Summit Programme Now Available

The full programme line-up, including the speakers and topics to be addressed, is now available, featuring an array of names from across industries and continents, with four new changemakers added to the roster. Peter Diamandis will set the scene for exponential thinking with the welcome address. Maureen Costello, VP for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa at Google Cloud, will address the accelerating pace of artificial intelligence in the cloud. Karine Arama, partner at SGH Capital, and Regina Njima will explore what’s next in the exponential future.

These add to already announced heavyweights, such as Peter Xing, who will present on post-AGI planning and the need to prepare for superintelligence. Cathy Hackl will address the human experience in the age of AI, while David Roberts will unpack disruption theory and AI leadership. Kojo Annan & Will Weisman will discuss finding the next gladiators for venture capital investments. Kim Hulett will explore the future of longevity and biotech, and Dr Mark Nasila will explain why design thinking is the missing link in human-centred AI.

The stage will also welcome John Sanei, whose keynote will cover the “IRL Imperative”, a trend to follow in the age of AI,  Mxolisi Mgojo (B20 Chair) on steering sustainable growth and industry collaboration; Bonang Mohale (V20 South Africa Sherpa) on values-driven leadership; and Vukosi Marivate on building Africa’s voice in AI. More than 50 sessions and workshops will cover topics including robotics, Web3, cybersecurity, biotechnology, education, energy and leadership.

View The Full Summit Programme Here

What To Expect

Delegates will have access to two days of keynotes, workshops and expos, as well as unlimited networking opportunities. Highlights include more than 30 hours of programming, VR access after drinks on both evenings, and entry to the UBU metaverse platform. Tickets also include pre-registration and induction on 21 October with an opening ceremony in the metaverse and access to the online Relive Experience in November. Delegates who attend will receive a digital certificate of completion and access to the Singularity South Africa mobile app to connect with fellow participants.

Students are invited to apply for a special student ticket offer, with details available on the website.

Robotics and New Technologies Brought to Life

The 2025 summit will also feature live robotics. For the first time in person in South Africa, attendees will be able to meet Maximus, a humanoid robot, along with his robotic canines Murphy and Mavis. Their interactive demonstrations will showcase the advances being made in mobility, problem solving and robotics in the real world.

Singularity South Africa equips leaders with the tools, insights and networks needed to thrive in a world of accelerating change. With a global community dedicated to improving the lives of one billion people in the next five years, the summit provides a launchpad for transformative ideas and practical action.

“The metaverse won’t replace the real world, but it can help us transform parts of it based on lived experience and deeper understanding. Just like 3D printing is revolutionising how we manufacture and create, technology that really works is supposed to make life easier, not just more advanced,” shared Celiwe Ross, group chief human capital and corporate affairs officer, Old Mutual Group. “That’s why this sponsorship of the Singularity Conference matters so deeply to Old Mutual. It’s not just about being present; it’s about being purposeful. We’re investing in platforms that challenge conventional thinking, spotlight emerging technologies, and ask the hard questions about how innovation can better serve people, not just progress. This is how we stay relevant, responsible, and ready for the future,” she added.

Mic Mann, Co-CEO of Singularity South Africa, said, “The Singularity summit is about more than spotlighting technologies. It is about equipping leaders to navigate accelerating change with clarity and courage. By bringing together voices from business, science, policy and the arts, we create a space where ideas can turn into action and where innovation is always linked to human purpose.”

Shayne Mann, Co-CEO of Singularity South Africa, added, “Our vision is for delegates to leave with more than just insight. They should walk away with practical tools, meaningful connections and the inspiration to drive real solutions in their own contexts. This is a platform designed to challenge assumptions, open conversations and spark collaborations that will shape the systems we live and work in.”

The 2025 summit will feature keynote sessions, immersive workshops, a curated expo and structured networking opportunities. Delegates can also engage with the event virtually through UBU’s metaverse platform. For updates and registration, visit singularitysouthafricasummit.org.

The post Singularity South Africa Summit 2025: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Stage and Screen.

Presented in partnership with headline sponsor Old Mutual and metaverse partner UBU, the event will feature local and global thinkers at the forefront of AI, robotics, leadership and ethics. In a programme designed to provoke, inspire and equip, the latest speaker additions reflect the depth and diversity of ideas that have the potential to future-proof Africa.

New perspectives and powerful voices

Among the newly confirmed speakers is Norwegian AI Singularity expert Anita Schjøll Abildgaard, who will explore the realities of work and staffing in the AI era. John Sanei will follow with insights on The IRL Imperative: The Only Trend to Follow in the Age of AI, exploring how to stay human in an AI-shaped world. Jennifer Cheng Lo will share her expertise on investing in digital assets.

Young South African innovator Bohlale Mphahlele, the inventor of a safety-alerting earpiece for women, joins the line-up to speak about her invention. Aaron Frank will present on AI for the Physical World: Understanding Today’s Autonomous Robotics and Mobility Revolution. Vivian Lan will provide a virtual introduction to exponential technologies to help frame the conversation. Shayne Mann will speak on leadership through invention, while Annie Blecher will address the awake mind, where inner calm meets peak performance. Award-winning South African poet and performer Lebo Mashile will host the summit and debut an original AI-assisted spoken word piece that fuses technology with live performance.

Aaron Vaccaro, president of Singularity University, will share a forward-looking perspective on what is next from the global innovation ecosystem. Reece Meyer and Nadia Jaftha, in conversation with Marko Stavrou, will unpack the future of the digital creator economy. Jordan Crypt will address the future of digital finance, and Valter Adão will cover the future of work in today’s rapidly changing economy.

Meet Maximus: Robotics in motion

This October, the summit gets a robotic upgrade. Attendees will get to meet Maximus, a humanoid G1 Unitree robot who will be present together with his robotic canine companions Murphy and Mavis. Their interactive demonstrations will demonstrate how robotics is transforming mobility and real-world problem-solving.

“The world is not waiting for the future to arrive. It is being built through choices, tools and leadership that reflect a rapidly evolving reality,” said Mic Mann, Co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. “This year’s summit puts those ideas on stage and brings together people who are asking better questions and creating practical solutions.”

“AI is no longer confined to labs or code,” added Shayne Mann, Co-CEO. “It is in the systems we build, the stories we tell and the tools we use. The summit is a platform for people who are doing the work to ensure technology serves a broader purpose, shaped by many voices.”

A platform for transformation

The Singularity South Africa Summit 2025 continues to position itself as a key meeting point for leaders across business, technology, policy and education. The inclusion of strong female voices in AI, alongside the rise of robotics and automation, reflects the broader commitment to relevance, inclusion and action.

“We keep saying women belong in technology, but belonging is not the point. Do not invite us in because we are women. Expect us because we lead, build, design and create. Expect us to rebuild broken systems, not accept them, because change is central to innovation and growth. That is why Singularity matters to Old Mutual. It is not just a sponsorship. It is a bold statement that we are investing in platforms that challenge the status quo, amplify diverse voices and drive real transformation. We are not here to observe the future. We are here to help shape it,” said Celiwe Ross, Director: Strategy, Sustainability, People and Public Affairs at Old Mutual.

The 2025 summit will feature keynote sessions, immersive workshops, a curated expo and structured networking opportunities. Delegates can also engage with the event virtually through UBU’s metaverse platform. For updates and registration, visit singularitysouthafricasummit.org.

The post Robots and Real Voices at Upcoming Singularity Summit appeared first on Stage and Screen.