16 November 2026 – The Forum Embassy Hill, Constantia, Cape Town

The continent's most influential technology leaders, in one room.Leaders In Africa is an invitation only gathering of senior executives, policymakers and innovators shaping Africa's digital future.
Through curated discussions, closed door roundtables and meaningful peer connections, the summit creates the space for honest conversations, strategic collaboration and actionable outcomes.

Why senior leaders join Leaders In Africa Summit

• Peer level conversations
• Closed door discussions
• Curated networking
• Shape Africa's digital future

16 November 2026 – The Forum Embassy Hill, Constantia, Cape Town

As AI drives demand across telecoms and data centres, new ways to finance digital infrastructure are more urgent than ever. For the first time, Africa Tech Festival will bring together key players to shape Africa’s digital infrastructure future in an exclusive forum.

Themes for 2026:

• Funding models for digital network infrastructure
• Shared Digital Infrastructure (SDI) and regional collaboration
• Data sovereignty and foreign investment in digital infrastructure
• Investing in the rollout of fibre networks
• Overcoming infrastructure delays

Informal networking sessions designed to bring together professionals from specific industries and sectors. These meetups offer a relaxed environment to connect with industry peers, share insights, explore opportunities and build meaningful relationships.

Tuesday, November 17:

• Retail & Ecommerce: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Data Centres & Cloud: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Wednesday, November 18:

• Banking: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Fixed Broadband: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Startup & Investor: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Mobile Connectivity: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Thursday, November 19:

• Cybersecurity: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Subsea and Transport Networks: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Fintech: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

More information below.

Wednesday, November 18: 9.30 - 11.15 am

The Connected Industries Forum is a half-day executive event designed specifically for industrial leaders facing the connectivity challenges of digital transformation. This forum will explore how satellite, 4G/5G and fibre are revolutionising connectivity for enterprises operating beyond traditional infrastructure.

What can attendees expect?

• Strategic Insights: Gain a comprehensive market overview of connectivity technologies, adoption trends and industry analysis
• Peer Learning & Industry-Specific Networking: Engage with top companies sharing real-world challenges and lessons learned in rolling out network connectivity
• Explore Solutions: Connect with leading technology providers specialising the connectivity solutions designed for industrial applications

Thursday, November 19: 09:00 to 11:15 | Ballroom West

A curated gathering designed to bring greater visibility, connection and opportunity to the women shaping Africa’s digital economy. It will bring together senior technology and business leaders, founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and emerging talent.

What can attendees expect?

• Practical Insight: Hear honest perspectives on leadership and career progression, AI, investment and the future of work.
• Strategic Connections: Meet senior leaders, founders, investors and peers, with opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and relationship building.
• Actionable Learning: Leave with practical advice, shared experiences and ideas to support career growth, confidence and leadership.

Tuesday, November 17: 1:30 PM to 4:25 PM | Watsonia - Level 3, CTICC 2

Organised by: Digital Investment Facility (DIF), Data Governance in Africa (D4D Hub, Team Europe Initiative) In partnership with: Convergence Blended Finance

Session Objectives:

• Decompose a DIF pipeline transaction's capital stack tranche by tranche (senior debt, mezzanine, equity, concessional/guarantee entry points).
• Use real anonymized figures to show how guarantees/concessional tranches shift debt service coverage and bankability.
• Benchmark outcomes against EU financing strategy, showing EU-backed DFI mechanisms already delivering targeted results.
• Distinguish genuine structural blended finance (currency mismatch, de-risking, tenor extension) from simply cheaper capital.
• Position DIF and Convergence as credible voices in blended finance, building on the Day 0 Guidelines launch at ITW Africa

Wednesday, November 18: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Watsonia L - CTICC, Cape Town

Join WAA and Informa South Africa for a roundtable on building a certifiable home broadband ecosystem for South Africa, held alongside Africa Tech Festival 2026.

What to Expect

• Shape unified WLAN standards and certification systems
• Share practical indoor WLAN operation experience
• Access the WAA global certification platform

Who you'll Meet

• Tier 1/2/3 telecom operators
• WLAN industry stakeholders
• ISPs

INVITE ONLY