Digitalization & Education
Conference & Exhibition 2026
" From AI to GAI: Preparing the Education Sector for the Inevitable Transformation’’

Stay Ahead of the Industry

October 15- 16

Sandton, Johannesburg

Speakers

About the Conference

We are no longer approaching the future of education, we are living it.

As of March 2026, Generative AI adoption in education has surged to 92% among students and 88% for assessments. Educators and institutions are overwhelmed: 86% of organizations have integrated GenAI (the highest rate of any sector), yet most are still firefighting issues like AI-assisted cheating, collapsing assessment integrity, and the erosion of critical thinking.

The next wave is already here: General Artificial Intelligence (GAI/AGI) systems with human-level reasoning across every domain. These are not narrow tools. They are autonomous agents that can plan curricula, co-create knowledge, adapt in real time to emotional and neurocognitive states, and execute complete learning workflows.

This is the inevitable change. In South Africa and across Africa, where 4IR infrastructure investments meet persistent digital divides, equity gaps, and urgent skills shortages, institutions that prepare for GAI now will leapfrog the continent’s future. Those that hesitate will be left behind.

This is not another AI conference. This is the must-attend event that arms you with the strategies, tools, and networks to lead the GAI revolution in education.

The question is no longer “if” GAI will reshape learning, it’s whether your institution will shape it or be shaped by it.

Why attend this Conference?

• Shape the future of education

• Reflect on challenges & opportunities associated with the impact of the 4IR on Higher Learning

• The disappearance of computers.

• Cloud-based learning: Understanding the Metaverse, and Academics

• Increased emphasis on digital portfolios.

• Develop realistic and detailed planning

• Gamification And Game-Based Learning

• New sequencing of education to renew skills

• Improve Collaborative & Innovative Teaching

• Understand 4IR risks and highest benefit scores

• Robot-proof education in the digital age

• 4IR intelligence & subsequent leadership development

• Application to sustain an innovative digital economy in the 4IR and the impact of economic stabilization and adjustment on education in Africa

• Redesigning Higher Education for the 4IR & future ones

• Bring the working world into education a lot earlier and take education into the working world.

• Smarter Content Curation

Who Should Attend?

Advocates, Decision Makers and Emerging Leaders in Higher Education both academic and governance including:

Training Managers
Administrators
Library Specialist
Academicians
IT Professionals
Learning Design Professionals
Organizational Design Specialists
4IR Research Experts
Learners
E-learning Professionals
Curriculum Developers

Chancellors/ Deputy Vice-chancellors/ Vice Chancellors
Professors Associate/ Professors
Deans Head of Schools/Heads of Department/ Faculty Heads
Senior Lecturers/ Lecturers
Registrar
Senior Management
University Governance Personnel
Diversity and Inclusion Personnel
Gender Studies Personnel
Leadership Program Managers
Workforce Planning Managers
Human Resources Directors/Manager
21st Century Education Staff

The Speakers

FEATURED INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Ashric Don

Education Specialist

City of Cape Town

Ashric Don is the Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Coding and Robotics in the GET Directorate, with a vision centered on eradicating poverty through STEAMAC (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Coding) education. Passionate about empowering students and communities, he works to integrate innovative learning solutions in schools, fostering skills that drive both personal and societal growth. As an education speaker, Ashric advocates for the transformative potential of STEAMAC education to create equitable opportunities and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Daniel N Wilke

Proffessor, Optimisation Enthusiast | Generative Modelling Specialist | Nvidia GPUs Advocate | Author of "The Lost Art of Learning" & "Springer's Practical Mathematical Optimization" WITS University

Daniel N. Wilke is a Full Professor in Africa's leading Head: School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering. His research interests are focused on optimization, generative modeling, and data science utilizing graphical processing units (GPUs). He is passionate about learning and getting students to learn better for their development, confidence, and mental health. He currently serves various roles within his industry, such as the President of the Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (SAAM), the National Chairman of the International Union for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM), and Associate Editor for Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences.

Joseph B Crosswhite

Chief Executive Officer & Cofounder at XRGlobal - Speaker on “Using the Metaverse for Education”

Joseph B. Crosswhite is the Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder of XRGlobal, a pioneering company at the forefront of immersive technologies. With a strong passion for innovation in education, Joseph is a sought-after speaker on the topic of "Using the Metaverse for Education," where he explores the transformative potential of virtual environments in enhancing learning experiences. His expertise spans the intersection of education, technology, and the metaverse, as he works to redefine how immersive technologies can foster engaging, accessible, and impactful educational opportunities worldwide.

Prof Nita Inderlal Sukdeo

Proffesser University of Johannesburg

Prof. Nita Inderlal Sukdeo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Quality and Operations Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where she also serves as a researcher in the fields of total quality management and operations management. She holds a Master's in Quality from Durban University of Technology and a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg, and is currently pursuing a second PhD in Quality Engineering. Prof. Sukdeo’s expertise includes advanced manufacturing technologies, Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing, smart factories, the Quality 4.0 framework, and quality management systems. A qualified Lead Auditor with proficiency in ISO standards, she is also co-chairperson and director of the Society for Operations Management in Africa (SOMA) and a professional member of the Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ). Passionate about empowering women in engineering and STEM, she is the chairperson for the Faculty’s Women in Engineering and the Built Environment (WiEBE).

Prof HB Klopper

Executive Dean: Research: The DaVinci

Prof. HB Klopper is the Executive Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Research at DaVinci Business School, with over 30 years of experience in academia and leadership across various sectors. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles, including Head of Department, Head of School, Executive Dean, and Director at institutions such as Rand Afrikaans University, University of Johannesburg, and Monash University South Africa. Prof. Klopper has a strong track record in developing leaders and guiding organizations to adapt and learn more effectively, making a significant impact on both academic institutions and industries.

Janet Du Preez

Master Facilitator

I maximize the impact of people leading in complexity, change and conflict by #Mobilising 21st Century leaders #2 Revitalizing disjointed teams #3 Igniting thinking #4 Optimizing engagement #5 Taming wicked problems.

Dieketseng Nibe Malekele

Founder & Operations Manager

Dieketseng Malekele is an accomplished Operations Director at United Siyafunda NPC, dedicated to empowering youth through coding and robotics education. With extensive experience in information technology and a strong commitment to bridging the digital divide, she has successfully developed and implemented educational programs that enhance digital literacy among underserved communities.

Edzai (Conilias) Zvobwo

Eduction Technology Expert

Edzai (Conilias) Zvobwo is a dynamic social innovator and thought leader specializing in EdTech, statistical analysis, and causal data science strategy. With a focus on STEM education, learning analytics, and inclusive capitalism, he works at the intersection of technology and education to drive impactful change. Edzai is passionate about advancing equitable opportunities through data-driven insights and leveraging ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks to promote sustainability. His expertise spans across creating strategies that empower underserved communities and improve educational outcomes, all while championing the role of innovation in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Kelly Erye

Founder and Director Curriculum Collective

Kelly Eyre is a South African educator, curriculum designer, speaker, and inclusion specialist with over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Foundation Phase education. She is the Founder and Director of Curriculum Collective, where she develops curricula, trains ECD practitioners, and mentors educators pursuing ECD qualifications. Holding qualifications in Counselling Psychology, Foundation Phase Teaching, and Sports Psychology, Kelly is recognized for her expertise in inclusive education, curriculum development, and educator training.

As an autistic educator, Kelly leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support curriculum design, research, content development, and educational innovation. She has held national leadership roles, including Quality and Pedagogy Lead at Dibber International South Africa, and is a sought-after speaker on education, neurodiversity, inclusion, and AI in learning. Through her work, Kelly champions the responsible use of AI to enhance human capability and create meaningful, accessible learning experiences.

Lize Monametsi

Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Maskew Miller Learning

Lize Monametsi has dedicated her career to the development of large scale education technology that delivers accessible learning experiences to students in under-resourced environments. As Chief Innovation and Technology Officer at Maskew Miller Learning, she led the creation of Maski, an AI assistant for teachers. She was a co-founder of Papadi Games, a STEM-focused mobile gaming system for entry level smartphones. Outside of education, Lize has delivered successful software products into various sectors, including energy, healthcare, finance and retail. With a Master’s in Educational Administration, Planning and Social Policy, Lize’s academic career has focused on the intersection of teacher development, policy and economics. Outside of work, she enjoys mentoring and lesrning from young women and innovators and hiking with her three daughters

Darryn Van Der Berg

Education Specialist

A pioneer in digital learning and education technology, he brings over 25 years of experience helping organizations successfully adopt AI, learning technologies, and workforce development solutions. As a co-creator of one of Africa’s early eAssessment and ePortfolio platforms, he specializes in designing scalable DIEKETSENG NIBE Director United Siyafunda NPC learning ecosystems that connect technology, capability development, & business performance,turning digital mation strategies into measurable impact.

Dr. Eric Mikobi Bakama

First Doctor in Quality Engineering in Africa | Lecturer in Operations Management | Expert in Quality Engineering | Passionate about Advancing Education

Eric Mikobi Bakama is a distinguished academic, researcher, and speaker specializing in Operations Management, Quality Engineering, and the integration of emerging technologies in education and industry. He holds Africa’s first PhD in Quality Engineering from the University of Johannesburg and has been recognized for his contributions to Education 4.0 and Quality 4.0.

Dr. Bakama is a lecturer in Operations Management and has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and digital learning strategies. His research explores the intersection of AI, blockchain, and supply chain management, with a strong focus on improving educational quality and employability in the 4th Industrial Revolution era.

Beyond academia, he is an active content creator with a global audience on YouTube, where he provides insightful tutorials on Operations Management. He is also a co-author of multiple research papers presented at international conferences and a consultant in digital marketing and strategic communications.

SHADRACK KUBYANE

CEO & Co-founder, Efama

CEO & Co-founder, Efama App & Coronet Blockchain |Agritech, AI & Blockchain Leader | Cloud Solutions Architect & Scrum Master | Digital Marketplace Expert | AI, Web3 & Supply Chain Transformation | 10M+ Reach. 35 professional certifications, including cloud computing, blockchain, Scrum, supply chain digitisation, data engineering, and cybersecurity, I lead eFama as Co-Founder and CEO, driving the creation of Africa’s biggest digital food ecosystem.

Prof Petro Erasmus

Creator of Maths Whartels

Creator of Maths Whartels - A maths product range for Therapists, teachers and parents, aimed at improving maths achievement (children from birth to Grade 7) from a neuropsychological perspective including techniques used in Play Therapy, and Technology. NWU Senior Lecturer in Psychology Department with a special interest in Neuro-developmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dysgraphia). Specialize in Learning problems, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Individual Therapy, Child and Family guidance and counselling, Psychological Assessments, Positive Psychology. Graduated from University of Pretoria.

Ms Kim (Sally Kimangu)

Catalyzing Digital Literacy and Lasting Impact for Thousands of Youth Across Africa| STEAM Education books Author and a key note speaker | Let Us Empower Your Community by Setting Up STEAM Education Programs

Kim is a Global EdTech and Sustainability Ambassador, committed to empowering Africa’s youth through innovative education and sustainable development. As CEO and founder of Edustore Africa and Destination Imagination Africa, she has worked to unlock the potential of young minds in marginalized communities, focusing on STEAM education to inspire creativity and resilience. With millions of unemployed youths across the continent, Kim leads impactful initiatives that teach coding, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, helping young people develop the skills to thrive in the 21st century. Recognized globally for her work, Kim is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that foster economic growth, cultural understanding, and a brighter future for Africa.

Anett Ngongi

User Research Manager

Anett Ngongi is a seasoned Pan-African research enthusiast with a dedicated focus on empowering children, youth, and women. With expertise in user research, Teaching at the Right Level, learning through play, and inclusion. Anett excels in leading and training teams to drive systemic change within organizations. A passionate and creative design and qualitative researcher, Anett develops innovative research methodologies that inspire positive social and behavioral change in youth and children. Her dynamic approach combines strategic thinking with engaging edutainment, fostering fun learning experiences that lead to impactful transformations and collaboration across diverse teams with over 9 years' worth of experience researching children. She brings knowledge into any role that deals with education, sector reforms, and government engagement.

Adetola Asa

Chairman & Chief Consulting Officer, E-PHIS Consulting, Nigeria

Adetola Asa is a Digital Transformation Consultant with over 18 years of experience in IT, EdTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and serves as Chairman and Chief Consulting Officer of E-PHIS Consulting, Nigeria.

A certified Scrum Master and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Adetola has led numerous digital transformation projects and trained over 2,000 professionals. He is passionate about driving innovation, capacity building, and excellence through technology and lifelong learning.

Lungile Maile

Founder at Nubian Smarts, Social Entrepreneur, Change Maker.

Lungile Maile is the founder and managing director of Nubian Smarts, a pioneering company dedicated to transforming education across Africa. With a deep passion for harnessing the power of innovative technology, Lungile leads the development of engaging and revolutionary educational games designed to empower young learners and bridge gaps in access to quality education. Driven by a commitment to positively impact Africa's future, Nubian Smarts focuses on creating learning experiences that are both fun and impactful, equipping the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Gugu Ntuli

CEO Empiras Global Academy

Ms Ntuli is the Co-Founder and CEO of the award-winning EdTech company Empiras Global Academy. With over 27 years of corporate experience, including nearly 15 years at executive level, she brings extensive expertise across education, finance, media, retail, mining, and sport.

Holding an MBA from the UK, a Bachelor of Business in International Business and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Australia, as well as a Diploma from Sorbonne University in Paris, Ms Ntuli is passionate about expanding access to quality education. Her international experience and leadership continue to empower students and families across Africa through innovative digital learning solutions.

Tshegofatso Dladla

Founded by engineer Tshegofatso Dladla, AfriCAN CODE

Founded by engineer Tshegofatso Dladla, AfriCAN CODE (formerly Robo Steam Train) began with a vision: to ensure every South African child has access to tech-based learning. With over a decade in the manufacturing industry, Tshego launched this initiative in 2018 to empower early childhood and foundation phase learners. Since then, we’ve engaged students across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, extending our reach to private and public schools as a valued extracurricular program.

AfriCAN CODE isn’t just an educational brand—it’s a movement for Africa’s future innovators, creators, and problem-solvers. We’re passionate about empowering African youth to thrive in the digital age with a curriculum that goes beyond STEM to embrace the power of Art. That’s why we champion STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Dr Jacques Ludik

Smart Technology Entrepreneur, PhD in AI, Founder of multiple AI companies

Smart technology entrepreneur, Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, founder of multiple AI companies, author, global keynote speaker, and award-winning AI Leader with a Ph.D. in Computer Science (AI) and 25+ years' experience in AI, Machine Learning & Data Science and its applications.

Dr Ludik's latest book is titled "Democratizing Artificial Intelligence to Benefit Everyone". He is currently Founder & CEO of Cortex Group and Cortex Logic as AI Engine.

Annemieke Pouwels

Deputy Head: Education and Training at Sol-Tech

Annemieke Pouwels is the Deputy Head of Education and Training at Sol-Tech, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the institution’s educational offerings. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in technical education, Annemieke works to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving industries they will enter. Her leadership focuses on creating impactful learning experiences, promoting continuous professional development, and supporting the growth of future leaders in technology and engineering.

Agenda

2Day Agenda

OCTOBER 15-16 2026