Johannesburg – As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries at breakneck speed, South African businesses face mounting pressure to define clear AI strategies and demonstrate measurable impact. The ITWeb AI Summit 2026 aims to address these challenges head-on, providing practical guidance for organizations navigating the country’s evolving AI landscape.
Set to take place on 22 April 2026 at The Forum in Bryanston, Johannesburg, the summit operates under the theme “Building South Africa’s AI ecosystem, together” – a call for collaborative action among businesses, policymakers, and technology providers.
From Theory to Practice
The event will move beyond theoretical discussions to explore how organizations can transform into intelligent, future-focused enterprises through practical AI applications. ITWeb events director Lisa Lawlor emphasized the rapid transformation underway, noting that AI technologies are “posing challenges but also offering huge potential to drive economic growth”.
Unlike many technology conferences that focus on abstract concepts, the summit takes a case study-driven approach. The agenda will highlight challenges faced by South African businesses in their AI adoption journey and the strategies they’re using to overcome them.
Critical Issues on the Agenda
The summit will tackle pressing concerns that extend far beyond simple technology implementation. Topics include the role of governments and policymakers, sovereignty, AI factories, human-versus-machine dynamics, cyber security impact, AI governance, and ethical and responsible AI.
These themes reflect the complex reality facing South African enterprises as they attempt to balance innovation with responsibility, efficiency with employment concerns, and global best practices with local economic realities.
Groundbreaking Local Research
In a significant development for understanding South Africa’s AI maturity, ITWeb will conduct a local AI adoption and implementation survey targeting the country’s technology strategy decision-makers, launching in early 2026.
The findings will form ITWeb’s first AI adoption research report, to be revealed at the summit. This data-driven approach promises to provide unprecedented insight into where South African businesses currently stand in their AI journeys and the obstacles they face.
Opportunities for Engagement
The summit represents more than just a learning opportunity. For solution providers, it offers a chance to engage directly with C-level executives and decision-makers seeking trusted AI partners. Sponsors can showcase technologies and services while contributing to the broader conversation about South Africa’s AI future.
Speakers with AI success stories, innovative use cases, or practical strategies are invited to submit proposals, with a deadline of 16 January 2026.
A Critical Moment for South African Business
The timing of the summit reflects a pivotal moment for South African enterprises. As international competitors accelerate their AI adoption, local businesses must move quickly to avoid falling behind. Yet rushing into AI without proper strategy, governance, and understanding of local context could prove equally damaging.
The summit aims to offer expert insights, real-world case studies, and practical guidance on building a sustainable AI ecosystem that reflects South Africa’s business and economic realities. This localized focus distinguishes it from generic AI conferences that may not address the unique challenges facing African businesses.
For organizations at any stage of their AI journey – from those just beginning to explore possibilities to those already implementing advanced solutions – the ITWeb AI Summit 2026 promises to be an essential gathering for shaping South Africa’s intelligent enterprise future.
For more information on attendance, contact Lindiwe Sibeko at lindiwe@itweb.co.za. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Debbie Visser at debbiev@itweb.co.za. Speaker proposals should be sent to Ntando Sibanda at ntando@itweb.co.za by 16 January 2026.
