Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming businesses and industries across Africa. As organisations explore its potential, questions around responsible adoption, governance and the continent's role in the global AI economy are becoming increasingly important.
AI Expo Africa 2026 will take place on 28 and 29 October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, bringing together technology companies, business leaders, startups, investors and AI practitioners.
The event's theme, Promoting Responsible AI in Africa, highlights the importance of adopting AI responsibly while exploring its commercial and technological opportunities.
From an idea in 2017 to an established AI event
AI Expo Africa traces its origins to 2017, when its founding team identified a gap in Africa's business-focused AI events. The inaugural expo took place in Cape Town in 2018.
Now in its ninth edition, the event focuses on enterprise AI and intelligent automation. Organisers expect more than 3,500 delegates and approximately 100 vendors, with conference sessions, workshops and technology demonstrations.
Andile Ngcaba and Dr Prince Abudu among the speakers
The 2026 speaker lineup includes Andile Ngcaba, Chairman of Solcon Capital and a prominent figure in Africa's technology investment landscape. Through its portfolio, Solcon Capital has invested in companies spanning connectivity, cybersecurity and digital health, including SEACOM, ESET, LifeQ and Snapt. These investments reflect the breadth of technology sectors shaping Africa's digital economy.
Dr Prince Abudu, Head of Technology, AI at Cassava Technologies, is also listed among the speakers, reflecting the growing focus on integrating AI into enterprise products and services.
Jayshree Naidoo, CEO of YIEDI and Director at Rinku, adds an innovation and entrepreneurship perspective.
The programme covers generative AI, intelligent automation, data analytics, enterprise adoption and AI governance. See the full speaker lineup.
Exhibitors and ticket prices
The exhibition will connect delegates with AI solution providers, startups and technology companies. Alongside approximately 100 vendors, the event will feature a startup zone, research showcases and a robotics and drone exhibition.
Huawei, Dentsu and Get AI are among the organisations scheduled to deliver workshops.
Ticket options include:
- Trade Show Delegate, one day: R900.
- Business Delegate, two days: R4,800.
- VIP Delegate, two days: R9,600.
- Business team package, five delegates: R19,200.
- VIP team package, five delegates: R38,400.
VIP tickets include additional benefits such as lounge access and the private opening reception. Buy your tickets here.
A growing calendar of AI events across Africa
AI Expo Africa is part of a growing calendar of events supporting Africa's AI ecosystem.
In August, the Deep Learning Indaba took place at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, Nigeria, from 2 to 7 August 2026. Under the theme Sovereign Intelligence. African Scale, the gathering focused on strengthening Africa's machine learning research community and its capacity to develop AI systems.
The Africa AI Summit 2026 is scheduled for 3 to 5 November in Cape Town, bringing together stakeholders to discuss AI investment, policy, infrastructure and adoption.
While Deep Learning Indaba emphasises research and technical capacity, AI Expo Africa focuses on enterprise adoption and commercial applications. The events reflect the growing range of opportunities for African researchers, businesses and investors to engage with AI.
What to expect over the two days
The event will feature four conference tracks, keynote presentations, workshops, technology demonstrations and networking.
Wednesday, 28 October, begins with registration and the exhibition opening at 08:00, followed by the plenary at 09:30. Conference sessions, workshops and networking continue throughout the day, with the exhibition scheduled to close at 20:00.
Thursday, 29 October, begins at 08:00, with the plenary at 09:30. Further conference sessions, workshops and networking opportunities follow, with the event scheduled to close at 17:30.
The programme will explore generative AI, intelligent automation, enterprise adoption and responsible AI. See the official programme for the latest details.
AI Expo Africa 2026 takes place on 28 and 29 October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Visit the official website for more information and registration.
