Tech Africa

If innovation is meant to serve everyone, why is leadership still so homogenous- asks and talks to us on who understands the challenges of navigating the industry as a female leader.  Aida Diarra, Senior Vice President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa, as well as CNBC Africa’s 2024 Business Woman of the Year.

Estonia's E-Residency Revolution, discovering how Estonia's pioneering E-Residency program empowers entrepreneurs worldwide, bridging geographical divides and fostering innovation. Estonia's groundbreaking E-Residency initiative, which grants global entrepreneurs access to a digital business ecosystem.  Mats Kuuskemaa, Head of Business Strategy at Government of Estonia’s e-Residency programme.

Mazda believes life’s most meaningful moments are in simple, everyday journeys. Whether commuting through the city or embarking on a weekend adventure, every drive is an opportunity to experience something extraordinary. The 7th Generation vehicles, such as the CX-60 and CX-30, bring this vision to life. With their elegant design, advanced technology, and a strong emphasis on practicality, these vehicles are not just a luxury, but a reliable addition to the family or for singletons living life to the full. More from Kerry-Lee Toner

Precium, formerly known as Revio, has launched a new standard of payment tokenization to enable online merchants to meaningfully tackle the primary causes of payment failures. The company, which rebranded earlier this year to signify their growth from a local processor to global payments platform, is the first to introduce this technology to the South African market while internationally; it has quickly become the gold standard for processing secure, online transactions. More from Nicole Dunn, Co-founder and COO of Precium who is on the line.

eShandi is a leading international financial technology company, revolutionizing the landscape of inclusive financial services across emerging markets in Southern and East Africa. We are pioneering the path to a borderless digital banking experience for Africa. Our journey has been driven by a deep commitment to financial inclusion and a relentless pursuit of technological innovation. We believe that access to reliable and affordable financial services is a fundamental right, and we are dedicated to making this a reality for communities across the continent. joining us on the is Michael Adamson, the CEO of eShandi’s South Africa business.

With Global Entrepreneur Month, we take a look at Cloud23, a dynamic enterprise software management company, is proving that African tech companies can scale rapidly and sustainably while transforming industries. With a staggering 80% annual revenue growth over the past two years, Cloud23 has expanded its reach across Africa and Asia, employing over 175 people. As the company serves clients internationally, it continues to demonstrate how local talent and global partnerships can drive meaningful impact in the financial services sector. Joining us in the studio is Ram Ramakrishnan, CEO of Cloud23

SAYDA Communications that offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to elevate your brand, expand your online reach, and boost your business growth. The company is actively equipping secondary school students with critical 4IR skills, Tsholofelo Nowalaza, founder of Sayda Communication programs focus on Robotics and Coding, helping students gain the competencies needed to excel in a digital future and she joins us on the line to unpack some of her offerings.

Silulo Ulutho Technologies, a trailblazing organisation that has been at the forefront of bridging the digital divide in South Africa for the past 20 years. Founded by the visionary Luvuyo Rani, Silulo has grown from a single internet cafe in Khayelitsha to a national leader in technology services, boasting 40 branches across the country. To mark its two-decade milestone, Silulo has launched the Silulo Foundation in partnership with Astron, an initiative designed to provide affordable internet access and resources to young content creators, start-up entrepreneurs, and students. 

Open payments could radically transform financial inclusion in South Africa Industry professionals to discuss solutions for faster, easier and more affordable access to financial services at the Interledger Summit that is towards month end of October in Cape Town. South Africa has set itself apart with a mature financial system and a strong regulatory framework. Despite this, financial inclusion remains a pressing challenge. While insights show steady growth in the number of individual bank accounts, monthly transactions from these accounts remain very low. More from Interledger project manager Matšeliso Thabane.

As technology continues to transform every facet of our lives, education is on the cusp of a revolution. The integration of AI into the classroom is not just a passing trend; rather, is a shift that will define both the future of learning and the workforce. At the forefront of this shift, a progressive institution is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. Centennial Schools has taken on the challenge of introducing learners to the ever-evolving technological advancements and preparing students for the working world by including AI as a central point of its curriculum. Joining us on the line is Shaun Fuchs- Centennial Schools founder.

As cyber-attacks skyrocket in South Africa, local businesses must take immediate action to safeguard their digital assets. The International Monetary Fund emphasises securing digital perimeters and financial assets. By understanding these options and adopting a proactive stance, companies can achieve cyber resilience and safeguard their businesses. More from Richard Frost, Head of Consulting at Armata, who will talk to us on how is crucial in SA, as cyber-attacks can have devastating financial consequences. 

Getting children to be excited about education and technology at an early age is crucial for their development. The company is combining technology, innovation, and play to empower South Africa’s next generation is critical and offers a unique learning environment designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking in children through immersive, hands-on experiences. Featuring state-of-the-art VR technology, STEM-focused zones, and engaging learning spaces like the Superhero-themed mini-city, Masterminds@Play is transforming the way children learn, fostering their confidence, problem-solving skills, and embracing technology. More from CEO Avashna Ramnarain, from Masterminds@Play

Milkor is a global defence solutions provider. One of their latest achievements is the successful development and flight of the Milkor 380, the largest UAV to be fully developed on the African continent. This includes South Africa among a handful of countries that have the capability to locally produce UAVs of this size. This drone has an impressive endurance of up to 35 hours and can be used for Border Surveillance, Maritime surveillance, Strategic Reconnaissance and information gathering operations. Daniel Du Plessis, Marketing Director at Milkor joins us on the line to talk about Milkor’s 380 drone’s weight-to-strength ratio.

The South African gaming industry has experienced significant growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.7% since 2020.  To further stimulate this growth, a team of collective entities in the gaming industry, collectively known as “the Game Changers” consortium, has secured R12.9 million funding from the National Treasury's Jobs Fund initiative. The consortium, comprised of key players in the gaming, educational, training and content industries and aims to develop six SMMEs, create 152 jobs, and train 121 young people in the local gaming sector over the next two years. More from Raymond Ledwaba, CEO of ITTHYNK.

Advance Guidance specialises in purpose-built enterprise AI solutions that help businesses automate complex, repetitive tasks, generate insights from data, and stay ahead in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Advance Guidance will be presenting at the upcoming AI Expo Africa, sharing experiences in implementing AI across various industries such as banking, telecommunications, and media. More from Len Pienaar, Managing Director, Advance Guidance.

With the fast-paced nature of modern life, particularly in urban areas, more and more consumers are embracing the convenience of online shopping, avoiding queues and crowds. As a result, businesses are rapidly adapting to meet the growing demand for safe and seamless online purchasing experiences.  We look at trends, challenges, and opportunities within the online delivery market, which is evolving at a rapid pace. The on-demand grocery delivery sector in South Africa, in particular, is one of the most exciting areas of growth. More from Tim Kiluba, General Manager of Yassir.

South Africa digital transformation and the importance of shaping a culture where technology creates opportunities for everyone. With our high levels of youth unemployment, education and skills development are key to equipping young people with valuable expertise that will make them more employable. The company’s commitment to supporting socio-economic growth through digitization extends beyond the classroom. Last year Cisco signed a new phase of its Country Digital Acceleration initiative with the Department of Communication and Technology. More from Smangele Nkosi, who is joining us on the line.

We discover how tech innovations are banking the unbanked, where the fintech and mobile banking revolution is driving innovation in Africa's BFSI sector. Technologies like AI and chat banking are bridging the gap between rapid advancements and financial access challenges. For example, Zenith Bank's chat banking via WhatsApp demonstrates how banks can engage customers through familiar platforms, improving customer experience and encouraging the adoption of financial services. More from Brighton Chidoma, Senior Client Success Executive at Infobip and he joins us live on the line.

The Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) return to the African stage, with a deep dive into the transformative power of AI. Hosted by Telkom, SATNAC 2024 took place from October 6 - 9 in the heart of the Kruger National Park at the Skukuza Rest Camp. This year's theme, "The AI-Driven Hyperconnected Future: Co-creating shared value," promises insightful discussions and groundbreaking research presentations. South Africa is rapidly emerging as a global leader in AI adoption, defying outdated technological stereotypes. Recent data reveals that over 60% of South African workers regularly use generative AI tools, surpassing rates in many Western nations. Joining us on the line to unpack this its Dr Mmaki Jantjies Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) Chairperson and Group Executive of the Innovation and Transformation Office at Telkom SA.

Genuine financial inclusion is vital if we are to bring millions of unbanked and underserved communities in Africa into the mainstream economy. This doesn’t just benefit the communities, it has a knock-on effect for economies, regions and the continent. Financial services are tightly regulated, and this presents a challenge for fintech's, how do you innovate while working effectively within differing regulatory frameworks on the continent? While these frameworks may differ substantially, there are common barriers fintech's need to overcome. To help us unpack this we joined on the line by Nikki Kettles, Executive: Licences and Payments Regulation at Mukuru.

Geostationary TechnologyThe satellite industry has grown significantly, with commercial satellites accounting for 71% of the global space business, worth 285 US billion dollar in 2023. Traditionally, Geostationary (GEO) satellite services have been expensive and offered limited bandwidth and poor latency, according to Vox, Smart GEO technology has made satellite broadband reliable, capable, and cost-effective. Partnerships drive innovation, enabling customised connectivity. More from Vox's Theo van Zyl, Head of Wireless who is joining us on the line.

The agriculture industry is undergoing a host of challenges that require innovative solutions for long-term sustainability and growth. Ruan Botha, DJI Product Manager and James Ramatlou from Rectron looks at how smart technology, powered by artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles have the ability to boost productivity, reduce costs and help preserve precious resources. When it comes to drones, equipment needs to be acquired, operated, and maintained, and the data needs to be collected, interpreted and presented in ways that can lead to better decision-making in the short-and-long terms. Ruan Both and James Ramatlou from Rectron to share more information around Smart Data and drones.

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) and Core, the leading distributor of Apple, DJI and Nintendo in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, have partnered to introduce the iSchoolAfrica iPad Learning Programme to four hospital schools in Gauteng, including the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The programme brings iPads loaded with engaging content directly to children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment, joining us on the line to unpack this further is Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC,

South Africa is grappling with one of the highest unemployment rates globally, particularly among youth and women. GrowSpace is on a mission to address this crisis by leveraging advanced technology to connect quality talent with job opportunities, ensuring not just placements but long-term career growth. By focusing on industries like tech, finance, and key growth sectors, GrowSpace is actively contributing to economic development and fostering social inclusion. Joining us in the studio is Zwelijongile Gwebityala, CEO of GrowSpace, an innovative tech platform transforming the South African employment landscape.

For over two decades, Change Logic has been shaking up the world of Change Management, delivering targeted performance benefits with minimal disruption. A local team of solution-oriented experts provide scientific, fit-for-purpose solutions across four divisions, Change Management Solutions, People Solutions, Training Solutions, and Engagement Solutions. When deploying change from a technology perspective, the success factors should be clearly defined beforehand, and everyone should be educated on what the "digitalisation" process really entails, applying the global insights report to the local market. To explain this further we joined in studio by Bruce Turvey, Executive at Change Logic.

Hexnode, an enterprise software division of Mitsogo Inc, stands at the forefront as a global leader in Unified Endpoint Management. It is a comprehensive platform-agnostic solution that combines the concepts of mobile device management, enterprise mobility management, and traditional endpoint management into a single cohesive framework. Hexnode UEM doesn't stop at just managing devices; it delves into the realm of meticulous control and security across your entire IT ecosystem. More from Shalom Mdlalo, Business Development Associate at Hexnode

We talk to an IT specialist, Mobile and Backend developer who is Unifying the magical potential of software with the transformative ability of creative entrepreneurship, experience in software development - Mobile app development, Game Development (2D & 3D), Web development, Electron apps. Kopano Joseph Gabalebatse, Mobile and Backend developer who has published 11 apps, hundreds of websites and 5 games he says Software alone cannot change the world; Entrepreneurship alone cannot command the power of Tech - Unifying the two to change the world.

Darkies In Tech is a community comprising excellent black tech founders, investors, & ecosystem builders that all operate in the South African tech ecosystem, members span the entire country from a geographic perspective. Connected & motivated by their shared desire & commitment to ensuring the betterment of South Africa & the broader continent of Africa through the use of scalable technologies. The DIT recently launched a new website to driveand we joined on the line by the Founder of Darkies in Tech, Ntsako Mgiba

GirlCode’s first-ever Pan African Hackathon participation, which brought together young female coders from across Africa to tackle pressing global challenges. The 10th annual event aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and produced remarkable solutions, including initiatives to improve access to menstrual health products and reduce food waste.  This year’s hackathon not only marks a significant milestone for GirlCode but also highlights the growing movement to empower women and girls in tech across the continent. Joining us on the is GirlCode’s Founder and CEO, Zandile Mkwanazi.

Imait Technology provides cutting edge tools to help cattle farmers manage risks such as droughts, pests, diseases and animal theft. Farmers rely on visual inspection to determine if their cattle are healthy and feeding properly. These methods are exposed to human errors which result in farmers losing their cattle to animal theft, diseases and drought. To solve the problem, Imait Technology created Smart Cattle management system (SCMS) which provides an automated management of cattle and farm, on real-time monitoring through artificial intelligence platform. Joining us on the line from Botswana is Nathan Tshamba, CEO at Imait Technology.

5G Fixed Wireless Access that could be a catalyst for explosive growth in Africa’s digital economy. For the millions of households waiting for reliable broadband, the arrival of 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) offers a promising and efficient solution. As a cost-effective, scalable solution that can be rolled out rapidly, 5G FWA could be essential in including more of Africa’s population in the digital economy. More from Rami Mohammad Osman – Director for Business Development, MediaTek Middle East and Africa.

redPanda Software is an expert in end-to-end custom software development and software support aimed at streamlining business processes and operations. With nearly a decade of experience in developing retail and financial software, redPanda Software’s custom software solutions are trusted across all business processes from Point of Sale, and Warehousing to Logistics and Debtor Control. To wrap up woman’s month here on the show Tech Africa, we talk to an incredible woman as a pioneer in Tech, with a compelling story to share about women thriving in the tech industry, Insaaf Daniels- Human Capital Director, redPanda Software.

This hour we take a look at the restaurant and fast-food sectors that have successfully been digitalised, but to realise the full benefits of digital transformation, they need to look seriously to cloud migration. Cloud has a number of key benefits for the food and beverage industry, benefits that can help it to radically improve profitability, reduce costs and deliver an overall better experience both for customers and employees. Joining us on the line to unpack this transition is Reginald Sibeko, Managing Director at Micros SA.

We take a look at recent report from Juniper Research suggests that the global number of travels eSIM users will grow from 40 million in 2024 to over 215 million by 2028. While the increase in the number of international travellers and growing awareness of travel eSIMs are big contributors to this growth, other reasons for the spiking trend are cost and comfort. But these plastic cards are steadily being phased out in favour of embedded SIM (eSIM) cards, which are supported by most major mobile network operators around the world. TCL looks at what this eSIM card means for you and we joined on the line by Ernst Wittmann, regional manager for TCL Southern and East Africa.

As we continue to celebrate and wrap up Women's Month on the show, we look at an inspiring feature on a remarkable woman who is shaping the future of technology and innovation, Nokuthula Lukhele, the Chief Technology Officer of GrowSpace and she is an accomplished strategy, digital, and innovation specialist with over a decade of experience spanning multiple industries, NGOs, and geographies. She joins us in the studio to share more light on how she pushes boundaries, ensuring that technology and innovation serve not only economic growth but also social inclusion. 

C-CONNECT, South Africa’s newest virtual mobile network operator has launched nationwide, to bring more choice and competition to South African mobile subscribers. With a commitment to providing cost-effective mobile services that don’t compromise on quality, the mobile network aims to be the first and most rewarding choice for savvy prepaid subscribers. The innovative prepaid, SIM-only brand leverages C-Cell’s robust network infrastructure and rewards people for something they already do, so that they can spend more on the things they really want. More from Richard Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at C-Connect.

iTouch, a leading provider of enterprise customer communications solutions, has announced the launch of its revolutionary new mobile security solution, Mobile Virtual Identity (MVI). This unique, patent-pending product leverages blockchain-derived technology to mitigate mobile digital fraud by protecting consumers’ mobile identities. Enterprises such as banks and governments that adopt the solution will add a significant security layer to their processes. More from Waheed Adam Founder and Executive Chairperson at iTouch.

Vox’s successful WiFi -7 test that lays foundation for future-proofed, robust and secure business WiFi networks. Tthey have partnered with Samsung and Ruckus Networks to put the WiFi-7 enabled Galaxy S24 through its paces, to learn about the latest generation WiFi benefits that can be applied to business networks today. As the world navigates what can best be described as the most exhilarating burst of technology innovation in human history. More from Product Manager for WiFi at Vox, Craig Blignaut.

IT has become an integral part of business, and the most successful businesses over the long run are the ones that make the right decisions about what IT systems to deploy and how to use them. This is true for companies of all sizes, but particularly for SMEs. IT offers them a way to punch above their weight, to compete successfully in a tough marketplace and growth. More from Randall Abrahams Telkom Group Executive: Digital Solutions, who will share more on Getting digi-savvy and the right digital strategy that can set SMEs on the path to sustainable growth.

In a landscape where sustainability and health considerations are increasingly crucial, Philip Morris International (PMI) has embarked on a transformational journey from cigarette manufacturer to a company that aims to stop selling cigarettes by 2030. In this era where technology and health are intertwined it is crucial to spotlight the stories of women who are pioneering advancements and breaking barriers like Buhle Binta, Head of Scientific Engagement for Southern Africa at PMI joins us in the studio to share more light on her role at PMI and her shaping the Future of Health and Technology at PMI

Nubian Smarts is a 100% black female owned technology and innovation business based in South Africa. It specialises in interactive educational solutions for African children aged four to thirteen years old using an inspiring, accessible, fun and engaging mobile gaming application with holistic learning. Nubian Smarts is designing educational mobile games for children living in townships. The idea is to bring the curriculum into the home in a fun and engaging way, overcoming issues around connectivity and transport. More from Lungile Maile Founder, Nubian Smarts.

The need for a restructured, collaborative approach among government and the private sector to address rising energy costs is a key topic in GoSolr’s second quarterly “Light Paper,” released this week. As a result consumers are increasingly looking for alternative energy supply, rather than relying on the grid. To unpack this GoSolr's CEO, Andrew Middleton joins us on the line to share more light on why the calls for urgent reforms to halt skyrocketing electricity prices.

World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Western Cape South regional competition took place last month at non-profit school, Christel House South Africa in Ottery. Throughout the two-day event a record-breaking 330 students competed, including those from Christel House SA. The Christel House SA teams excelled, securing 1st and 3rd places in the Explorer Prime category and 2nd place in the Robo Mission Senior category. Despite competing against students with more resources and the ability to practice at home, Christel House SA students demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. Joining us on the line to unpack this further is Mr Cedric Esterhuizen, Head of ICT at Christel House South Africa's High School and Chairperson of the World Robot Olympiad Western Cape South Africa.

As we welcome Women’s Month, we have stories of inspiration, and we feature Zandile Mkwanazi, the Founder and CEO of Girl Code, a social enterprise revolutionising the domestic ICT sector by empowering young women across South Africa. As a passionate advocate for women in tech, Zandile has empowered over 80,000 girls and women through Girl Code since 2014, starting with a hackathon that had only 20 attendees. The organisation addresses gender inequality in tech through educational initiatives. Zandile Mkhwanazi, Founder and CEO of Girl Code joins us on the line to share more on Girl Code and ICT sector by empowering young women across Africa.

Sage- A leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), recently announced new developments in their ongoing partnership with Microsoft. The advancements in Sage Instant Analysis, Sage Active and Sage Network are set to enhance operational efficiency and innovation for SMBs through integrated solutions and cutting-edge technologies in partnership with Microsoft for New Strategic Advances in Technology to Accelerate Innovation for SMBs. Jordaan Burger, Vice President Finance, Africa & Middle East at Sage.

Google Chrome’s initial plan to phase out third-party cookies in Q3 of 2024 sparked widespread concerns across the adtech industry, however, just last week Google announced that they will, in fact, not be deprecating these cookies, which means the advertising landscape is once again shifting. This decision allows advertisers and brands to continue utilising the personalisation and targeting capabilities of third-party cookies, giving consumers the choice to opt-in. More from Daniel Levy, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flow.

Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI) offers comprehensive mentorship programmes for its alumni across South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, free of charge. This collaboration aims to equip young people with the guidance, skills, and networks necessary to excel in their careers and become active participants in the digital economy. More from Ravenna Hennane, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Global Mentorship Initiative.

Know Roaming is a pioneering company in eSIM technology, offering a revolutionary solution to the problem of high roaming costs. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Know Roaming has been at the forefront of eSIM innovation, establishing itself as a true pioneer in the field. Choosing the right eSIM package and understanding where and how to use it can transform your world as you explore it, whether you're in Paris for the Olympics or in London enjoying strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. Mark Collie, CEO of Know Roaming, joins us on the line to discuss this further.

Ayoba, Africa's leading communication platform, recently hosted a Developer Day as part of the #BuildWithAyoba series, in collaboration with the AWS Skill Centre in Cape Town. This event provided a unique opportunity for developers of all experience levels to connect, network, and gain invaluable insights from industry experts. The focus was on the transformative power of super apps within Africa's digital landscape. Shiela Yabo, Head of Ecosystem Development at Ayoba, shared practical skills to help developers stand out, offering insights from the #BuildWithAyoba Developer Day.

In July, we observe Youth Skills Day. Extending this observance, we share seven crucial insights about online trading for young South Africans, which could help mitigate the country's escalating unemployment rate.  The Millennial and Gen-Z generations, who are reaching adulthood, are investigating ways to capitalise on their digital-native skills to earn money through trading.  For some, online trading is a supplement to their stable income, while for others, it offers a chance to embark on a viable career path. Here's more from Roger Eskinazi, Managing Partner at Tickmill.