Innovation. Culture. Opportunity.

Networking Coffee & Registration

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM GMT +1 / 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM Your local time (50 min)

Thandazile Mkhwanazi

Welcome Remarks

8:50 AM - 9:00 AM GMT +1 / 9:50 AM - 10:00 AM Your local time (10 min)

Media Host & Cultural Commentator | Durban, SA

Tech Innovation & Creative Futures

Thandazile Mkhwanazi

As KwaZulu-Natal positions itself as a hub for Africa’s next creative and technological wave, innovation is becoming central to the province’s economic strategy. From township makerspaces to high-tech startups, new industries are being born at the intersection of culture, technology, and entrepreneurship. But questions remain about access, inclusion, and the readiness of local ecosystems to compete globally.

• Can KZN’s tech and creative sectors collaborate to produce scalable, world-class products that attract global investment?

• How can government and private industry work together to ensure digital transformation reaches township and rural innovators?

• What will it take to build a sustainable innovation culture that empowers youth and keeps creative talent within the province?

Media Host & Cultural Commentator | Durban, SA

Thandi Mvelase

Founder, AfriTech Studio

Creative Director, ZuluSoul Design Collective

Lindiwe Khumalo

9:00 AM - 9:35 AM GMT +1 / 10:00 AM - 10:35 AM Your local time (35 min)

DAY ONE

Friday, 19th March 2026 | 08:00am - 17:00pm