by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE Africa Telecoms Executive Roundtable 2026, jointly hosted by CAJ News Africa and CAJ Global on Tuesday, delivered not only high-level industry insights but also an exceptional display of moderation excellence by Tshupi Mokgatle.
Mokgatle’s performance was widely applauded by participants, who praised her ability to navigate complex technical discussions with clarity, confidence and precision.
Demonstrating a firm grasp of telecoms, energy, artificial intelligence and policy language, she seamlessly guided conversations among some of the continent’s most respected experts.
From the outset, Mokgatle set a tone of intellectual rigour, noting the “tight vacuum” of expertise in the room and framing the dialogue around actionable outcomes.
Her ability to distil complex viewpoints into coherent narratives stood out, particularly as she engaged speakers such as Bradley Shaw, Vice President for the Middle East and Africa at Lynk World, on the future of satellite-to-device connectivity.
Her probing question — whether traditional telecom infrastructure is becoming optional — sparked a dynamic exchange on borderless connectivity.
Equally impressive was her engagement with Selaelo Matlhane of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, where she skilfully balanced technical depth with accessibility.
By highlighting the “symbiotic relationship” between commercial expansion and scientific protection, Mokgatle ensured the discussion remained both grounded and forward-looking.
Her moderation extended seamlessly into energy and policy, where she welcomed Mandy Mlilo, Acting Chief Director for Hydrogen and Energy.
Mokgatle effectively anchored the conversation on the critical role of energy in scaling digital infrastructure, asking whether energy constraints pose real bottlenecks to Africa’s digital ambitions.
The dialogue broadened further with Johnny Muteba, Chairman of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, where Mokgatle steered discussions towards trade inclusion and market access.
Her emphasis on translating inclusion into tangible economic participation resonated strongly with attendees.
Notably, her engagement with Francesco Petruccione brought depth to discussions on artificial intelligence and computational power.
Mokgatle adeptly connected infrastructure, energy and trade to Africa’s competitiveness in the AI economy, reinforcing that “the future will be owned not just by those who connect, but by those who compute.”
Throughout the session, Mokgatle maintained a strong focus on collaboration, repeatedly challenging panellists to move “from insight to action”.
Her closing remarks underscored urgency, alignment and execution as critical next steps for the continent.
CAJ Global deserves commendation for appointing Mokgatle as moderator. Her five-star performance not only elevated the calibre of the roundtable but also demonstrated the vital role of skilled moderation in unlocking meaningful, solution-driven dialogue at high-profile industry events.
– CAJ News