidly loses value without practical experience. Our survey of 150 employers at YES shows that two years of practical work experience is valued almost equally to a three-year tertiary qualification highlighting the importance of programmes like YES in preparing youth for the demands of the workplace beyond tertiary education. This is not to diminish the importance of formal education—universities play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills and providing deep contextual understanding. However, the traditional model of “get a degree and you’re set for life” is obsolete, particularly in the age of AI. Practical work experience that applies theoretical learning in real-world contexts is crucial for bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Organisations have recognised the importance of continuous upskilling through courses and training for employees, particularly when it comes to key digital skills and integrating AI into organisational structures. We’ve already seen this happening with companies like Microsoft, Amazon and other tech giants offering AI-accredited programmes that are more agile and market-relevant than traditional government-accredited courses. If businesses followed these examples and gave South Africa’s youth the opportunity to access invaluable skills and work experience, we could build a tech savvy generation, ready to take on the digital revolution. At YES, we’re making this happen by providing young South Africans with practical work experience and access to crucial tech skills that enhance their employability. Our voluntary programme has enabled 1,834 corporates to fund over 170,000 youth in quality first jobs, with an average of 3,000 youth joining monthly. We’re seeing incredible results. Part of this success is our incorporation of AI training into our modules, which has been proven to grow market-relevant skills and foster innovation. By partnering with YES, businesses can provide youth with access to essential digital skills development and AI upskilling. If corporate South Africa matched the youth employment commitments of current YES clients, we could create approximately 150,000 youth jobs annually at current GDP growth rates. More broadly, this means building a more resilient economy and a sustainable future for South Africa as our economy becomes more dependent on harnessing AI for growth. AI holds enormous potential to transform how we work and down barriers to economic development. Harnessing this potential means investing in our youth by providing access to the skills needed to master this emerging technology. Through collaboration between key stakeholders, from government to the private sector, we can help the next generation thrive in the age of AI and put South Africa on the map as a leader in the global digital landscape.
AfCFTA’s digital innovation challenge: Empowering Africa’s future trade
By Jessie Taylor The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is not just a landmark agreement designed to enhance intra-African trade; it’s also a significant driver of Africa’s digital transformation. In recent months, AfCFTA has focused on digital innovation, launching its Digital Innovation Challenge for 2025. This initiative aims to harness technology to streamline trade processes, reduce trade barriers, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The digital transformation of trade in Africa Technology is rapidly reshaping trade across Africa. As of 2024, Africa remains one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in terms of digital adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union, mobile phone penetration across the continent exceeds 80%, and internet usage continues to rise exponentially. This digital shift is crucial because it is directly impacting trade dynamics. Traditional trade methods that relied on physical meetings, manual paperwork, and slow customs processes are increasingly being replaced by digital tools that simplify operations, increase transparency and lower transaction costs. AfCFTA, which came into effect on 1 January 2021, is the largest free trade area by membership in the world, encompassing 54 of the 55 African Union (AU) member states. The agreement aims to create a single continental market for goods and services, enhance the movement of capital and people, and ultimately increase Africa’s economic output by $3.4-trillion by 2030. However, in order to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by AfCFTA, Africa needs to address several challenges that have historically hindered intra-African trade—such as bureaucratic delays, inefficient customs procedures, limited access to market information, and high transaction costs. The AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge, launched in 2025, is designed to promote the development of digital solutions that address these challenges. The goal is to leverage technology to make cross-border trade easier, faster, and more inclusive for businesses of all sizes, particularly SMEs that are often excluded from global supply chains due to cumbersome trade barriers. The challenge’s potential to reshape intra-African trade cannot be overstated. By encouraging digital innovation, AfCFTA is laying the groundwork for an Africa where trade flows freely across borders, businesses – no matter their size – can compete on equal footing, and the digital divide between countries is bridged. One of the most significant aspects of AfCFTA’s Digital Innovation Challenge is its focus on empowering youth and entrepreneurs. Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world. This demographic presents a vast potential for technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship. However, the lack of access to capital and business support remains a significant barrier to success. Technology’s role in empowering African entrepreneurs Technology’s role in trade is already visible in Africa through several successful initiatives. For instance, the launch of platforms like TradeDepot and Twiga Foods has revolutionized how SMEs access markets, connecting them with suppliers and buyers across countries without intermediaries. In the financial services sector, mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa have transformed how individuals and businesses make payments, driving economic inclusion for millions. Additionally, the use of blockchain technology is gaining momentum in Africa. Blockchain provides a decentralised, transparent ledger for transactions, which reduces fraud and enhances security. For trade, this means that goods can be tracked from the point of origin to delivery, offering a level of accountability and trust that has been lacking in traditional trade systems. By reducing transaction costs and increasing transparency, blockchain has the potential to unlock new opportunities for businesses in Africa to trade with each other and the rest of the world. The digital shift is crucial for unlocking the full potential of the AfCFTA. The initiative will also catalyse broader regional integration. By adopting digital tools, African countries will improve trade efficiency and foster greater economic integration. In the long term, digital trade is expected to stimulate economic growth by opening up new markets for African products, increasing competitiveness, and creating jobs in technology sectors across the continent. Moreover, these digital innovations will help Africa reduce its reliance on external markets and bolster intra-continental trade. According to a 2024 report by the World Bank, intra-Africa trade accounts for just 18% of the continent’s total trade. The AfCFTA aims to increase this number significantly, with projections suggesting that African exports could rise by up to 40% by 2040 as a result of reduced trade barriers and improved market access. By harnessing the power of technology, AfCFTA aims to eliminate barriers, reduce transaction costs, and empower the continent’s entrepreneurs. The results will be felt not just in the economic sphere but also in the form of a more connected, dynamic, and prosperous Africa, where technology plays a central role in shaping the future of trade. As the challenge progresses, Africa stands poised to emerge as a global hub for digital innovation and cross-border trade. Sources: AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge 2025 | World Bank | International Telecommunication Union
Africa Tech Week Awards 2025 finalists announced – Celebrate innovation in style!
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding finalists for the Africa Tech Week Awards 2025 – a celebration of excellence, innovation, and impact in South Africa’s dynamic tech ecosystem. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honour the trailblazers transforming the continent through technology. This glamorous black-tie affair promises sophistication, inspiration, and world-class entertainment, hosted by the brilliant and beloved Alan Committie. Date: Tuesday, 3 June 2025Venue: Century City Conference Centre Secure your seat among Africa’s tech elite and be part of an evening that recognises brilliance and sparks the future. Contact quarnita.jumat@topco.co.za to book your seat. Here are some of our finalists: Organisational awards: Individual Awards: For more information on the awards please contact quarnita.jumat@topco.co.za
Africa’s renewable energy leaders: Looking towards an energy secure continent
By Jessie Taylor As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, several African nations are emerging as frontrunners in renewable energy and green innovation. South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya are at the forefront, implementing ambitious projects and policies to harness their abundant natural resources and drive sustainable development. Africa’s transition to renewable energy is not just a climate imperative—it’s an economic and social necessity. Over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, accounting for 77% of the world’s unelectrified population, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Meanwhile, energy demand is expected to grow by 60% by 2040 as Africa’s population rapidly increases and urbanisation accelerates. Renewable energy offers a sustainable solution to meet this demand, especially as the continent holds immense potential: Africa receives 10 TW of solar radiation, has vast wind corridors, and has significant geothermal reserves. Harnessing just a fraction of this could dramatically improve living standards while reducing dependence on expensive fossil fuels and vulnerable energy imports. Additionally, renewable energy could create over nine million jobs by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), stimulating local economies and reducing poverty. As the global community pivots toward net-zero emissions, Africa has a chance to leapfrog to cleaner technologies, develop green industries, and ensure energy security for future generations. The time to act is now—and renewables are at the heart of that transformation. South Africa: Transitioning from coal to renewables South Africa, traditionally reliant on coal, is undergoing a significant energy transformation. The South African Renewable Energy Master Plan aims to deploy at least 3 GW of new renewable energy capacity annually, increasing to 5 GW by 2030. This initiative is expected to create approximately 25,000 jobs in the renewable energy and storage sectors. The country is also exploring green hydrogen production, leveraging its vast solar and wind resources. International partnerships, such as the European Union’s €4.7 billion investment, support South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources. Egypt: Harnessing solar and wind power Egypt is capitalising on its solar and wind potential to become a regional energy hub. The government aims to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 42% by 2030. A notable project is the 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage facility, currently under construction by Scatec ASA. Additionally, Egypt is positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen production, with plans to produce green hydrogen for under two dollars per kilogram by 2030. The Suez Canal Economic Zone has been identified as a hub for green hydrogen development, attracting investments from companies like Siemens and Scatec. Nigeria: Expanding access through mini-grids Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, faces challenges in electricity access, particularly in rural areas. To address this, the government has initiated projects to develop and operate 400 mini-grids and 50 MetroGrids across the country, aiming to improve electricity access for an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people. The country is also investing in solar home systems and hydropower projects, such as the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Support from international organisations, including a planned $1 billion investment by the African Development Bank, is bolstering Nigeria’s renewable energy initiatives. Morocco: Advancing solar and green hydrogen projects Morocco has set an ambitious target to have renewables constitute 52% of its installed electricity capacity by 2030. The country is investing heavily in solar energy, with projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants. In addition to solar, Morocco is focusing on green hydrogen, approving projects worth $32.5 billion. Partnerships with companies like TotalEnergies and Engie aim to produce ammonia from green hydrogen, positioning Morocco as a key player in the global green hydrogen market. Kenya: Leading in geothermal and off-grid solutions Kenya is a leader in geothermal energy, with facilities like the Olkaria I geothermal power plant contributing significantly to the national grid. The country aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, focusing on geothermal, wind, and solar power. Kenya is investing in off-grid solar solutions to address electricity access in remote areas. Initiatives like the Intersolar Summit Africa in Nairobi highlight the country’s commitment to advancing photovoltaic technologies and energy storage solutions. The efforts of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya underscore Africa’s potential to lead in renewable energy and green innovation. By leveraging their natural resources and implementing forward-thinking policies, these countries are addressing their energy needs and contributing to global sustainability goals. Sources: Africa Trade News | AP News | Reuters | IOL | AGBI | Africa Exponent | IEA | IRENA
Be in the middle of the action: Why you need to attend a tech conference
By Topco Marketing The tech industry in Africa is buzzing with innovation but how can you get involved in this dynamic ecosystem? Whether you’re a B2B startup, multinational corporation, investor, policymaker, or academic, you’re always looking for a way to stay on the cutting-edge of one of the most impactful industries. Here are six reasons why you should attend a tech conference in 2025. 1. Keep your team inspired and motivated Attending conferences in the heart of Africa’s booming tech scene is more than just a routine – it’s a journey that will keep your team inspired and motivated. Hearing from successful entrepreneurs can be a powerful boost, pulling your team outside the office walls and into an environment that breathes innovation. It’s an excellent opportunity for employees to gain a fresh perspective on their roles, the company’s mission, and the challenges that lie ahead. 2. Invest in knowledge and skills development Compared to formal training programmes, conference tickets are often more cost-effective, giving you valuable insights that can help to alter the trajectory of your company. A single idea learned at a conference can sometimes have a substantial impact. In short, consider attending conferences as a strategic business investment that can enrich your team and positively impact your bottom line. 3. Learn from other leaders Targeted conferences, like B2B conferences, are hubs of innovation, where entrepreneurs and experts shape the continent’s future. They are an excellent way to expand your network, gain insights, and exchange best practices with peers and business partners. Attending conferences in Africa is an absolute must if you want to meet new prospects and develop long-lasting business relationships. You can gather feedback, forge meaningful relationships, and gain valuable insights that can help you grow and stay ahead of the competition. As a sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, or attendee, you can target key accounts, engage in post-talk conversations, or connect at booths. There is no better way to establish and maintain customer relationships than by meeting them face-to-face. 4. Find new talent You could meet talented professionals who can add value to your company. Tech conferences are highly focused, which increases your chances of finding individuals who align with your company’s needs. Whether you’re looking for engineers, sales professionals, or marketers, tech conferences provide an ideal platform to connect with potential employees who share your industry interests. 5. Meet attendees from around the world The tech conferences in Africa are no longer confined to the continent’s borders, as businesses from Europe and Asia are increasingly showing interest in attending these events. With a thriving tech ecosystem and numerous opportunities, these conferences provide an entry point for international companies looking to establish a foothold in the African market. For European businesses, exploring partnerships and collaborations in Africa presents untapped potential and access to new markets. These conferences offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions emerging from the continent, enabling European companies to diversify their portfolios and stay ahead in a competitive global landscape. Networking with African startups and industry leaders can lay the groundwork for mutually beneficial ventures, fostering innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. Likewise, Asian countries with a reputation for tech prowess are keen to expand their businesses to Africa. Attending these conferences allows Asian companies to understand the local dynamics, explore investment opportunities, and build strategic alliances in the continent. The events provide a platform for knowledge exchange, enabling Asian companies to leverage their technological expertise while contributing to the growth and development of Africa’s tech ecosystem. In essence, these conferences serve as melting pots for diverse perspectives, creating an environment where European and Asian businesses can engage with their African counterparts, share insights and explore opportunities for collaborative ventures. The potential for cross-continental partnerships is immense, and these events act as catalysts for building bridges between continents, creating a global tech landscape that thrives on diversity and innovation. The stage is set for a collaborative future, where businesses from Europe and Asia converge in Africa, embracing the opportunities that these tech conferences bring to the forefront. The 2025 Sentech Africa Tech Week Summit promises to offer a vibrant and innovative atmosphere, with opportunities to gain inspiration, knowledge, and make valuable connections. Embrace this chance to be part of Africa’s tech revolution and constructively contribute to the growth of the tech industry in Africa. Get your tickets here.
Leveraging the full spectrum of human potential: The representation of women in STEM
By Dr Mmaki Jantjies As we celebrate Freedom month, it is important to acknowledge the progress made in ensuring the economic participation of women in South Africa, particularly in the STEM sector (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The country’s history of working towards a free and just society has been underpinned by the important role that women have played in ensuring equality for all. In response, significant milestones have been achieved with policies enabling greater access to opportunities for women. The role of diversity in the STEM sector is vital to ensure national advancement. By leveraging the full spectrum of human potential, nations like South Africa will not only unlock innovation but also build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Considering the significant strides made in advancing female participation in STEM sectors, South Africa still experiences the under-representation of women in key areas today, particularly in STEM leadership positions. What then has led to this “leaky pipeline”, and what initiatives are important in addressing these issues? Female representation in STEM The 2023 Report of the Engineering Council of South Africa underlined that only 14% of registered engineers were women. A 2024 skills survey conducted by the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) further explored the representation of women in the ICT sector. The survey found that although 39.5% of employees were female, only 5% had leadership positions in ICT companies. I recently had the opportunity of joining the launch of the South African chapter of the OWSD (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World), an organisation describing itself as an “international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership”. The programme provides the mentorship, training and support necessary to ensure a consistent pipeline of women in STEM in the country. Supported by the National Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the OWSD event highlights the continuing need for tailored interventions to support the participation of women in key STEM areas. Early interventions in particular were highlighted as being key to facilitating stronger representation of women in the workforce. The local interventions highlighted below outline the key issues involved in working towards addressing greater gender equity in accessing employment opportunities: 1. Limited early exposure and encouragement One fundamental obstacle to increasing women’s involvement in STEM is the lack of early exposure and ways of encouraging participation. According to the 2021 data from the Council on Higher Education, female enrolment in STEM programmes at universities stood at around 40%. In line with this low number, the lack of young girls taking up studies in STEM is often attributed to lack of exposure. To address these shortcomings, initiatives aimed at foundational education through interventions like the Department of Basic Education’s TechnoGirl Programme. This initiative has been instrumental in ensuring early exposure, reaching over 30 000 girls from disadvantaged schools and fostering their interest in pursuing STEM careers. The programme is a partnership between Uweso Consulting in collaboration with UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education. By selecting high school girls from underserved communities, the programme has opened doors to STEM mentorship, skills development, and job shadowing Another key grassroot intervention has been the Department of Science and Innovation’s National Science Week (NSW). By strategically targeting youth, educators and the general public, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, NSW supports grassroot science literacy. It has programmes which demystify science while showcasing local innovations in those too young to be scientists. This annual event has demonstrated tangible impact by consistently engaging thousands of South Africans annually, enhancing STEM awareness and inspiring youth to pursue STEM careers. 2. Barriers to access and participation in higher education Data from the 2020 Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study has revealed that students from lower socio-economic backgrounds have dropout rates up to 40% higher than their more affluent peers, primarily due to financial issues. Although both financial and systemic barriers have significantly impeded women’s access to tertiary STEM education, progress is now being made with targeted funding interventions acting to support the advancement of women in STEM. In responding to these challenges, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has set out to increase female participation in STEM through various initiatives. In 2022, over 60% of National Research Foundation-funded postgraduate students were women within specific STEM categories, demonstrating a clear move towards gender-sensitive funding. Programmes such as the black academic advancement programmes have also been introduced by the NRF to provide grants to black female academics, in order to increase scholarly output while increasing the number of research students supported by grants. Public private partnerships (PPP), such as the Telkom Centres of Excellence (CoE) based at 14 South African universities, are further examples of partnerships supporting the postgraduate STEM skills development of over 3 500 students. With this programme running over 25 years, Telkom and several ICT organisations have partnered with government in establishing centres at participating universities. These research centres have provided students with access to cutting-edge technology, resources and mentorship, both fostering innovation and contributing to the growth of the ICT sector in South Africa. The Telkom CoE programme supports postgraduate students and research projects, effectively building a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications and technology industries in South Africa. 3. Lack of female role models and mentorship Globally, the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report states that women comprise 29.2% of the STEM workforce across the 146 nations evaluated, while locally women make up 23% of employed individuals in STEM occupations in South Africa. Organised STEM industry networks are therefore key to improving access to visibility and mentorship opportunities to increase representation. Examples of such in the STEM field are the organisation named Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA) that offers networking, mentorship and career guidance. Meanwhile, the South African Women in Engineering (SAWomEng) focuses on professional development and creating a supportive community for
Join the digital revolution at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025!
By Topco Marketing When: 3-4 June 2025 Where: Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town Are you ready to lead the digital evolution and turn tech into power ? The countdown is on for Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, and this is your chance to be part of the continent’s most transformative tech event. Whether you’re a startup founder, business leader, or tech enthusiast, this conference is designed to ignite innovation, foster collaboration, and position Africa as a global tech powerhouse. Why attend Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025? The future of technology in Africa starts here. Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it: 1. Network like never before Africa’s tech ecosystem thrives on collaboration, and Sentech Africa Tech Week is your ultimate networking playground. With over 500 attendees —from CEOs and policymakers to developers and innovators—you’ll have unparalleled access to: Don’t miss the Fast-Track Networking Sessions, where you can turn conversations into connections in minutes. Plus, there are plenty of informal networking breaks to recharge, refresh, and build meaningful relationships. 2. Upskill your team with cutting-edge insights Looking to train your employees and keep them ahead of the curve? Sentech Africa Tech Week offers a jam-packed agenda of panel discussions, fireside chats, and tech demos featuring thought leaders from Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, and more. Topics include: Africa Tech Week Award Entries are closing soon. Enter now. 3. Position your brand as a thought leader Want to elevate your company’s profile? Sentech Africa Tech Week offers unique opportunities to showcase your expertise and establish your brand as a leader in the tech space. Whether you’re speaking on a panel, hosting a fireside chat, or presenting a tech demo, this is your platform to: From sustainable streaming solutions to smart factory innovations, the conference covers every corner of the tech landscape. Don’t just attend—be a part of the conversation. What’s happening at Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025? Day 1: 3 June 2025 – Lead the Digital Evolution Day 2: 4 June 2025 – Turning Tech into Power Special offers you can’t miss Ready to shape Africa’s digital future? Sentech Africa Tech Week isn’t just another conference, it’s a movement. A movement to connect, innovate, and transform Africa’s tech landscape. Whether you’re pitching your startup, networking with industry leaders, or gaining insights to upskill your team, this is the place to be. Secure your spot today and join us as we lead the digital evolution and turn tech into power. Together, let’s build a smarter, more connected Africa. Register now. For sponsorship or speaking opportunities, contact us at marketing@topco.co.za
AI and the law
By Jessie Taylor The AI advantage: Combating financial fraud in South Africa’s digital economy In an era where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, South Africa is witnessing both remarkable advancements in financial services and a surge in increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. From online banking to real-time payments and digital insurance claims, financial transactions have never been more convenient – or more vulnerable. Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical line of defence, revolutionising the fight against fraud by enabling real-time detection, smarter prevention strategies, and better protection for consumers. Why AI makes a difference Financial fraud in South Africa continues to pose a serious threat to both consumers and businesses. From card cloning and phishing to identity theft and fraudulent insurance claims, the methods employed by fraudsters are diverse and constantly evolving. According to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA), South African life insurers and investment companies detected 13,074 cases of fraud and dishonesty in 2023, marking a 46% increase from the 8,931 cases reported in 2022. The industry successfully prevented losses amounting to R1.5-billion in 2023, up from R1.1- billion in 2022. However, actual losses due to fraud rose significantly to R175.9-million in 2023, compared to R77.2-million the previous year. Traditional fraud prevention methods, often reliant on manual review and static rule-based systems, are no longer sufficient to address the scale and sophistication of modern fraud. However, AI systems can process and analyse vast volumes of transaction data in real-time, identifying suspicious patterns that humans or traditional systems might miss. These patterns may include unusual spending behaviours, large purchases made from unfamiliar locations, or transactions occurring at odd hours. By detecting these anomalies early, banks and financial institutions can intervene before damage is done. One of the standout features of AI is its scalability. Unlike human fraud teams that struggle to keep pace with growing transaction volumes, AI systems can scale seamlessly to handle millions of transactions without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency. This is particularly crucial as South Africa’s banking sector continues to expand and embrace digital banking solutions. As payment methods evolve – through real-time clearing and card-not-present transactions – fraud risks evolve alongside them. AI strengthens payment systems by offering dynamic fraud detection capabilities. It doesn’t merely flag transactions – it evaluates context. Through predictive analytics, AI can discern between legitimate anomalies and actual fraud, reducing the number of false positives that frustrate customers. With machine learning, these systems continuously adapt, learning from new threats and updating models accordingly. The ethical concerns Despite its many benefits, the implementation of AI in fraud detection is not without challenges. One of the primary issues is the “black box” nature of AI systems—the difficulty in explaining how decisions are made. This lack of transparency can become problematic, especially under scrutiny from regulatory bodies such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the South African Reserve Bank. These regulators demand clear reasoning for actions taken, particularly when customer accounts are frozen or claims denied. Moreover, compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is paramount. AI systems must be designed to handle personal data responsibly, ensuring data privacy and minimising the risk of bias. If an AI system is trained on skewed data, it could disproportionately target certain demographics, resulting in unfair treatment and legal liabilities. As banks and insurers adopt AI to prevent fraud, fraudsters are simultaneously leveraging AI to perpetrate it. A 2023 PwC report warned that criminals are expected to adopt AI tools on a much broader scale, intensifying the arms race between fraud detection and fraud execution. This raises the stakes for South African institutions. Continuous innovation and cross-sector collaboration are vital to stay ahead. Financial institutions must invest in agile AI systems that evolve in tandem with new threats, and they must also share insights and intelligence with peers and regulators to form a united front against cybercrime. AI alone cannot eliminate fraud, but it can be a formidable part of a broader fraud prevention strategy. As AI tools mature, their ability to improve compliance reporting, automate suspicious activity monitoring, and provide early fraud warnings will only strengthen. AI is ushering in a new era of fraud prevention in South Africa. From detecting anomalies in milliseconds to analysing claim documents for manipulation, AI allows financial institutions to act swiftly and decisively. While data quality, transparency, and regulation challenges remain, the benefits are too significant to ignore. The financial sector stands at a crossroads: evolve with the times or risk falling behind. With responsible deployment, ethical safeguards, and continuous improvement, AI can secure the digital financial ecosystem for both businesses and the public. In the fight against fraud, it’s not just a matter of using AI—it’s a matter of using it wisely. Sources: CMS Law | Standard Bank | ASISA
AI-powered corporate governance: Technology’s trailblazing role
“As a qualified lawyer and the Head of Business Development at a technology company specialising in AI-powered legal tech solutions, I have witnessed first-hand how technology has influenced this aspect of business. “