A roundtable discussion with eight C-level speakers sharing insights, experience and knowledge on ‘Exploring the transformative impact of technology on the African continent’
10am
Arrival and Networking
10.30am - 12pm
Discussion
12pm - 2pm
Lunch and Networking
Lynchpin Media - Chief Content Officer
Lynchpin Media - Chief Content Officer
Jess began her career in B2C news journalism before joining Lynchpin Media as Editor of B2B technology titles Intelligent CISO and Intelligent Data Centres. She went on to launch the company’s Strategic Content division, collaborating with clients to produce impactful content, from engaging video interviews to insightful research reports. In June 2024, Jess took on the role of Chief Content Officer in which she oversees the company’s wider content division and provides strategic direction to the team.
(C-CIO SA) - Strategy & Leadership - University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Stanley Mpofu (C-CIO SA) has been the Chief Information Officer at the University of the Witwatersrand since 2017, where he has led the university’s digital transformation agenda and championed digital equity in higher education.
As a Certified Chartered CIO (C-CIO SA), his leadership has been pivotal in initiatives like the ” Smart Classroom ” project, which supported the university’s blended learning objectives and played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted online education. Additionally, he collaborated with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Tertiary Education & Research Network of South Africa (TENET) to expand eduroam to public airports across South Africa and partnered with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to extend eduroam connectivity to 36 public libraries, benefiting not only Wits students and staff but also students and staff from all 26 public universities in South Africa, thereby bridging the digital divide for those without home internet access.
Under his guidance, Wits University implemented transformative projects such as the Automation of Thesis Submission, the Integrated Workplace Management System, and the Hospital Connectivity Project, aligning operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Mpofu’s innovative and strategic leadership continues to drive excellence, modernize operations, and enhance accessibility within higher education.
(C-CIO SA) - Strategy & Leadership - University of the Witwatersrand
Manager - Cyber Defense - MTN Group South Africa
Manager - Cyber Defense - MTN Group South Africa
Anathi is a standout cybersecurity leader currently serving as the Group Manager – Cyber Defence at MTN Group FINTECH, overseeing cyber defence operations across 13 countries. Additionally, they hold the role of Acting Lead Information Security Officer at MTN Zambia, where they have been instrumental in driving information security strategy and risk reduction. With a strong background in Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity Architecture, IT Risk Management, and Technical Project Management, Anathi has made significant contributions toward minimizing technology and cyber risks, enhancing governance and compliance, and ensuring critical security controls are in place to prevent data breaches and operational disruptions.
Anathi is recognized for enabling secure business growth by aligning cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives. Their leadership has played a key role in maintaining business continuity, mitigating reputational and financial risk, and fostering a culture of security awareness across diverse teams.
Currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the Quantic School of Business and Technology, Anathi combines strategic thinking with deep technical expertise. They are also the founder and non-executive director of Komofin, a fintech startup that reflects their passion for innovation and financial inclusion. Through dedication, vision, and impact, Anathi exemplifies what it means to be a champion for secure, scalable, and sustainable digital transformation.
Acting ICT Manager: Planning and Governance - WITS University
Zethu Lubisi has been the Acting ICT Service Delivery Manager of planning and Governance at
Wits University since February 2024; responsible for ICT strategy formulation and execution,
developing business capability roadmaps, overseeing quality assurance of the CIO’s reports, as
well as monitoring emerging educational technology trends.
She was the Senior Learning Technologist at Wits University from December 2018 to January
2024, supporting and recommending improvements for LMS and training postgraduate students
on the use of LMS. Additionally, she has served as the Residence Warden at an all-female
residence since February 2021, coordinating student development programs.
Since 2022, she has been serving as a board member of the Board of Residence at Wits
University.
Previously, she worked as an Academic Developer at North-West University in 2018, where she
supported technology-enhanced learning.
Her educational background includes being a PhD Candidate in Information Systems, holding a
Master’s in Information Systems, Honours in Business Informatics and a Post Graduate Certificate
in Education from Unisa and a Bachelor of Information Technology from the University of Zululand.
Her research interests focus on technology in learning and teaching, LMS usability, social
presence, online interaction, student engagement, and current research on women’s ICT
employees’ perceptions of the hybrid working model in South Africa.
She has published a chapter in “Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Issues and
Challenges in an African Context” titled “Factors Affecting Online Learning for South African
University Students: Social Presence, Digital Skills, and Digital Competence.
In 2025, she was named one of the 100 Influential Women in Tech and was a finalist for the
Tech Innovator and Top Tech Student awards by Brainstorm Wired4Women.
Acting ICT Manager: Planning and Governance - WITS University
Executive Head: Information Technology - MAST
Executive Head: Information Technology - MAST
Trishen Moodley is an accomplished technology executive with a strong track record of leading digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence across the telecommunications and technology sectors.
Currently Executive Head of IT at Mast Services Africa, a Vodacom Group company, Trishen is responsible for defining and delivering the IT strategy that is positioning Mast as the “TowerCo of the Future.” He has played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s digital and operational foundation, enabling future growth and resilience.
Prior to joining Mast, Trishen held senior leadership roles at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, where he drove large-scale technology modernisation, customer platform innovation, and digital enablement initiatives across multiple African markets. His earlier career includes key roles at Accenture, IBM (supporting MTN), and Cell C, where he built deep expertise in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Recognised for his leadership and impact, Trishen was named AfricaTech CIO Leader of the Year and was a finalist for Top Empowerment Young Achiever of the Year.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and completed his Executive MBA at UCT’s Graduate School of Business with distinction.
Known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to execution excellence, Trishen is passionate about using technology to unlock new opportunities for businesses, communities, and economies across Africa.
Director for Digital Transformation - National School of Government (NSG)
Dr Makaziwe Makamba is the Director for Digital Transformation at the National School of Government (NSG) in South Africa. She previously served as a 4IR Research Expert in Computer Science at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), where she contributed to various programmes focused on governance, policy, and emerging technologies for socio-economic development. She has also worked as a senior researcher at the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), South Africa.
Dr Makamba was part of the member states that contributed to the draft recommendations on the ethics of AI for UNESCO. She has been invited by UNESCO to speak at events on AI capacity building, digital transformation for civil servants, and ethical AI use. She has contributed to various AI initiatives across Southern Africa and globally, exploring AI’s societal and economic benefits, as well as its risks.
She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA), a Master’s in Computer Science, and both Bachelor of Science and BSc Honours degrees from the University of Fort Hare. Her interests include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, E-services, IoT, System Integration, and ICT4D.
Dr Makamba is the founder and Executive Director of Rise Science, an NPO focused on educating underserved youth about technology. She was named one of South Africa’s Inspiring Fifty in 2020 and was nominated for the Women in Tech Global Excellence Awards in the Rising Star of the Year category. She has received a Top 50 Digital Transformation Tech Leaders award (March 2025) and serves on various boards and international conference committees.
She was recently invited by the U.S. Department of State and the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center to contribute to OECD AI governance discussions in Paris and Cape Town. Her passion lies in using technology to solve socio-economic challenges.
Director for Digital Transformation - National School of Government (NSG)
CTO - Merchant Capital
CTO - Merchant Capital
After completing his Masters in Electrical Engineering, Dave moved into the FinTech space and has spent most of the last 25 years building and running products for SMEs. His work in healthcare invoicing, payments and lending has focused on using technology to make business quicker, cheaper and easier.
Dave has reduced payment times for doctors, lowered card payment costs for SMEs and simplified access to financing. At present, Dave is the CTO for Merchant Capital, where he focuses on optimising processes and designing products.
CIO - MasterCard Foundation
Two decades ago, Jeniffer stepped into the world of technology—a space where few women held the room, let alone the strategy. Instead of waiting for a seat at the table, she built her own.
Now, with 26 years of experience, she has led game-changing transformations, worked alongside global tech leaders and shaped strategies that drive innovation at scale. Beyond the boardrooms and executive decisions, her greatest passion is opening doors for others. A fierce advocate for women in tech, Jeniffer believes that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the future of innovation. Through mentorship, leadership and bold action, she has dedicated her career to lifting as she climbs, ensuring more women have the opportunities she once had to fight for.
CIO - MasterCard Foundation