At an inspiring event last week, SingularityU South Africa unveiled some what it has in store for its annual flagship summit. As in previous years, the summit will return to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg and this year, will take place on the 22nd and 23rd of  October 2025.

This year's theme is Igniting Africa’s Future, and as it has in the past six years, the event brings together global thought leaders, entrepreneurs and decision-makers to expand upon the role of exponential technologies in shaping the continent’s trajectory.

“SingularityU South Africa Summit 2025 will showcase the ideas, technologies and business models that are reshaping industries and reimagining prosperity,” enthused Mic Mann, the co-CEO of  SingularityU South Africa.

Mic Mann, co-CEO of Singularity U South Africa

“This year’s summit is about harnessing the momentum we’ve seen around exponential technologies and directing it toward real, measurable progress,” added Shayne Mann, co-CEO of Singularity U South Africa. “From the physical to the virtual, this is where Africa’s future is being shaped.”

Shayne noted that we are entering an era of extraordinary transformation, AI accelerating at a pace few truly comprehend. ''Within a few short years, most of the innovative, analytical and even creative work we do today will be handled by intelligent machines. Entire industries will be redefined. The rules of work, learning and productivity will be rewritten.

''But here's the paradox, as technology becomes more intelligent, the most valuable thing in life will be our humanity. Think about it, when machines can do your job faster, cheaper, better, always on 24 hours, what's left? Empathy, curiosity, intuition, connection, purpose. These words are core what it means to be human, and there are the assets that matter most in the decades to come,'' he asserted.

Shayne Mann

Shayne continued that  real presence, real energy and real human to human contact will become the ultimate engagement with physical events becoming  sanctuaries for sharing emotion, stories and for shared mission.

''We're moving from the information age into the meaning age, and in the meaning age, your ability to connect with others, to inspire, to feel, to create shared purpose, will be your superpower,'' he stressed.

At the unveiling event, Mic dialogued with his AI generated future self, envisioned as being vital and well into his 100s. This underscored one of the most promising tenets of exponential technologies, which is that it will enable people to enjoy longevity and  a leap forward in human life expectancy, and a vastly different world, with Johannesburg being predicted as one of the major AI hubs.

The launch event also gave taster of what participants can expect - with deep dives into the transformative impact of AI, robotics, biotech, Blockchain, and the metaverse on Africa. Also emphasized was the need for ethical AI development, digital inclusion, and future-proofing Africa.

Deepening the Impact

With artificial intelligence continuing to evolve at speed, including its application in physical form through robotics, Mic explained that this year’s stage content will explore the growing embodiment of AI. The programme will examine how these advances can be used to address the global challenges and future-proof societies.

The in-person summit will feature two stages, a curated expo of premium brands, immersive workshops and networking opportunities designed to spark meaningful connections. The speaker line-up will feature more than 30 international and local experts covering topics including AI and Robotics ranging from digital biology, to 3d printing, prosperity, water, education, blockchain, leadership, the future of healthcare and spatial computing.

The first eight confirmed speakers, with more to come, include:  

• Tiffany Vora - This biotechnologist stands at the frontier where biology becomes technology, decoding life’s building blocks to unlock humanity’s boldest future. 
• David Roberts - World renowned thought leader on disruption, innovation and leadership  
• Peter Xing - Shaping humanity’s next evolution, bridging transhumanism with the ethics of a post-AGI world. His work challenges us to think beyond intelligence, toward what it truly means to be human.
• Kojo Annan - Championing the next wave of African prosperity, unlocking capital for bold entrepreneurs across the continent. His mission: to fuel Africa’s future through visionary investment and venture leadership.
• Cathy Hackl - Stands at the forefront of Spatial Computing and AI, shaping the future where our physical and digital worlds seamlessly converge. Her work is defining the interfaces that will power the next era of human experience. 
• Babusi Nyoni -  On a mission to revolutionize sick care in Africa with Sila Health, bringing accessible health solutions to millions. He pushes the boundaries of AI, where technology meets creativity to solve real-world problems.
• Vukosi Marikate - Leading Africa’s AI revolution with Lelapa AI, building models that speak Africa’s languages and solve Africa’s problems. His work is unlocking a future where AI truly works for Africans, by Africans.
• Hongqi Guo - The visionary behind some of China’s most advanced futuristic cities, redefining how millions live, move, and connect. He’s leading the conversation on new urbanization and the infrastructure shaping tomorrow’s world.

Celiwe Ross

For the second year running Old Mutual is once again throwing its support behind the summit as a key sponsor.

“The Singularity U Summit is a premier platform that brings together the boldest thinkers and brightest ideas shaping Africa’s future,'' explained Celiwe Ross, Director: Strategy, Sustainability, People & Public Affairs at Old Mutual.

''As a business deeply rooted in the continent, our commitment goes beyond innovation for its own sake, and we are backing technology that makes a positive, tangible impact. It is about building solutions that improve lives, inspire opportunity and help future-proof our society for generations to come,” she continued.

While the Summit is best experienced in person, that is not the only way . A staple feature, of the Summit being held in the metaverse, will make its return. However, the company promised that the summit’s presence in the metaverse will be even more immersive in 2025, offering two stages, speaker-led workshops, DJ sets, gamified experiences, AI-generated hosts and a fully-fledged digital expo, all within UBU, Africa’s metaverse platform.

“We are proud to create a platform that continues to unlock potential, scale impact and spark global conversations, with Africa at the forefront,” concluded Mann.

Further announcements on pricing and the full speaker line-up will follow. For more information, regular updates or to book, visit www.singularitysouthafricasummit.org.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Super Early Bird: R 13 700 (in person), R 3 600 (metaverse). Book before 1 June and get your super early bird discount 30% off the standard ticket price, but these have limited availability. Next pricing packages take effect on 2 June 2025.