Cape Town to Host Africa Tech Festival 2025 as City Strengthens Position as Continent’s Innovation Hub
South Africa is preparing to host the 28th annual Africa Tech Festival from November 11 to 13, 2025 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre, as the continent accelerates its shift toward digital transformation.
The selection of Cape Town reflects its growing role as the centre of Africa’s technology ecosystem. The Western Cape, particularly the Cape Town–Stellenbosch tech corridor, now hosts more than 450 technology companies employing close to 40,000 professionals. The region is supported by a strong network of incubators, accelerators, training institutions and investors that continue to attract global interest.
Cape Town is home to more than 60 percent of South Africa’s startups and remains one of Africa’s most active destinations for venture capital investment. The city’s universities supply a steady stream of skilled graduates to the local tech sector, while robust digital infrastructure, a favourable business environment and an attractive lifestyle have made it a preferred base for both emerging tech firms and multinational players.
Strengthening digital infrastructure has also contributed to the city’s leadership. Investments in high-speed fibre, renewable energy expansion and innovation-focused development projects reflect how technology is supporting economic growth and social inclusion.
“Cape Town isn’t just where the Africa Tech Festival happens. The city embodies the collaboration and ingenuity that define Africa’s tech story. We look forward to welcoming the continent’s industry leaders and innovators to participate in conversations that elevate African tech on the global stage,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival.
Africa Tech Festival is one of Africa’s largest technology industry gatherings, showcasing innovation across key sectors including telecommunications, connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data centres, green ICT and digital media. The 2025 edition is expected to bring together over 15,000 participants, more than 300 exhibitors and over 450 speakers from around the world.
This year’s festival will integrate its four main programmes — AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite and The AI Summit Cape Town — to encourage dialogue that cuts across sectors and shared development priorities. Discussions will focus on how technology, policy, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence can work together to support inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
