The annual Africa-focused ICT and telecommunications event, AfricaCom, will this year feature a new zoned exhibition area – the AfricaTech Centre Stage – dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, FinTech, cloud, data and security, and cutting-edge content.

AfricaCom 2019 is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 12 – 14 November.

According to organisers, the AfricaTech Centre Stage will explore the intersection of technology innovation and enterprise digital transformation and will provide attendees with a series of free talks, presentations and discussions around what is required to secure Africa's place on the future world stage.

The focus will be on 4IR and related tech strategies around blockchain, AI, IT trends and investment priorities.

Topics open for discussion include data driven farming, how technology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, mining, finance and banking, as well as the effective leadership required.

AfricaTech Centre Stage will also scrutinise themes including what will the future of work actually look like and how can digital transformation be translated into economic prosperity? How can enterprises futureproof their survival – what indeed, will businesses look like in two, five and ten years' time and how can enterprises revitalise and reshape the workplace as an energetic and inclusive environment?

"Security is always a hot topic when it comes to operating in today's digital world. Cyber security, data privacy and lessons derived from data breaches, will also come under the spotlight. The final day of the AfricaTech Centre Stage talks will posit the need for disruptive mindsets to take full advantage of the technology at our fingertips. It is not enough just to have the tools, it's what to do with them that matters. And, it must matter. In an age where digital has the ability to close the inequality gap, how technology is applied will make the difference. Pertinent talks on the subject include: Innovate or Die and how to use innovation to combat Africa's challenges. Disrupt or be Disrupted, as well as a panel discussion on putting Africa's IOT plan into action and immersive experiences that will explore the use of AR and VR in the enterprise context are also on offer," reads a statement from the organisers.

Speakers in the spotlight at AfricaTech Centre Stage include:

· Prof. Brian Armstrong, Chair of Digital Business, Wits Business School

· Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Chairman of the Blockchain and Artificial intelligence Taskforce, Government of Kenya,

· Tebogo Nakampe, Co-Founder & CEO, ABI

· Adrian Ho, Practice Leader, Enterprise Advanced Digital Services, Ovum

· Alex Granger, Think Shifter, Author, Co-Founder and Chief Purpose Officer, Twice Blue

· Dr. Nyankomo Marwa, Senior Lecturer in Econometrics and Development Finance, University of Stellenbosch Business School & Director of Policy Research and Planning, Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank

· Hon. Michael Onyango, Distributed Ledgers and Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, Ministry of ICT, Kenya

· Isabel dos Santos, Chair, Unitel

· Tony Parry, CEO, Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA)

· Seaparo Phala, CIO, Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa

· Dr. Kiru Pillay, Chief Director: Cybersecurity Operations, Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Government of South Africa

· Henry Denner, Information Technology Security Officer, Gautrain Management Agency

· Modibedi Oliphant, Group Chief Information & Digital Officer, Prostar Paints South Africa

· Henry Denner, Information Technology Security Officer, Gautrain Management Agency

· Seaparo Phala, CIO, Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa

· Mandla Magagul, Blockchain Consultant, Rand Merchant Bank

· Peter Greenwall, Creative Director, Innovation101

· Joseph Ndaba, Commissioner 4IR, Republic of South Africa, Founder and CEO, Mahikeng Innovation Hub