South Africa's 2026 AI Summit Spotlights Women Innovators

Innovation happens when diverse voices ask better questions and build real solutions for real people.

That's the vision driving South Africa's 2026 Singularity Summit, scheduled for October 21-22 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The event just announced its latest speaker lineup, highlighting women leaders alongside experts tackling artificial intelligence, urban development, and robotics.

AI specialist Amanda Manna will lead a session called "What's Next in AI," helping organizations prepare for rapid technological shifts. Her talk aims to cut through the hype and focus on practical preparation for leaders and teams navigating this fast-moving space.

The program also features Tilly Lockey, who uses AI-powered bionic arms. Her story offers a powerful example of technology expanding human potential and transforming lives in tangible ways.

The Ripple Effect

The summit goes beyond big tech trends to showcase African innovation solving local challenges. Inventor Fana Shabane builds functioning robots from recycled materials, proving that creativity and resourcefulness can spark breakthrough ideas anywhere.

Barak Kaufman from Wonderful.ai will address why many AI projects never scale beyond pilot programs. His session tackles the execution gap that prevents companies from turning experiments into measurable results.

Hamed Kazim brings insights on how cities use long-term planning and infrastructure to drive urban innovation. Meanwhile, digital transformation leader Valter Adão will share strategies for organizations modernizing across Africa's complex digital landscape.

"Innovation is not only about advancing technology. It is about unlocking human potential and creating opportunities for people to thrive," says Celiwe Ross, Old Mutual's Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer. Old Mutual is partnering with the summit alongside metaverse partner UBU.

Poet and broadcaster Lebo Mashile returns as the summit's MC, weaving human stories through technical conversations. Her role bridges the gap between complex ideas and the culture, creativity, and imagination that drive meaningful change.

"Innovation is strongest when it brings together different experiences, disciplines and ways of thinking," says Shayne Mann, Co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. This year's diverse speaker roster reflects that philosophy, mixing global thought leaders with homegrown African innovators.

The summit will announce additional speakers and program details in coming months as it builds toward October's event.