Sentech Ltd.

Africa’s digital future must be built by Africans, for Africans.

At Africa Tech Week 2026, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon Solly Malatsi challenged industry leaders to move beyond adoption and actively shape emerging technologies like AI in ways that reflect Africa’s realities, values, and development priorities.

He emphasised that while technologies such as artificial intelligence are advancing rapidly, their impact is not inevitable — it is defined by the choices we make today.

Key priorities highlighted:

* Ethical, safe, and trust-driven technology adoption
* Risk-based regulation that enables innovation while protecting rights
* Building African datasets, languages, and knowledge systems into technology
* Strengthening digital inclusion and accessibility
* Moving from consumption to co-creation in the global digital economy

The call to action was clear: collaboration across government, industry, and society is essential to ensure technology serves people — not the other way around.

Big ideas at Africa Tech Week 2026!

Tebogo Leshope shared a powerful message:
Digital infrastructure isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential for everyday life.

From connecting communities to enabling economic growth, the need for faster, more affordable, and more inclusive internet has never been greater.

Sentech is stepping up by:
📡 Expanding 5G into underserved areas
🌐 Rolling out more community Wi-Fi hotspots
💻 Strengthening local data centres
📺 Digitising community media

But there’s still work to do — especially around affordability, access to devices, and digital skills.

“Without digital infrastructure, economies cannot thrive and citizens cannot fully participate.”

“Let’s move from ambition to ex*****on — and from ex*****on to real impact.”