day 1
OPENING: Africa’s Innovation Frontier
Embracing the Power of Innovation to Transform Africa’s Future
SAIS’23’s opening ceremony blends innovation and culture seamlessly, featuring captivating performances, along with insightful talks by distinguished keynote speakers. The ceremony sets the stage for days of exploration and collaboration to shape a brighter future for Africa and beyond.
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THINK TANK: Redefining Industry and Job Creation in the Exponential Tech Boom
The digital industrialisation is firing up the African innovation economy and what tomorrow’s jobs mean
In an era defined by exponential technologies that are reshaping industries and transforming the way we work and live, it is crucial to assess Africa’s position in this global landscape. Traditionally, industrialization has been a catalyst for economic prosperity and job creation. However, in the face of disruptive technologies, we must redefine our approach to funding and innovation to harness the opportunities they present. We will explore Africa’s unique potential and discuss strategies to leverage creative tech ecosystems as powerhouses for future employment and economic growth.Â
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KEYNOTE: The Generative AI buzz, for the best and the worst!
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Generative AI in Diverse Industries
Generative AI allows the creation of diverse content. It has applications across entertainment, education, healthcare, and several business sectors, enabling new forms of creativity, increasing productivity and problem-solving. However, challenges like data quality, privacy, security, and ethical concerns persist.
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THINK TANK: Energy is Everything
Empowering South African Start-Ups for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and the Just Energy Transition
Explore South African start-ups in the just energy transition. Learn how a low-carbon economy fosters growth, jobs, and energy security while fighting climate change. Discover the 2023-2027 Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) backing South Africa’s decarbonization and global green economy. Unleash start-up potential in EVs, green hydrogen, renewables, and manufacturing. Act on our commitments to tackle today’s challenge.
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THINK TANK: A Year in Review of Unlocking South African Innovation
Case Studies from the Innovation Fund: Purposeful Capital Deployment and its Impact on Development
Join us as we delve deep into the progress of the Innovation Fund over the past year. Through a series of insightful case studies, we’ll explore how the fund has been instrumental in fostering the growth of tech solutions across various sectors in South Africa. Discover how purposeful capital deployment is not just about funding tech innovation and commercialisation in high-risk technology, but about driving socio-economic development, addressing Africa’s pressing challenges, and empowering innovators to make a difference.Â
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Leverage Startups to Diversify African Economies
Empowering African Economies
In today’s gathering, we aim to shed light on the pivotal role that startups play in diversifying African economies. As we explore this topic, we will discuss the current economic landscape in Africa, the significance of startups in driving diversification, and key strategies for leveraging this potential. Our goal is to equip our speakers with valuable insights and data to engage the audience effectively
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THINK TANK: Unveiling Africa’s Investment Realities
Navigating the African Investment Landscape for Mutual Benefit and Sustainable Growth
A look at Africa’s investment landscape highlights the challenges of achieving returns due to infrastructure, regulations, and socio-economic disparities. Despite these hurdles, success stories show how local dynamics can lead to triumph. Impact investing combines financial gains with positive change for sustainable development.
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THINK TANK: Unlocking Innovation
The 8 Principles of Success
A panel discussion to discover why these principles are vital for transforming creativity into tangible products and services that can be successfully commercialized. It aims to provide insights into the importance of unlocking innovation to stay competitive in today’s business landscape. It will have the audience leave with practical knowledge to foster an innovation-driven mindset and drive meaningful change within your organization. Â
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Innovating the Future of Water
Funding Opportunities and Sustainable Solutions
Join us for an engaging fireside chat as we delve into the future of the water sector. Our panel of experts will discuss the critical importance of sustainable water solutions and how innovation can drive change focusing particularly on digitalisation and effective wastewater management systems.
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CLOSING: Reflecting on Day 1
Empowering Tomorrow: Uniting for a Brighter Future
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day 2
OPENING: Innovate, Elevate, and Collaborate
Embracing a New Dawn of Possibilities for Day 2
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THINK TANK: Fuelling Global Competitiveness in a Digital Age
Exploring South Africa’s Digital Landscape: Risks, Rewards, and OpportunitiesÂ
This session will delve into strategies for harnessing technical and digital innovations in South Africa to bolster manufacturing and drive economic prosperity. By spotlighting success stories and policy frameworks, we aim to inspire a new era of product development and industrial growth. This session serves as a platform to ignite a renewed focus on industrialization in South Africa, with an emphasis on technological innovations and product development. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging innovative technologies, we aim to drive economic growth and prosperity for the nation.Â
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THINK TANK: The Best Ecosystem for Scaling Startups on the African ContinentÂ
Exploring the Thriving Startup Landscape, Resources, and Support Systems in Cape Town
Uncover the key factors that make Cape Town a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. From its diverse pool of talent to its robust network of incubators, accelerators, and investors, explore the unparalleled resources and support systems available to startups in Cape Town. Discover how this thriving ecosystem fosters growth, nurtures innovation, and provides a launching pad for startups to reach new heights.Â
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THINK TANK: Fostering Township Economic Resurgence
Open Innovation Solutions
In the pursuit of economic growth and social progress, townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) in South Africa and Brazil share striking similarities and unique challenges. This engaging session aims to explore innovative strategies and solutions that can empower these often-marginalized communities, unleashing their economic resurgence through open innovation. Both South Africa and Brazil grapple with issues of inequality, limited access to essential services, and economic disparities. These nations also boast vibrant, resilient communities within TISH areas that hold immense untapped potential. This session seeks to harness the power of open innovation and collaboration to address common challenges and leverage shared experiences between these two nations.Â
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THINK TANK: The Business of Influencing
Navigating Influencer Marketing: Strategies and Legal Considerations for African Businesses
Von Seidels IP attorneys, Christine Strutt and André Maré, will be joined by Nadia Jaftha, Reece Meyer and Chae Francis from Ace Labs, a new age digital agency, to discuss influencer marketing and how it should be approached by an African business. Christine and André will discuss some of the legal implications around this drawing from their extensive knowledge in the brand protection space, while the team from Ace- Labs will share their insights gained from working with both the brand owner and the influencer.
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Accelerating Startup Growth
Leveraging Digital Technology for Scalable Systems
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THINK TANK: Unleashing Female Powerhouses Â
The voices of women in tech entrepreneurs in Africa – challenges, opportunities and solutions
Step into the world of trailblazing female entrepreneurs in this captivating session as we uncover the challenges and triumphs of breaking through gender disparities in entrepreneurship opportunities. Join us for an empowering discussion that highlights the perspectives of inspiring female founders, shedding light on their remarkable journeys to equality in the business world. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and motivated to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial future!Â
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THINK TANK: Advancing quality learning outcomes in AfricaÂ
Exploring the potential and challenges of generative AI in education in Africa
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education worldwide, and its impact on learning outcomes in Africa is a topic of great significance. This panel will delve into the opportunities and obstacles that Generative AI presents for education in the African context. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions about the real challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the integration of AI in education, with a focus on Africa’s unique context.Â
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KEYNOTE: Harnessing the Power of Technology Clusters
Building Innovation Capabilities for Global Competitiveness
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: Closing and Awards Gala of SAIS 2023
Honouring Innovation, Collaboration, and Achievements
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