by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – GLOBAL thought leaders will convene in Johannesburg in October to explore artificial intelligence (AI), digital identity, quantum computing and the next era of human potential.
This comes as the Singularity Summit returns to the city on October 21 and 22.
Set for the Sandton Convention Centre, the eighth edition in South Africa will bring together some of the world’s most influential voices in exponential technologies, innovation and future-focused leadership.
It will be presented in collaboration with headline sponsor Old Mutual, alongside metaverse partner UBU.
The 2026 programme will unpack the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, digital identity, quantum computing, crypto economies, human optimisation and Africa’s evolving technology infrastructure.
Organisers said that from the rise of AI factories and agentic AI to the future of emotional intelligence in machines, this year’s line-up reflects the breadth of disruption already transforming the world around us.
“Every year, the pace of technological change becomes harder to ignore,” said Shayne Mann, co-Chief Executive Officer of Singularity South Africa.
“What makes this summit exciting is not only the calibre of the conversations, but also the people in the room. It is where Africa’s business, technology and creative leaders come together to engage with what is coming next and, more importantly, what role the continent can play in shaping it.”
Mic Mann, co-CEO, said conversations around AI, digital infrastructure and exponential technologies had shifted dramatically over the past year.
He believes there is now far greater urgency around how these technologies are implemented, governed and scaled responsibly.
“This summit is designed to give delegates direct access to the people building the future, while creating meaningful discussions around prosperity, opportunity and innovation in an African context,” Mic Mann said.
The first speakers have been confirmed.
They include Brandon Birchak, a human performance specialist from Las Vegas; Cathy Hackl, Nokia’s AI futurist; Tilly Lockey, a real-life bionic woman and disability advocate; Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies; David Roberts, an internationally recognised thought leader on disruption; Professor Benjamin Rosman, a renowned AI researcher exploring emotional AI; and Mmathebe Zvobwo, Director of Market Development for South Africa at Truecaller.
Celiwe Ross of Old Mutual said the summit allowed for the advocacy of human-centred AI adoption, where technology enhances rather than replaces human capability.
“Innovation is often spoken about in terms of technology, but its real impact is felt through people,” Ross said.
The executive believes the question for business is not only which new tools to adopt, but also how to equip people to grow, respond and lead in an environment that is constantly changing.
“For Old Mutual, future readiness is about building the confidence, capability and culture needed to move forward responsibly,” Ross said.
The 2025 summit attracted more than 2 000 attendees from over 600 leading local and global companies.
– CAJ News