Fetsi Digital Futures
Summit 2025
A cross-industry National summit spotlighting how AI, Cybersecurity and ,Data Science are reshaping SA’s digital economy from policy to practice, inclusion to innovation
25 October | Johannesburg
Agenda
See what’s in store. From career-shaping sessions to future-focused insights. Your journey starts here.
Speakers
Join us for a high-impact, interactive experience that bridges ambition with opportunity, talent with mentorship, and skills with strategy.
Register
Join us for a high-impact, interactive experience that bridges ambition with opportunity, talent with mentorship, and skills with strategy.
Exhibit
Showcase your brand, connect with future innovators, and position your solutions at the forefront of Africa’s digital evolution. Download exhibition packages below.
Sponsorship / Partnership Packages
Align your brand with innovation, inclusion, and impact. Explore tailored sponsorship opportunities that put you at the centre of Africa’s digital future. Packages available below.
The Fetsi Digital Futures Summit is not just another tech conference. It’s a launchpad
- For Aspiring Tech Professionals(0–3 years of experience)
Break into the industry. Get clarity, confidence, and connection with real, practical steps from people who’ve done it before. - For C-Level Leaders
Be the voice that shifts the narrative. Inspire the next generation. Shape the talent pipeline. Mentor future leaders. - For Recruiters & Employers
Access untapped, high-potential talent. Discover interns and entry-level professionals ready to make an impact. - For University Students
Join our Hackathon Challenge to solve real-world problems. The winners earn paid internship placements with our partners.
Students & Grads
Practical insights, job-ready skills, internship access
Professionals (1-4 yrs)
Exposure to senior roles, strategy sessions
Companies & Recruiters
Direct pipeline to vetted early talent
Industry Leaders
Community influence, impact mentorship
Speakers
Vebashini Naidoo
Chief Data Scientist
SARS
Zakiyya Cassimjee
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), TechSource
Sara Banda
Information Security Officer, SafetySA
Galeboe Mogotsi
Chief Information Security Officer(CISO), University of the Witwatersrand
Jabulani Khumalo,
Chief Information Officer(CIO)Bidvest Prestig
Farieda Mayet
CIO (Chief Information Officer), NESTAR
Ayanda Peta
African Rainbow Minerals
Vinoliah Martin
Chief Technology Officer, PwC South Africa Technology and Innovation Centre (SATIC)
Vukosi Sambo
Group Chief Information Officer (GCIO), STM Healthcare Investments, PHA & Marara Group
Helena Viljoen
Head: Data Analytics, Guardrisk Life
Tshepo Mokgoto
Data and Cloud Transformation Lead, Sasol
Terrance Rapetswa
Director Attorney, MT Rapetswa INC
Wendy Ngcongo
Cybersecurity Architect & Ethical Hacker, CODE200
Boitumelo Makgabo
Competition Economist and Founder, Acumen Business Consulting
Mosa Kuape
Inclusion Activist & Service Desk Analyst, Vodacom (Lesotho)
Thabo Mosala
Non Executive Chairman, Letshego
Emily Mabasa
Author, Inclusion Activist, Founder of Phoenix
Leah Houston
Legal Queries Executive, WTax
Juniours Moremi
Attorney, TWB and Partners
Lazola Ndamase
Group Executive Head: Big Data, AI/ML&Cloud Tech, Vodacom
Hylton Gudmanz
Director, Focused People
Rodney Koch
ICT Board Chairman, Rhodes University
Lindelani Matumba
Principal, Enterprise Architecture, Exxaro Resources
Greg Morley
Celemusa Thusi
Board of Directors, Royal Science & Technology Park (Eswatini)
John Bosco Arends
Chairperson Chartered CIO Council
Dr Sylvia Sathekge
Sasha Beharilal
Director: Group Data Privacy and Protection, NTT DATA Inc
Gerhard du Plooy
Executive Consultant, Enterprise Architect, Knotion Consulting
Siphosethu Sehlabaka
Industry Community Strategist, Africa Government & Infrastructure, EY
Prof Osden Jokonya
Professor at University of the Western Cape
Dr Farai Mlambo
Programme Director: Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business,
Wits Business School
Prof Tebogo Mashifana
Professor at UNIA, Group Convener: UJ Chemical Engineering Technology
Dr Hamilton Mphidi
Director: Technology Transfer Office, University of Johannesburg
John Reign
CEO, MeWork
Nkosana Roda
Head: Payments Platform Services, Standard Bank Group
Dr. Khensani Xivuri
AI Lab Research Lead, Vodacom
Jabulani Sarila
Executive Director, eTihuku Pty Ltd
Amazement Nemaungane
Managing Director, Unfolding Capacity
Jabulani Khumalo,
Cheryl Jacob
Chief of Growth and Impact, Reasonate
Mashudu Ndou
Group Executive Head: Foundations and Partnership, Vodacom Group
Nomazwi (Nono) Mhloma
Deputy Chief Information Officer, Thekwini Municipality
Danie Schoeman
Managing Director, Danie Schoeman & Company (Pty) Ltd
Thenzie Stewart
Women in IT Chapter Chair, IITP SA
Dr. Makaziwe Makamba
Digital Transformation Director, NSG
Simone Pozniak
Head: Data & Analytics, Webber Wentzel
Faith Sithole
Senior Manager: Data Regulatory Reporting (Group Data Analytics), Netbank
Samantha Ling
Information Security Gov. Analyst: Technology, IG Group
Jameel Hiebner
Associate Manager Data Science, Telesure Investment Holdings
Qawekazi Luke
Programmes and Initiatives, UN Global Compact Network SA
Khensani Nyambi
Group Executive: Enterprise Solutions, African Entrepreneurship Development Corporation
Tshegofatso Mashapu
Chief People Officer, Seriti Green
Rebatho Madiba
Executive Director, Maribe. PTY LTD
Tyron Harding
Disability Inclusion Advocate & Data Analyst, The Pivot point
Dr Murendeni Liphadzi
Founding Director, Built Environment Innovative Network
Kgaogelo Sebola
Managing Director, CIO Monk
Noluthando Mbangeleli
Vice Chairperson, Gauteng Region, Association for Skills Development in SA
Lubabalo Mbeki
Disability Inclusion Consultant, Access Human Solutions
Mahlatse Mamaila
CEO, INO-Biodiesel
Key Points
Aspiring Talent
Learn, and grow your tech journey with guidance and opportunity
Sponsors
Access early talent, elevate brand, and shape future tech capability
Recruiters
Connect directly with job-ready individuals before they hit the job boards
Hackathon Teams
Win internships, build portfolios, and solve impactful challenges
Key Themes & Tracks
Theme: Unlocking Innovation, Economic Inclusion & AI-Driven Solutions Across All Industries for Africa, the
CIOs Theme: The Future of AI and Digital Inclusion in Africa’s Economy
Opening Keynote: AI in the African Economy – Unlocking Growth and Inclusion
- 08:30 -09:15
- How AI and data science can transform Africa’s economic landscape
- Strategies for inclusive digital transformation and future-fit policies
- Building a resilient digital economy driven by African innovation
Keynote Speaker to be confirmed
Panel Discussion: The Role of Law in Digital Transformation
- 09:20 – 10:05
- Regulatory frameworks enabling innovation and digital access
- Balancing privacy, ethics, and progress in AI adoption
- Legal design for an inclusive digital economy
5 Seats Reserved (LegalTech, Regulators, Gov Advisors)
Panel Discussion: Public Sector Innovation – Delivering Impact Through Tech
- 10:10 – 10:55
- E-government, open data, and digital service delivery
- Case studies from education, healthcare, and local government
- Leveraging AI to improve service accessibility
5 Seats Reserved (Gov CIOs, Civic Tech, Policy Leaders)
Panel Discussion: AI in Education – Personalizing Learning & Driving Student Success
- 11:00 – 11:45
- Adaptive learning systems and learner data analytics
- AI for dropout prevention and skills alignment
- The role of EdTech in public-private transformation
Dr Farai Mlambo
Panel Discussion: Financial Inclusion, Cybersecurity & AI for Risk Management
- 11:50 – 12:35
- AI-powered fraud detection in banking and fintech
- Cybersecurity resilience in a digital economy
- Expanding financial access with ethical data usage
CIOs, Fintech Founders, Cybersecurity Experts
Panel Discussion: Smart Agriculture – Feeding the Continent with Precision
- 13:35 – 14:20
- AI in yield prediction, soil analysis, and climate adaptation
- Smart logistics and supply chain optimization
- Empowering smallholder farmers with digital tools
AgriTech Leaders, AI Scientists, Policy Advisors
Panel Discussion: AI & Green Tech – Powering Africa’s Sustainable Future
- 14:25 – 15:10
- Smart grids, predictive maintenance in energy
- AI for climate adaptation and emissions monitoring
- Clean energy innovations for inclusive growth
Energy Sector Experts, Environmental Scientists Expects, Smart City Planners
Breakout session 2
- Theme: The Future of Work, Culture & Security in a Connected Africa
Panel Discussion: Industry 4.0 – Automation, Data & Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
- 09:00 – 09:45
- Digital twins, OT cybersecurity, robotics
- Scaling industrial AI responsibly
- Case studies from logistics, mining, and automotive
4 Seats Reserved (CIOs, Engineers leads, AI Safety Experts)
Panel Discussion: AI for Transport – The Future of Smart Mobility
- 09:50 – 10:35
- Route optimization, connected vehicles, fleet AI
- Mobility inclusion and logistics innovation
- Cybersecurity for intelligent transport systems
Mobility business leaders, Urban Planners, AI Engineers.TETA
Panel Discussion: Data-Driven Health – From Diagnostics to Ethics
- 10:40 – 11:25
- AI in diagnostics, predictive health, and rural healthcare
- Data privacy, consent, and ethical usage
- Real-world implementation from hospitals to apps
Health CIOs, Bioinformaticians, Public Health Leaders
Panel Discussion: Culture & Creativity in the Age of AI
- 11:30 – 12:15
- AI-generated art, digital archives, and cultural storytelling
- Protecting indigenous knowledge in digital form
- The role of creators in shaping ethical tech
Artists, Archivists, Creative Tech Experts (CASETA)
Panel Discussion: AI & Retail – Personalization, Analytics & Inventory
- 13:10 – 13:55
- Consumer behavior prediction and smart stock systems
- Ethical marketing and algorithmic fairness
- Case studies from retail and FMCG leaders
Retail Data Leads, Tech Vendors, Market Researchers ,SETA CEOS
Panel Discussion: AI in Legal, Defense & National Security
- 14:00 – 14:45
- Legal research automation and compliance AI
- National AI strategies for safety and resilience
- Emerging threats: deepfakes, misinformation, AI misuse
LegalTech Experts, Defense FORCE AI leade4rs, National Security Strategists
Closing Keynote: Future-Proofing Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem
- 15:00 – 15:30
- The next decade of AI-driven inclusion and transformation
- Cross-sector collaboration and youth-driven innovation
- Africa’s global leadership in responsible AI
Speaker to be confirmed
What Is Fetsi Digital Futures Summit
The FETSI Digital Futures Summit is a national platform that brings together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across Africa to exchange ideas, showcase transformative solutions, and drive action on the continent’s most pressing digital and economic challenges.
This milestone gathering, taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to amplify African voices, foster cross-industry collaboration, and accelerate progress toward a digitally inclusive and economically equitable future with youth empowerment and disability inclusion at the heart of the agenda.
Under the theme “Powering Africa’s Digital Future: Driving Inclusion, Equity, and Innovation Across All Industries”, the summit will convene C-suite executives, policymakers, youth innovators, and global partners to explore how emerging technologies such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics can unlock new opportunities, break down barriers, and close critical development gaps.
The FETSI Digital Futures Summit will focus on five priority themes aligned with South Africa’s digital transformation agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to inclusive growth, future-ready skills, and technology-driven economic equity.
Theme: Powering Africa’s Digital Future: Driving Inclusion, Equity, and Innovation Across All Industries
The FETSI Digital Futures Summit 2025 will focus on five interlinked priority themes that reflect South Africa’s national digital transformation agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Each theme is anchored in our mission to empower youth, drive economic equity, and ensure technology is accessible to all, including people living with disabilities.
1. AI, Data, Cybersecurity & the Future of Work – Innovating Responsibly for All
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity solutions is reshaping industries, economies, and societies. This theme explores how Africa can harness these technologies responsibly to boost productivity, enhance decision-making, and protect digital assets — while ensuring that youth and marginalized groups are not left behind.
Objectives:
Equip youth and emerging professionals with future-ready AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity skills.
Address the ethical, privacy, and security implications of AI-driven solutions.
Foster cross-sector collaborations to implement AI and data strategies that protect citizens and enable inclusive growth.
2. Inclusive Economic Growth Through Technology – Pathways to Prosperity
Technology-driven industries are key to creating jobs, scaling businesses, and driving Africa’s competitiveness. This theme focuses on how digital innovation can unlock inclusive economic growth by enabling access to markets, finance, and enterprise opportunities for youth, women, and people living with disabilities.
Objectives:
Promote digital entrepreneurship,
Develop policies and partnerships that connect local innovators with global markets.
Showcase inclusive tech models that drive job creation and sustainable business growth.
3. Digital Inclusion & Accessibility – Technology Without Barriers
True innovation must be accessible to all. This theme addresses the urgent need to remove digital barriers for people living with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in the digital economy and access essential services, education, and opportunities.
Objectives:
Champion assistive technologies and accessible design across industries.
Advocate for inclusive policies and infrastructure that close accessibility gaps.
Build partnerships to deploy solutions that support mobility, communication, and learning for all.
4. Cross-Industry Tech Disruption – Transforming Africa’s Sectors
From healthcare and agriculture to mining, Construction, Health, transport, and finance, disruptive technologies are transforming how industries operate. This theme examines how Africa can leverage these disruptions to improve efficiency, sustainability, and service delivery while creating space for African-led innovation.
Objectives:
Showcase case studies of cross-industry AI, Data science, Cybersecurity, IoT, and automation adoption.
Encourage public-private partnerships to accelerate sector-wide transformation.
Position Africa as a global player in tech-driven industry innovation
Themes
Cross-industry disruption
Digital inclusion
Economic equity Through Innovation
AI, Data Science & Cybersecurity for Development
Future Talent, Skills & Youth Empowerment
Sustainability & Accessibility
Topics
Cyber Security
AI
Data Science
Data Analytics
Learn how technology enables us to solve Global Grand Challenges
Mining & Manufacturing
Finance & Banking
Education & EdTech
Healthcare & Public Services
Agriculture & Mobility
Logistics
Date: 25 October
Location: Johannesburg South Africa
Time: 08:00 – 17:00
Hybrid Access: YES (limited online seats)
Tickets available for Students & Aspiring Tech Professionals
Corporate Passes & Sponsorships Available
Learn, grow, and launch your tech journey with guidance and opportunity
Access early talent, elevate brand, and shape future tech capability
Inspire, mentor, and build your thought leadership
Connect directly with job-ready individuals — before they hit the job boards
Win internships, build portfolios, and solve impactful challenges
Recruiters & Talent Partners
We’re inviting recruitment agencies, startups, and corporates to get involved:
- Access to pre-vetted talent
- Interview rooms on-site
- Branding & employer value proposition showcase
- Internship and entry-level role matchmaking
Connect With Your Tribe.
Access a Pipeline of High-Potential Talent
Meet pre-vetted university students and early-career professionals.
Build your future talent pool — including interns, analysts, engineers, and more.
Employer Branding & Visibility
Position your company as a future-focused, youth-empowering brand.
Showcase your tech culture, mission, and open roles directly to attendees.
Feature in summit collateral: on-stage, on-website, in media, and across social platforms.
CSR & Community Impact
Support real economic inclusion and digital empowerment across underserved communities.
Align with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals): Quality Education, Decent Work, and Industry Innovation.
Early Access to Rising Stars
Engage with participants before they hit the mainstream — and help shape their journey.
Sponsor challenges, mentorship slots, or targeted bootcamps post-summit.
Speak, Judge, or Host Panels
Your senior leaders can share insights, host masterclasses, or judge the hackathon, showing your commitment to skills development and inclusive hiring.
Our Valued Host City & Event Partners
Our Sponsors
