Johannesburg to Host Africa’s Largest AI Event and AI4Good Summit
Africa’s premier Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation event, AI Expo Africa, is set to take place from 30-31 October 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Entering its 7th year, the event is expected to draw over 1,700 delegates and over 100 companies, making it the largest gathering of AI professionals and businesses on the continent.
AI Expo Africa has established itself as a leading platform for showcasing the latest advancements in AI and smart technology, with a particular emphasis on real-world applications that are ready for deployment.
The event is designed for enterprise buyers, government representatives, service providers, start-ups, educators, NGOs, investors, and ecosystem builders. The conference will feature over 60 speakers addressing a range of topics, including generative AI, national AI strategies, data centers, security, and AI4Good.
Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention & Event Bureau, expressed excitement about hosting the event in the region, stating, “We are happy to welcome the growing AI tech ecosystem to the Gauteng Region. AI is impacting all industries and certain aspects of society, so it’s key that we, as a region and nation, focus on this sector, which is a key pillar of our ICT activities.”
This year’s edition promises to be the largest yet, with participation from major global brands like Supermicro, Nvidia, Huawei, and Google, alongside local and regional Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The exhibition will feature 100 companies, with many of the participants being local SMMEs.
The event is not only a showcase of the latest AI technologies but also a crucial networking hub for AI practitioners, investors, and decision-makers across Africa.
Dr. Nick Bradshaw, Founder of AI Expo Africa and Chairperson of the South African AI Association, highlighted the importance of the event in driving innovation across the continent. “This is our 7th Anniversary Edition and biggest show to-date. The buzz around generative AI, national AI strategies, and AI4Good will be some of the major themes discussed.”
A major highlight of the expo will be the participation of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) AI for Good initiative. Frederic Werner, Head of Strategic Engagement at ITU, announced that they will be running the AI for Good Innovation Factory Africa Challenge during the expo.
Additionally, ITU will co-host the inaugural AI for Good Impact Africa Summit in 2025 with AI Expo Africa, furthering efforts to promote responsible AI use to tackle global challenges.
The event will also include new features such as CPD-certified AI Skills workshops and the South African AI Association Pavilion, which will showcase ten local AI start-ups.
Attendees will receive a free copy of the “State of AI in Africa Report” and have opportunities to network with venture capitalists looking for promising investment opportunities in the AI space.
For more information and to register, visit www.aiexpo africa.com.
