Africa’s Premier ICT Conference Returns To Hermanus With Focus On AI

The Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference returns to Hermanus, Western Cape from 30 November to 3 December 2025. Hosted by Telkom, the 28th edition of SATNAC will focus on “Africa’s Ascent: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Future enabled by secure Next-Generation Infrastructure, Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence.”

SATNAC is Africa’s leading ICT research and innovation event, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators. The 2025 programme includes keynote addresses from industry experts, panel discussions, and research presentations.

Student challenges and innovation exhibition

The conference will feature the SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge and an Innovation Exhibition, where students and researchers can present solutions to industry problems and connect with potential employers and partners.

Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, Telkom’s Group Executive for Innovation & Transformation and SATNAC 2025 Chairperson, said the conference bridges industry and academia. “SATNAC is more than an event, it’s a bridge between industry and academia, where research meets real-world challenges. Our investment in SATNAC and our research Centres of Excellence demonstrates Telkom’s commitment to building digital infrastructure, nurturing talent and advancing knowledge creation across Africa.”

Supporting research and skills development

Through partnerships with the National Research Foundation and universities, Telkom supports master’s and PhD students working on AI, IoT, and next-generation networks. “These partnerships ensure that research is not only theoretical but also aligned with Telkom’s priority areas and the practical needs of industry,” Jantjies said. “By funding skills development and offering internships, we are helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application.”

Jantjies explained that Telkom’s support for SATNAC is part of a broader digital inclusion strategy. “For us, digital transformation is not just about technology, it’s about empowering people and ensuring that innovation is grounded in the realities of Africa. By investing in skills development, research, and open innovation, we are helping to shape a future where all Africans can participate in and benefit from the digital economy.”

Collaboration across sectors

The conference strengthens collaboration between industry, academia, government, and civil society. “This approach is essential for positioning South Africa as a research and innovation hub for the continent,” Jantjies said. “We are deliberate about including historically disadvantaged institutions and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all.”

SATNAC 2025 takes place from 30 November to 3 December in Hermanus, Western Cape.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.