Programme
A day built for action
One full day — from registration and the opening keynote to the official close, followed by an optional networking dinner. The full timed programme is published below.
18 March 2027
09:00–17:00
Hotel Sky, Sandton
Programme
A day built
for action
A full day of sessions from registration to the official close, followed by an optional networking dinner. Full timings on the programme page.
01
Registration, Welcome Coffee & Innovation Showcase
02
Official Welcome & Opening Address
03
The AI Entrepreneurial Revolution
04
From Vision to Billion-Rand Businesses
05
Networking & Innovation Break
06
AI in Action — Build More, Sell More, Spend Less
07
The AI Business Opportunity Panel
08
Networking Lunch & Business Connections
09
From Startup to Scale-Up
10
The AI Growth Lab — From Idea to Execution
11
Refreshments & Innovation Showcase
12
Capital Meets Innovation — Funding the Next Generation
13
LaunchGround — The AI Founder Pitch Showcase
14
Recognising Our Community
15
Official Close
16
Continue the Conversation — Optional Networking Dinner
Official Programme
Full programme
One day. Big ideas. Real business opportunities. Join South Africa's entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business leaders for an inspiring day exploring the power of artificial intelligence in business.
The Theme
The Rise of AI-Powered Solopreneurs and Agentic Workforce
Morning Programme
09:00 – 13:00
09:00
until 09:30
Arrival
Registration, Welcome Coffee & Innovation Showcase
Guest arrivals, registration, refreshments, exhibitor activations and networking.
09:30
until 10:00
Opening
Official Welcome & Opening Address
MC introduction, summit vision, housekeeping, official welcome and greetings from the organisers.
10:00
until 10:45
Keynote
The AI Entrepreneurial Revolution
How artificial intelligence is reshaping business, wealth creation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
10:45
until 11:30
Fireside Chat
From Vision to Billion-Rand Businesses
A conversation with an accomplished business leader on innovation, leadership, investment and scaling companies.
11:30
until 11:45
Tea Break
Networking & Innovation Break
Coffee, sponsor engagement and visits to the AI exhibition area.
11:45
until 12:30
Live Masterclass
AI in Action — Build More, Sell More, Spend Less
A live demonstration of practical AI tools for sales, marketing, customer service and business productivity.
12:30
until 13:00
Expert Panel
The AI Business Opportunity Panel
Entrepreneurs, investors and technology leaders explore profitable AI business models, opportunities and adoption challenges.
13:00
until 14:00
Lunch
Networking Lunch & Business Connections
Lunch, curated introductions, exhibitor engagement and opportunities to meet entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Afternoon Programme
14:00 – 17:00
14:00
until 14:30
Founder Spotlight
From Startup to Scale-Up
An inspiring entrepreneurial success story, including the realities of building a business and adopting emerging technology.
14:30
until 15:15
Interactive Workshop
The AI Growth Lab — From Idea to Execution
A practical, hands-on session exploring how to turn a business challenge into an AI-powered solution and actionable plan.
15:15
until 15:30
Tea Break
Refreshments & Innovation Showcase
Coffee break, technology demonstrations and networking.
15:30
until 16:15
Investor Panel
Capital Meets Innovation — Funding the Next Generation
Investor and founder discussion on funding, partnerships, commercial readiness and what makes an AI venture investable.
16:15
until 16:45
Pitch Showcase
LaunchGround — The AI Founder Pitch Showcase
Selected entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and receive feedback from business leaders and investors.
16:45
until 16:55
Note of Thanks
Recognising Our Community
Acknowledgements, partner recognition and key takeaways from the day.
16:55
until 17:00
Closing
Official Close
Final remarks and invitation to continue the conversation at the networking dinner.
Networking Dinner (Optional)
18:00 – 20:00
18:00
until 20:00
Networking Dinner (Optional)
Continue the Conversation
An exclusive networking dinner for speakers, delegates, partners and investors. Build relationships. Explore opportunities. Shape what's next.
Speaker announcements and programme updates coming soon.
Summit themes
Six pillars powering Africa's
AI entrepreneurship future
The summit is structured around six high-impact thematic pillars, each designed to equip African entrepreneurs with the AI knowledge, tools, and connections needed to build, scale, and fund world-class ventures.
AI Tools for Entrepreneurs & SMEs
How founders and small businesses can leverage AI to automate operations, cut costs, and scale faster with leaner teams.
Raising Capital in the AI Era
How to pitch AI-powered ventures, what investors look for, and how to access African and global funding for AI startups.
Building AI Products & Startups
From idea to MVP: how entrepreneurs build, validate, and launch AI-native products in African markets.
AI in Fintech & Financial Entrepreneurship
How AI is enabling new fintech ventures, neobanks, lending platforms, and payment solutions across Africa.
AI for Agritech & Food Entrepreneurship
How AI-powered agritech startups are transforming smallholder farming, supply chains, and food systems across the continent.
AI in Healthtech & Social Entrepreneurship
How entrepreneurs are using AI to solve Africa's healthcare challenges and build sustainable social impact ventures.
18 March 2027 · Hotel Sky, Sandton
Be part of Africa's
AI future
Secure your partnership, exhibition position or place at the AI Powered Entrepreneurship Summit 2027.