The future of artificial intelligence, business and innovation is heading to Sandton. On 21 and 22 October, the Singularity Summit South Africa 2026 will bring together global and African thinkers, entrepreneurs, investors and technology specialists for two days of ideas, experiences and conversations about what comes next.
Taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, the Summit will feature more than 40 speakers from 25 cities across 13 countries. Delegates can also expect an innovation expo, interactive technology experiences, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
Presented in collaboration with Old Mutual, with Google Cloud and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as event sponsors and UBU as its metaverse partner, the event aims to bring emerging technologies closer to the people shaping business and society.
And there is more to the experience than listening to speakers on stage.
More than a conference
Artificial intelligence will be a major focus of this year’s programme. Sessions will explore its influence on business, leadership, investment, skills, entrepreneurship and society.
The agenda will also cover digital transformation, robotics, biotechnology, the future of cities and other exponential technologies changing how people live and work.
Mic Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa, says the Summit is designed to help delegates engage directly with the future.
“The Summit has always been about creating an environment where people can engage with the future rather than simply hear about it,” says Mann.
He describes an experience where delegates can hear from a global expert, continue the discussion over coffee and then explore the technology themselves at the expo.
For Mann, the people in the room are just as important as the people on stage.
Meet the speakers shaping the conversation
The speaker line-up brings together specialists and innovators from Africa and around the world.
Confirmed speakers include David Roberts, Felix Cheung, Maureen Costello, Barak Kaufman, Benjamin Rosman, Amanda Manna, Dario Fanucchi, Tilly Lockey, Valter Adão, Danielle Einstein, Fana Shabane, Kim Hulett, Ran Neuner, Hywel George, Marko Stavrou and Rajesh Pasungili.
Acclaimed poet, author and broadcaster Lebo Mashile will return as the Summit’s Poet and MC.
Panel discussions will bring different perspectives to the programme. Breaks between sessions will also give delegates time to meet one another, explore the expo and continue conversations beyond the auditorium.
An innovation expo built for discovery
The Summit’s innovation expo will offer delegates opportunities to see, test and experience technologies beyond the main stage programme.
Exhibitors will include Old Mutual, Isazi.ai, Next Biosciences, Dsrupt.ai, Mann Made, Singularity South Africa, Cadena Growth Partners, Exclusive Books, Verascient, Resolute Robotics and Ace Labs.
The wider event partners include Truecaller, Vida, Isazi.ai, Next Biosciences, Dsrupt.ai, Cadena Growth Partners, Exclusive Books, Verascient, Resolute Robotics, Ace Labs, Daytona and Th_rst.
UBU will serve as the Summit’s metaverse event partner.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in a mini AI course in the metaverse. Available on pre-registration day and during the mornings of both Summit days, the experience will offer an interactive way to build their understanding of artificial intelligence.
Shayne Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa, says the experiences outside the main auditorium are an important part of the event.
“We want people to meet someone they would never normally have access to, discover a technology they did not know existed, have conversations that challenge the way they think and leave with ideas and connections that continue long after the two days are over.”
Why the future of work matters
Artificial intelligence is not only changing technology. It is also raising important questions about people, skills and the workplace.
Celiwe Ross, Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual, says preparing people for a changing world of work is a key part of the conversation.
“Every conversation about AI eventually becomes a conversation about people and how we prepare people to thrive in a changing world of work. For an organisation like Old Mutual, with thousands of colleagues across the continent, that responsibility matters.”
Ross says the Summit creates space to discuss leadership through change, equipping people for evolving work, building trust and scaling innovation in ways that create meaningful and sustainable value.
Her comments underline a central question for organisations embracing AI: how can innovation progress while people are prepared to adapt and thrive?
Networking continues after the sessions
Connection is another major part of the Singularity Summit South Africa 2026 experience. The event will bring together executives, entrepreneurs, investors, technology specialists, innovators and decision-makers from South Africa and abroad.
The Singularity Community app will help delegates navigate and track their Summit journey. It will also create additional opportunities for networking and engagement throughout the event.
The programme will extend into the evenings. On the first evening, delegates are invited to a cocktail and drinks event featuring DJ Seth Schwartz. The second day will conclude with informal drinks, giving attendees another opportunity to connect with speakers and fellow delegates.
Parking at the Sandton Convention Centre will be validated for all Summit delegates.
Tickets and event details
The Singularity Summit South Africa 2026 takes place on Wednesday, 21 October, and Thursday, 22 October 2026, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The press release lists the following Just In Time ticket prices:
- In person: R22,500
- Metaverse: R6,400
All prices include VAT. The release states that the Just In Time offer is available before 19 October, subject to limited availability, and that the next pricing packages take effect on 19 October 2026. As that date is today, prospective delegates should check the official website for current prices and availability.
For bookings, event information and updates, visit the official Singularity Summit South Africa website.
Two days to explore what comes next
With more than 40 speakers, an innovation expo, interactive experiences and opportunities to connect with people across industries, the Singularity Summit South Africa 2026 will bring a broad range of perspectives on emerging technologies to Sandton.
From AI and robotics to biotechnology and the future of work, the programme will explore technologies that are already influencing how people live, work and do business.
For delegates, the opportunity goes beyond hearing about change. It is a chance to explore ideas, experience innovation and build connections that can continue long after the Summit closes.
