Now entering its eighth edition in South Africa, the Summit will once again be presented in collaboration with headline sponsor Old Mutual, alongside metaverse partner UBU. Following the success of the 2025 Summit, which attracted more than 2 000 attendees, from over 600 of local and global leading companies, and widespread acclaim from delegates, the 2026 Summit aims to push the conversation even further, exploring how rapidly advancing technologies are reshaping industries, societies and human potential itself.

With two immersive stages, an interactive expo, workshops and networking experiences, the Summit will once again create a space where business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators can engage with the ideas shaping the future.

The 2026 programme will unpack the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, 3D printing, digital identity, quantum computing, crypto economies, human optimisation and Africa’s evolving technology infrastructure. From the rise of AI factories and agentic AI to the future of emotional intelligence in machines, this year’s line-up reflects the breadth of disruption already transforming the world around us.

Celiwe Ross of Old Mutual says this Summit allows for the advocacy of human-centred AI adoption, where technology enhances rather than replaces human capability.“Innovation is often spoken about in terms of technology, but its real impact is felt through people. The question for business is not only what new tools we adopt, but how we equip people to grow, respond, and lead in an environment that is constantly changing. For Old Mutual, future readiness is about building the confidence, capability, and culture needed to move forward responsibly,” Ross said.

The Summit’s metaverse experience will also return in partnership with UBU, offering attendees across the continent access to immersive digital experiences, interactive sessions, workshops and networking opportunities within Africa’s growing virtual ecosystem.

“Every year, the pace of technological change becomes harder to ignore,” said Shayne Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. “What makes this Summit exciting is not only the calibre of the conversations, but the people in the room. It is where Africa’s business, technology and creative leaders come together to engage with what is coming next and, more importantly, what role the continent can play in shaping it.”

“The conversations around AI, digital infrastructure and exponential technologies have shifted dramatically over the past year,” added Mic Mann, co-CEO of Singularity South Africa. “There is now far greater urgency around how these technologies are implemented, governed and scaled responsibly. This Summit is designed to give delegates direct access to the people building the future, while creating meaningful discussions around prosperity, opportunity and innovation in an African context.”

Generally, SingularityU is known for its  prowess in corporate education by showcasing bleeding edge speakers, ground breaking topics and thought provoking insights at its summits and programmes. This year’s Exponential Finance online summit responds to President Ramaphosa’s recent appeal at the South Africa Investment Conference for more investments into the country, by focusing on how to bring investment into South Africa and Africa so as to create an investment ecosystem in which to harness Africa’s true potential.

The  diverse range of topics that will be addressed at this year’s summit will include Leadership and Investment, Exponential Technology, Crypto/Blockchain, Future of Banking, Scaling, ESG, 5G, Cybersecurity, Social Impact, Inclusive Growth, NFT’s (nonfungible tokens), Gaming and DEFI (decentralized finance).

While the Covid-19 pandemic has placed many industries under strain, it has also triggered new opportunities for innovation and growth, which will be explored at this online summit. A host of local and international speakers will take to the stage to present the latest insights that will help propel exponential growth.

“We understand that capital is oxygen for any business and breathes life, sustainability and growth. This is why it is so important for us to develop and build an investment innovation ecosystem  in South Africa. In this way we can improve the quality of life for all South Africans through a booming, abundant economy” said Mic Mann, Co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa.

“As we continue SingularityU’s journey to future proof Africa, it is essential to harness the expertise that is available in our network to cultivate an economy that is advantageous for investors. The second annual SingularityU Exponential Finance Summit Online will empower entrepreneurs, business leaders and titans of industry alike with the newest insights regarding ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are available to take the continent forward”  added Shayne Mann, Co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa.

The SingularityU Exponential Finance Summit 2021 will be hosted in collaboration Deloitte and MTN. To join the SingularityU community of changemakers, or to book, check here. 

Thought leaders and innovators from across the world will present a forward thinking approach to unlocking the potential that Africa holds. Topics that will be addressed are designed to bring the most pressing issues facing the continent to the fore, including education, energy, poverty, prosperity and water. This summit intends to equip the leaders of today and tomorrow with the thinking and knowledge needed, to use technology to help pioneer a better future for all Africans.

Attention is also being paid to bringing a youth component into this visionary event, details of which will be announced at a later stage.

The third annual SingularityU South Africa Summit will focus on creating a collaborative and more economically-inclusive future, whereby partnerships and deals can be conceptualised and developed across the continent. Networking opportunities will allow attendees to connect with SingularityU faculty members and alumni. Exhibitors will present breakthrough ideas and investment opportunities that will run alongside the summit.