Day 1 · 9 November
Arrival and registration
MC introductions and welcome speech
MCs: Masesebe Wa Ramahuma, Founder, Masram Group and Vice President, ASENTI South Africa; Ntlalontle Ngcakaza, CEO, Boardroom TV.
Tafadzwa Antony Munyaradzi, Founder & CEO, Yakontent; ASENTI Advisory Board member, Zimbabwe.
Keynote speaker
Soza Sydney Simango (MCom, Development Finance), Divisional Head, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Re-imagining the role of technology and innovation in advancing transformative and sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa
Dr. Kenny Tenza, Acting Deputy Director General, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
Keynote presentation
Dr. Ernest R. Cadotte, Author and CEO of Marketplace Simulations; Emeritus Professor of Innovative Learning, University of Tennessee.
Breaking silos: education and technology
Creating synergies between industry and academia to address societal challenges, enhance the curriculum, and promote access and inclusivity. Addressing the digital divide in education and how technology can bridge the gap.
- Dr. Ernest R. Cadotte, Author and CEO, Marketplace Simulations; Emeritus Professor of Innovative Learning, University of Tennessee
- Dr. Edwell Gumbo, PhD, Director, Entrepreneurship, Universities of Africa
- Anik Hossain, CEO, Learnio, Norway
- Talita Boodhram, Chief Impact Officer, MiDesk Global, South Africa
- Meriam Malebo (MComPM), Head, Training Academy, Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), South Africa
Moderator: Dr. Unene Gregory, Project Manager, Private Public Partnerships
From ecosystem enablers’ impact to economies
How innovation hubs transition from simple co-working spaces into drivers of macroeconomic transformation. Panel session by South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology.
- Mbali Blaai, Centre Manager, Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (RMCERI), Tshwane University of Technology
- Nicoli Koorbanally (BSc, MBA, RTTP), CEO, mLab South Africa
- Mckevin Ayaba, Founder & CEO, Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Society (ASEB Society)
- Mr. Selamyhun Adefris Haile, CEO of Innovation Development, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, Ethiopia
Moderator: Dr. Kenny Tenza, Acting Deputy Director General, DSTI
Networking tea break
Exhibition area
Smarter: 5 Steps to True Human–AI Collaboration
Dr. Wendy Tan, Managing Partner and 3x Author, The Flame Centre Pte. Ltd., Singapore.
Responsible AI for Africa: Innovation, Inclusion and Trust
Exploring ethics, privacy, bias, employment, security and access as AI becomes embedded in business, government, education, finance, healthcare and everyday life. How can Africa develop and deploy AI to promote innovation and culture while protecting people and sharing its benefits broadly?
- Hilton Theunissen, CEO, GrowthWheel, South Africa
- Elizabeth Kruger, CEO, Almal AI, South Africa
- Dr. Wendy Tan, Managing Partner and 3x Author, The Flame Centre Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Moderator: Oduor Jagero, Technologist, Author, Podcast Host and Communications Expert, Kenya
Re-imagining agribusiness: Shaping the future of food systems in the face of climate change in Africa
- Bokang Molelle, Chairman, Leribe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lesotho
- Zindaba Hanzala, Founder & CEO, Mulimi, Zambia
- Tervern Jaftha, CEO, Start-Up Culture, South Africa
- Mr. Buti Makama, Acting Executive Manager: Township Economy Revitalisation, South Africa
- Nandi Mkwanazi, Founder, Nanloy Organic Farm, South Africa
Moderator: Ntlalontle Ngcakaza, CEO, Boardroom TV
Networking lunch
Exhibition area
Breakout sessions
Parallel sessions in Rooms A, B and C. See each room for its session times.
15:00–16:30 · Marketplace Simulations: Four Tech-Driven Steps to Boost Your Entrepreneurial Success.
- Dr. Ernest R. Cadotte and team, Marketplace Simulations, University of Tennessee
- Prof. Bindu Agrawal, Entrepreneur, Educator and Simulation Coach, India
16:30–17:30 · Presentations
The role of economic zones in enhancing manufacturing and promoting social impact for smart cities: a case study of TASEZ.
Msokoli Ntombana, Business Development Executive, TASEZ, South Africa.
Reimagining African tourism: innovation, technology and opportunities for youth in the sector.
15:00–16:30 · What Lies Beyond Incubation and Acceleration for Climate Adaptation and Resilience Businesses? Climate Adaptation Innovation and Learning (CAIL).
Supporting entrepreneurs in emerging markets, least developed countries and small island developing states who need patient, blended capital and long-term ecosystem support to solve local, systemic challenges.
- Tom Pruunsild, Learning Experiences Lead, Climate KIC, Denmark
- Annet Mutembei, CEO, Nishati Eco Solutions Ltd., Tanzania
- Joseph Mwanyika, Co-CEO, Ennovate Ventures, Tanzania
16:30–17:00 · Why African Nations Must Establish Sovereign National Venture Capital to Grow Youth in Business — Brian Odhiambo, Communication Consultant, Kenya.
15:00–17:30 · Business pitch session
Beyond the pitch: Building startup systems that create jobs at scale.
Meet the Lions: ten of the most innovative startups pitch.
Networking tea break
The draft lists 19:00–18:00; the session time awaits confirmation.
Networking cocktail
Day 2 · 10 November
Registration
Opening speech
- Calvin Jodisi, President, ASENTI Africa
- Robyn Whittaker, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Africa Voices Dialogue
Dr. Ernest R. Cadotte
Author and CEO, Marketplace Simulations; Emeritus Professor of Innovative Learning, University of Tennessee.
The Future of Work in Africa: From Evidence to Action, Skills and Entrepreneurship
Turning global digital demand into local opportunity. Exploring how automation, AI, robotics, remote work and digital platforms change employment, which jobs and skills become more valuable, and how African economies can prepare workers for a technology-driven labour market.
- Erica Kempken, Director, youth @WORK, South Africa
- Dr. Lester Brian Shawa, PhD, Regional Director, LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation and Chairman, Kühne Foundation, Tanzania
- Joseph Mwanyika, Co-CEO, Ennovate Ventures, Tanzania
- Florence Banda–Muleya, Senior Government Advisor, Kivu International, Zambia
Moderator: Nosihle Tsabedze, Business Development and SMME Support, Eswatini
Intellectual Property: Protect Your Idea
The role of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in ensuring compliance with legislation in South Africa and beyond.
- Bridah Kimathi, Managing Partner & Founder, BOCK Advocates LLP; Advocate, High Court of Kenya
- Mr. Maimela Jimmy Mohale, Administrative Officer II (Entrepreneurship), Technology Transfer Office, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
- Dr. Kim Lamont-Mbawuli, PhD, Medicine and Admitted Attorney, South Africa
- Amanda Lotheringen, Senior Manager, Copyright and Intellectual Property Enforcement, CIPC (a member of the dtic Group)
Moderator: Dr. Vuyisile Phehane, PhD, Managing Director, VN and P Partners (Pty) Ltd
Networking tea break
Exhibition area
Keynote
Musa Kalenga, Group Chief Executive Officer, Brave Group, South Africa.
Entrepreneurship Spotlight: Failing Forward
Lessons from business setbacks, mistakes and turning points. Entrepreneurs discuss failures, missed opportunities, difficult decisions and unexpected setbacks that shaped their journeys.
- Nhlanhla Dabengwa, Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Berry Enterprises, Zimbabwe
- Matshepiso Makhabane, CEO, Green Business College, South Africa
- Musa Kalenga, Group Chief Executive Officer, Brave Group, South Africa
- Portia Ntsokotha, Founder, Evolution Global Services, South Africa
Women Building the Future: Breaking Barriers in Technology and Entrepreneurship
Lessons and opportunities.
- Dr. Bindu Agrawal, PhD, Simulation Developer and Collaborator, Marketplace Simulations, India
- Noma Ngubane, CEO, Kumii
- Kemoneiloe Kim Phatoli (MBA), CEO, National Youth ICT Council, South Africa
- Ms. Matlala Malatjie, Acting Executive Manager: Technology Innovation and Cluster Development
- Ms. Charyl Odhiambo, Key Achievements and Impact-CHE, Dreammakers Events, Kenya
Moderator: Nonhlanhla Cynthia Mhlongo, Founder, Khwezi Innovations, South Africa
Networking lunch
Exhibition area
Investing in Africa’s Next Growth Story
Catalyzing startup growth, investment and access to finance in Africa. Where are the opportunities?
- Dr. Thabang Chiloane, Head: Financial Inclusion and Public Policy, The Banking Association South Africa
- Dr. Sindiswa Mzamo, Global President, Circle of Global Business Women
- Sechaba Oa Selialia, Founder and Group CEO, Greenovations Investment Holdings, South Africa
Moderator: Dr. Tsitsi Senga-Makuve, Development Finance Scholar-practitioner, Zimbabwe
Turning Young Innovators into Sustainable Business Leaders
- UN Global Compact Network South Africa
- Winnie Akoko, Startup Incubation Support, iBizAfrica Incubation Center, Strathmore University
- Nilla Muyembe, Founder, Laria Consultancy and Research Solutions, Zambia
- Natasha Bale, Founder, Bethel Social Innovation Hub NPO, South Africa
From Local Innovation to Global Health Solutions: Can Africa Build the Next Health Unicorn?
Exploring how entrepreneurs can commercialize African health innovations, attract investment, scale across borders, navigate regulation and build globally competitive health enterprises.
The draft overlaps this session with closing remarks at 17:00; timing awaits confirmation.
- Zacharia Ralekhudu Innocent Mashishi, Founder & Director, Chief Ralekhudu Enterprise (CRE), South Africa
- Dr. Phuti Chelopo Mgobozi, Acting Senior Manager: Bioeconomy, The Innovation Hub, South Africa
- Judy Mumbi, CEO, OTA Healthtech Consulting Ltd., Kenya
Closing remarks and ASENTI Startup Awards 2026
Timing awaits confirmation: the draft overlaps this session with the health innovation panel.
Tea break
Networking and fun evening
Closing partner recognition.
Day 3 · 11 November
Ecosystem tour
Free for all delegates; registration required.