Co-CEO Mic Mann sharing his insights on exponential technology.
At the recent media launch for the upcoming SingularityU South Africa Summit 2025, innovation, ethical progress, and exponential technology took centre stage as organisers, sponsors, and thought leaders outlined a bold vision for the continent’s future.
Returning for its seventh year, the SingularityU South Africa Summit will once again be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 and 23 October 2025. As in previous years, this summit will be following suit as it promises to be a convergence point for cutting-edge ideas and real-world impact. Presented in collaboration with Old Mutual the 2025 event carries the theme "Igniting Africa’s Future”.
At the media launch, the tone was not just one of anticipation, but of purpose. Speakers highlighted the importance of placing people at the heart of innovation.
“We are backing technology that makes a positive, tangible impact,” said Celiwe Ross, Director of Strategy, Sustainability, People & Public Affairs at Old Mutual. She emphasized the need for “ethical innovation” that supports small businesses and future-proofs societies across the continent. Her remarks reinforced the belief that Africa’s next wave of growth must be built on both technological excellence and human-cantered design.
Mic Mann and Shayne Mann, Co-CEOs of SingularityU South Africa, reiterated that the summit is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for rethinking prosperity and progress. “This is where Africa’s future is being shaped,” said Shayne Mann, pointing to the mix of physical and virtual elements that will define this year’s edition. “We bring together people who are at the leading edge of their fields, sparking proximity-driven innovation.”
In addition to in-person programming the 2025 summit will expand its digital footprint through an immersive experience on UBU. The metaverse offering will feature speaker-led workshops, AI-generated hosts, gamified learning spaces, and a fully digital expo.
Confirmed speakers, such as Peter Xing and Babusi Nyoni, are set to explore how AI may shape new paradigms in medicine and accessibility. As Xing noted during the launch, we are approaching an era where AI could transform the very fabric of life, requiring a rethinking of what it means to be human.
Poet and cultural commentator Lebo Mashile added a different lens to the conversation, calling on the tech community to “code with care” and ensure that humanity remains central as we build the future. Her words echoed throughout the event space: “How do we build a future without leaving humanity behind?”
SingularityU South Africa Summit 2025 aims to continue its role as a platform for breakthrough thinking, where bold ideas can find structure, investment, and influence.
As Mic Mann summed up during the launch, “We’re here to scale impact, unlock potential, and spark global conversations—with Africa at the forefront.”
For more information or to register, visit www.singularitysouthafricasummit.org.
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