The future is coming whether we are ready for it or not. The real question is whether we are prepared to shape it. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to mental health, leadership and human potential, the conversations shaping tomorrow are moving beyond theory. On 21 and 22 October, the Singularity South Africa Summit 2026 returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, bringing together global thinkers, innovators and changemakers to explore what comes next.
With the theme Igniting Africa’s Future, the two-day summit aims to turn big ideas into practical action. And in a world where technology seems to evolve faster than our ability to keep up, there is plenty to unpack.
From artificial intelligence to human potential
The programme brings together voices from different fields to examine how exponential technologies are changing the way we live, work and think.
Day one opens at 09:00 on Wednesday, 21 October, with Mic and Shayne Mann, followed by a virtual welcome from Dr Peter Diamandis. David Roberts then takes the stage to explore why preparing for artificial intelligence requires more than simply adopting new tools.
Cathy Hackl follows at 10:05 with The Future Looks Good on You, exploring how people can reinvent themselves and find clarity as technologies converge.
The afternoon shifts towards the broader economic and organisational impact of innovation. Raoul Pal will discuss The Economic Singularity, while Celiwe Ross examines how businesses can move beyond AI experiments towards meaningful transformation.
Later, Professor Benjamin Rosman will reflect on the connections that help grow Africa’s AI community. The day concludes with Tilly Lockey’s I Want to Be Iron Man, a powerful look at human potential and bionic technology, followed by Lebo Mashile’s wrap-up.
Quantum frontiers and the future of wellbeing
Thursday, 22 October, opens with Lebo Mashile revisiting the previous day’s highlights before Dr Mark Jackson takes delegates into the Quantum Frontier at 09:05.
The conversation then moves into some fascinating territory. At 10:00, Dr Martin Zschornak presents The Frequency of Life, exploring the role of sound in the future of cancer medicine.
Cybersecurity takes centre stage at 12:30, when Dr Melanie Rieback examines the challenges of protecting systems and information in an increasingly AI-driven world.
At 14:35, Dr Danielle Einstein turns the focus to mental health and the future of human wellbeing. It is a timely reminder that conversations about technological progress should not leave the human experience behind.
David Roberts closes the main programme with The Most Important Decade in Human History at 16:20. His 90-minute keynote will challenge delegates to consider the decisions that could shape the decade ahead, before the summit officially closes at 17:50.
More than a seat in the audience
There is more to the summit than keynote speeches and taking notes.
Delegates can explore the Africa Arena main stage, the Calabash Silent Disco stage, exhibition spaces and catering areas. The programme also offers opportunities to meet fellow delegates, exchange ideas and discover projects working at the intersection of technology and human potential.
Those arriving early can register on Tuesday, 20 October, between 13:00 and 18:00 on the fourth floor of the Sandton Convention Centre. The afternoon also offers access to the UBU metaverse and AI short courses covering ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copilot.
The official Singularity Community app allows attendees to plan their sessions, explore speaker profiles, participate in live polls and connect with other delegates. Ticket holders can also create a hyper-realistic avatar in UBU and enter a competition to win a custom avatar outfit valued at R10,000.
Registration opens at 07:00 on Wednesday, 21 October, with the programme starting at 09:00.
The future needs African voices
Technology can be exciting, intimidating and, at times, downright overwhelming. But understanding it is becoming increasingly important, particularly for a continent navigating its own opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing global economy.
The Singularity South Africa Summit offers a space to question assumptions, explore emerging possibilities and consider how innovation can translate into meaningful change.
The challenge for delegates is to arrive with curiosity, identify the problems they want to solve and leave room for conversations they did not expect to have.
Because the future is not shaped by technology alone. It is shaped by the people who decide what to do with it.
The Singularity South Africa Summit 2026 takes place on 21–22 October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Delegates can consult the
full summit schedule for session timings and programme updates.
