AI, robotics pioneers announced for Singularity SA summit

by MTHULISI SIBANDA 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SINGULARITY South Africa has announced another group of leading artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and investment pioneers for the 2026 Summit, set for October.

The speakers will explore the technologies transforming healthcare, business, cyber security and the future of innovation at the event, which will take place in Johannesburg in collaboration with Old Mutual and metaverse partner UBU.

Among the newly announced speakers is Phokeng Mogase, Chief Digital Officer at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), who will moderate a discussion on navigating the AI era, exploring how governments, regulators and business leaders can respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technologies.

Dario Fanucchi, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Isazi Consulting, will demonstrate practical applications of artificial intelligence that are already transforming organisations, offering real-world examples of how AI is moving beyond theory into everyday business operations.

International entrepreneur and author Christina Gerakiteys will share lessons on resilience, innovation and building businesses that thrive amid uncertainty.

Dr Mark Nasila, a Singularity faculty member and one of South Africa’s leading voices in AI and data science, will explore how organisations can move beyond the hype surrounding artificial intelligence to unlock meaningful business value while navigating responsible AI, data strategy and the leadership required to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

“Robotics is one of the clearest ways for people to see how quickly technology is moving from concept into real life,” said Shayne Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa.

He said this year’s summit would explore that shift from many different angles, from healthcare and finance to education, cyber security and entrepreneurship, while keeping the focus on what these changes mean for people, businesses and society.

Mic Mann, co-CEO, said: “We’re reaching a point where almost every major conversation about the future includes robotics and AI in some way.”

The summit will also welcome back Tilly Lockey, the internationally recognised robotics pioneer and disability advocate.

Celiwe Ross, Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual, said: “We are living through the moment when technology stops being something that happens to Africa and starts being something Africa shapes. That shift carries real responsibility—for institutions like ours, and for every leader in this room.”

The summit is scheduled for October 21–22.

– CAJ News