Welcome

Hosted by the Government of South Africa through the Department of Science and Innovation and Supported by the European Commission (EC) and African Union Commission (AUC), IST-Africa 2023 (31 May - 02 June, Tshwane, South Africa) is the eighteenth in an annual series of Ministerial Level Technology Research Conferences. IEEE Society on Societal Implications of Technology (SSIT), IEEE South Africa Section and IEEE Africa Council are Technical Co-Sponsors.

IST-Africa Week 2023 will provide a world-class international forum to showcase existing technology-enabled Research, Innovation and ICT4D activities and capacity in Africa, Europe and other parts of the world. The Conference Programme combines strategic keynote presentations, a High-Level Roundtable, technical and policy papers, case studies and workshops. It also provides an opportunity to identify potential partners for future research cooperation under Horizon Europe.

The goals of the IST-Africa Conference Series are to

- Support Development of the Information Society and Knowledge Economy in Africa

- Promote International Research Innovation, and Policy Cooperation and Coordination

- Showcase African Research and Innovation Capacity

- Stimulate exploitation of research results by the public and private sectors

IST-Africa 2023 Programme

The IST-Africa 2023 Final Programme incorporates plenary sessions and 25 thematically focused sessions featuring presenters from the public, private, education, research and societal organisations from 25 countries. Thematic areas include: eHealth, Societal Implications of Technology, Next Generation Computing, Cyber Security, International Cooperation, Technology Enhanced Learning and Digital Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Block Chain, Environmental Sustainability and eAgriculture, Global Development, eGovernment, Content Technologies and ICT-enabled Entrepreneurship.

Plenary speakers include:

- Hon. Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, South Africa

- H.E. Sandra Kramer, Ambassador, EU Delegation, South Africa

- Lumkile Mondi, Wits University, South Africa

- Dr Mmboneni Muofhe: Deputy Director-General: Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa

- Mrs Nonkqubela Thathakahle Jordan-Dyani, Acting Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technology, South Africa

- Ms Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director, SARAO, South Africa

- Mr Ganesh Rasagam, Lead Private Sector Specialist, Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice, World Bank Group, South Africa

- Ms Lesley Donna Williams, CEO, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, South Africa

- Mr. Marius Engelbrecht, Senior Strategy Consultant, Huawei Southern Africa Region

- Nadege Hopman, Deputy Head of Regional Representation, Southern Africa & the Indian Ocean, European Investment Bank, South Africa

- Daan du Toit, Deputy Director General International Cooperation, Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa

- Michelle Constant, Chief Executive Officer, American Chamber of Commerce, South Africa

- Matsi Modise, Board Chair, TIA, South Africa

- Alistair Mokoena, Google Country Director, South Africa