South Africa’s economic challenges are real, and urgent. Yet a powerful opportunity is emerging. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to become a real catalyst for inclusive economic growth, job creation, and long-term resilience. It’s also a moment for founders and businesses to see, firsthand, where the opportunities lie, and how to act on them.
This is the backdrop against which AI Empowered, inspired by EO Cape Town, takes centre stage.
To be hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 7–8 August 2025, the summit brings together business leaders, technologists, and creatives to unpack how AI can be used not just to compete globally, but to solve local problems. From fraud protection to youth upskilling, the conversations are grounded in possibility and driven by impact.
That AI Empowered, inspired by EO, chose to hold its inaugural summit in Cape Town is no coincidence. The city is Africa’s leading tech and innovation hub, home to top startups, global HQs, and world-class talent. It’s the natural home for a future-focused summit like AI Empowered.
To reinforce this, Invest Cape Town, alongside the City of Cape Town, have confirmed their position as official host city partners, with the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) 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, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
“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.”
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 especially well placed to benefit from the curated line-up and practical insights on offer.
Presented by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Cape Town, AI Empowered is designed to demystify AI and make it truly 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 proudly includes some 15 women as speakers, a key driver to champion diverse voices in innovation. Joining in on the summit’s support, is FNB Women in Business. FNB Women in Business recognises the resilience and impact of women-led small businesses in South Africa and is committed to supporting them with smart tools, funding solutions, and real opportunities for growth. Because when women-led SMEs thrive, communities grow stronger and the economy moves forward. Visit FNB for more information.
Programme expanded to include more than 40 speakers
The expanded programme now 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 inspiring keynotes and case studies, with the odd debate thrown in for good measure.
New additions to the line-up include:
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, will join Rahul Jain, Co-Founder, Peach Payments on the AI & Fraud panel, to explore 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. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, AI Empowered is designed to deliver practical tools, thought leadership, and real-world insight.
Tickets and Corporate Bookings
Tickets start at R3,600 for both days, and are on sale now at www.aiempowered.co.za, corporate bookings packages are also available.
Proudly inspired by EO Cape Town (Entrepreneurs’ Organization), in partnership with CapeTalk, Daily Maverick, Invest Cape Town, the City of Cape Town, IAB, FNB and produced by One-eyed Jack.
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