Hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday, 7 August to Friday, 8 August, the summit brings together business leaders, technologists and creatives to unpack how AI can be used to compete globally and solve local problems. From fraud protection to youth upskilling, the conversations are centred around possibility and impact, says the organisation.

Inspired by EO, AIE chooses to hold its inaugural summit in Cape Town because the city is Africa's leading tech and innovation hub. AIE believes that Cape Town is the natural home for future-focused summits, adds the organisation.

Invest Cape Town, alongside the City of Cape Town confirm their position as official host city partners, with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) joining as a key supporting organisation.

"The City is proud to back AI Empowered. We consistently strive to enable economic development in the metro that is accessible to all communities and technology is central to that mission," says Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth for the City of Cape Town.

"AI specifically has become one of the most important tools for identifying challenges across societies and industries and for unlocking solutions. We are excited to bring together thought-leaders and experts in the public and private sectors for an exchange of ideas and initiatives that will ultimately empower Cape Town, South Africa and people all across Africa," adds Vos.

According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute R129-billion to South Africa's economy by 2030. With growing traction in sectors like education, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and the SME ecosystem, entrepreneurs are well placed to benefit from the curated line-up and practical insights on offer, says the organisation.

Presented by EO Cape Town, AI Empowered is designed to demystify AI and make it useful for entrepreneurs and business leaders across Africa. "At EO Cape Town, we believe in knowledge-sharing that drives real impact," says Anton Gillis, President of EO Cape Town. "This summit is a powerful platform to inspire action, spark partnerships and future-proof our businesses."

The event's line-up includes 15 women as speakers, championing for diverse voices in innovation. Joining in on the summitss support is 'FNB Women in Business.' 'FNB Women in Business' recognises women-led small businesses in South Africa and is committed to supporting them with smart tools, funding solutions and opportunities for growth, says the organsiation.

The Programme Expands to Include 40 speakers

The expanded programme includes some of the continent's most respected business minds, technologists and strategists. Attendees can explore two main tracks:

  • EO Insights Hub Stage: Featuring training, masterclasses, panel discussions and talks.
  • Main Auditorium: Where global and local thought leaders will deliver keynotes and case studies.

Additions to the Line-Up:

  • Kabelo Makwane, Country Director, Google — Talk: AI Strategy for African Business Leaders: What's Coming by 2030.
  • Valter Adão, CEO, Cadena Growth Partners. Faculty, Singularity University Africa — Panel: Workforce 2.0: AI, Automation & Inclusive Growth.
  • Steven Sidley, Professor of Practice, JBS, UJ — Talk: We're All Gonna Die: Utopian vs Dystopian Prognoses for AI.
  • Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, Google (Virtual) — Talk: The Role of AI in Growing Small Businesses.
  • Beverley Schäfer, Director of Strat Diplomacy, Advisory Board Member, SAAIA — Talk: Regulating Innovation: Finding the Line Between Governance and Growth.
  • Dillon Jearey, Facilitator, Circle Forward Global — Workshop: Generative AI 101: From Curiosity to Competitive Edge in 59 Minutes a Week.
  • Gaurav Devsarmah, Head of AI, Warp Development — Workshop: Making Sense of AI to Generate Tangible Return.
  • Roshan Jelal, FNB Head of Fraud Commercial and Rahul Jain, Co-Founder, Peach Payments — Panel: AI and Fraud panel: Exploring how businesses can protect themselves in an increasingly AI-driven world. 

Who Should Attend?

Business owners, marketers, creatives, HR leads, strategists and decision-makers. Anyone looking to use AI to work smarter, grow faster and lead more confidently. AI Empowered is designed to deliver practical tools, thought leadership and real-world insight, concludes the organisation.

For more information, visit www.eonetwork.org. You can also follow The Entrepreneurs' Organization on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor