
Tech with purpose, progress with impact: Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 set to drive the digital future
As anticipation builds for the country's leading technology gathering, Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025 is gearing up to be more thought-provoking, future-focused, and solution-driven than ever before.
With just weeks to go, the event is set to bring together tech pioneers, global investors, policymakers, and digital disruptors under one roof, setting the stage for critical conversations and innovative demonstrations that will define Africa's digital transformation journey.
Among this year's not-to-be-missed highlights:
1. Panel Discussion: Gamified Learning: Transforming Skills Development for a Future-Ready Workforce
Panellists:
- Akhil Boddu, co-founder and COO, Zaio Institute of Technology
- Ajen Mothee, head of Innovation, Old Mutual: Personal Finance
- Kobus Louw, founder and CEO, Digemy
Education meets innovation in this session on game-based learning. Explore how gamification is equipping Africa's future workforce with the digital and cognitive skills needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy.
2. Fireside Chat: The Death Of Vanilla Marketing
Speaker: Yaw Dwomoh, CEO, The Adhive Group
Forget one-size-fits-all campaigns. This high-impact session explores the rise of hyper-targeted, insight-led marketing strategies that deliver real results. Learn how The Hive is breaking away from bland and embracing meaningful engagement in the digital age.
3. Panel Discussion: Global Alliances, Local Impact: Strengthening Africa's Digital Economy Through Strategic Partnerships
Panellists:
- Ian Merrington, Group CEO, UVU
- Tim Mitchell, Digital Transformation and CX leader, Cadena Growth Partners
- Maha Jouini, VP, Agence Francophone et Africaine de l'Intelligence (AFRIA)
- Lavina Ramkissoon, advisor to The African Union and founder of hu da ta
A deep dive into how international partnerships are fuelling Africa's tech advancement, this panel uncovers the power of cross-border collaboration in building inclusive, sustainable digital economies.
4. Tech Demo: The State of Solar in 2025 – Why AI is Driving Solar Change
Speakers:
- Andrew Middleton, CEO, GoSolr
- Dr Patrick Narbel, CTO, GoSolr
GoSolr unveils The Brain, an AI-powered solar device that's reshaping energy independence in South Africa. From auto-adaptive systems to real-time efficiency, discover how AI is lighting the way to a smarter, more resilient energy future.
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For example, Nigeria's midstream sector prior to the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) faced significant bottlenecks due to the absence of a clear regulatory framework, particularly regarding third-party access and tariff setting for pipeline infrastructure. These issues led to investor reluctance and underinvestment, which were only addressed after the establishment of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Nigeria Petroleum Industry Act, 2021). Lessons from Other Oil-Producing Countries Namibia can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully developed midstream infrastructure through effective regulation. Norway, for example, has established a robust midstream legal framework that ensures state participation in pipelines and refineries while promoting private investment.[3] Ghana has a dedicated Petroleum Midstream Regulatory Authority that oversees infrastructure development and ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards. Similarly, Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act (2021) introduced the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which provides clear guidelines on pipeline ownership and operations. The Role of Key Stakeholders in Strengthening Namibia's Legal Framework To unlock the full potential of the midstream sector, coordinated action is required among various stakeholders: Government Ministries and Regulators: Responsible for drafting legislation, setting environmental and safety standards, and issuing licenses. Private Sector and Investors: Bring in capital and technical expertise, while also needing legal certainty to invest confidently. State-Owned Entities: Can serve as infrastructure operators and strategic partners in public-private partnerships. Civil Society and Communities: Essential for ensuring environmental accountability and social license to operate. Legal Advisory Firms: Provide technical assistance in drafting laws, structuring transactions, and navigating policy reform. Strengthening Namibia's Midstream Legal Framework To address the existing gaps, Namibia must develop a comprehensive legal framework that clearly defines the governance of midstream activities. A dedicated Midstream Act would be a crucial first step, providing legal certainty on pipeline infrastructure, refineries, storage, and transportation. Encouraging public-private partnerships can drive midstream development while ensuring local participation. Establishing an independent regulatory authority will help enhance transparency, streamline approvals, and enforce compliance. Additionally, Namibia should implement policies that prioritize local employment and skills transfer, ensuring that midstream investors contribute to national workforce development. Environmental and safety standards must also be strengthened to mitigate risks associated with pipeline integrity, spill prevention, and emergency response. To further attract investors, tax breaks, duty exemptions, and streamlined licensing processes should be introduced to make Namibia a more competitive destination for midstream infrastructure development. Conclusion For Namibia to fully capitalize on its oil discoveries, it must establish a strong midstream legal framework that facilitates the efficient transportation, storage, and processing of petroleum resources. Without this, the country risks losing significant economic value and remaining dependent on crude exports. By adopting best practices from other oil-producing nations and implementing strategic legal reforms, Namibia can create a thriving midstream sector that benefits both investors and citizens alike. 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