HPE Innovation Day
Beyond the Hype. Reimagining AI for Africa's Unique Challenges and Opportunities.
Date: 16 April 2025
Time: 08:00 (GMT+2)
Duration: 6 hours
Practical AI in a South African context
HPE Innovation Day
Join us for this Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Innovation Day tailored specifically for IT leaders and learn how to build the core pillars of a next generation AI technology strategy in an African context.
The global narrative around AI often paints a picture of boundless potential, driven by massive investments and rapid technological advancements.
However, this narrative often overlooks the unique challenges and opportunities presented by developing digital economies, particularly in Africa.
While other nations race to deploy AI across every sector, many critical questions remain unanswered: What is the true ROI of AI projects outside of a narrow set of use cases? How do we prevent AI from exacerbating existing inequalities and creating a new form of digital divide? And how can we ensure that AI solutions are truly relevant to the specific needs and contexts of diverse communities?
South Africa stands at a critical juncture. We have a unique opportunity to observe the global rush into AI, learning from both the successes and, more crucially, the failures. Blindly following the lead of more digitally mature nations risks repeating their costly mistakes – economically, environmentally, and socially.
This Hewlett Packard Enterprise Innovation Day will challenge the status quo, moving beyond the hype to explore how we can build a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem in Africa by taking a more considered, strategic approach.
Our experts will delve into the critical need for strengthened digital infrastructure, enhanced digital literacy, and responsible data governance. We will also showcase practical applications and solutions for key sectors, demonstrating how targeted AI initiatives can address pressing local challenges.
This event isn't just about identifying problems; it's about forging solutions by learning from global experience. HPE is investing in the future of African innovation. This is a chance to learn with us and become a true partner in building a more equitable and technologically advanced future.
Why should you attend?
Gain actionable insights to drive AI transformation in your organisation.
Deep dive into AI ROI, use cases and potential risks.
Get access to expert-led sessions where you can gain insights from HPE thought leaders, customers, and industry experts.
Enjoy exclusive networking opportunities at the stylish The Forum at Hyde Park, where you can connect with peers and explore collaborative opportunities.
Who should attend?
If you are a business or IT leader, this event is for you! Including:
CIOs, CTOs, CEOs, IT managers, LOB decision makers
Agenda
Welcome from the MC
Arthur Goldstuck, Author: "The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI". Founder and CEO of World Wide Worx, author, speaker, trainer. Regular columnist for major newspapers and magazines
Accelerating AI Adoption across your business
John Carter, Vice President, Server Product, Quality, and Technical Pursuit, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept - it's a business imperative. Organizations that successfully integrate AI into their operations gain a competitive edge through improved efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and innovative customer experience.
Accelerating AI adoption requires a strategic vision, the right technology partner, skilled talent, and a culture of innovation. By addressing key challenges and systematically integrating AI into business operations, organizations can unlock new efficiencies, improve decision making, and drive sustainable growth in the AI powered era.
Join us for an exclusive session to discover how HPE is enabling organizations to accelerate their AI adoption strategies.
Customer Opinion Panel
Arthur Goldstuck, Author: "The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI". Founder and CEO of World Wide Worx, author, speaker, trainer. Regular columnist for major newspapers and magazines
John Carter, Vice President, Server Product, Quality, and Technical Pursuit, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Johan Steyn, Human-Centered AI Advocate. Professional speaker. AI & Automation consultant
Warren Hero, Head of Segment, Product, and Process, South African Revenue Services
Bramley Maetsa, Digital Innovation Enablement Lead, Sasol
Francois Swanepoel, IT Operations Manager | Cyber Security | ITSM | Infrastructure, King Price
Cohesity, AI powered data security and protection
Cohesity, a leader in AI-powered data security and protection, enhances your organisation's resilience while delivering generative AI insights across vast data landscapes. As enterprises seek performance and control over their AI solutions, the combination of Cohesity Gaia and HPE servers offers a powerful, integrated solution. This partnership empowers organisations to effectively manage unstructured data growth, reduce costs and complexity, and unlock valuable insights—all within secure, robust environments.
This session will cover:
- AI-Powered Data Security and Protection: Strengthening organisational resilience while delivering generative AI insights across vast datasets.
- Integrated Solution for Data Management: Leveraging the combination of Cohesity Gaia and HPE servers to efficiently manage unstructured data growth, reduce costs, and simplify operations.
- Unlocking New Insights in Secure Environments: Enabling enterprises to gain valuable insights while maintaining a secure and controlled data environment.
AI-powered networking that puts security first
Mandy Duncan, Aruba Country Manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
With security-first, AI-powered networking from HPE Aruba Networking, your network becomes a security solution with AI-automated operations that ensure you can innovate with the least possible risk. Deliver the high performance and uninterrupted access your business demands while ensuring the highest security. Attend this interactive session to understand more.
Management in a hybrid world with AI-infused observability
Saleh Al-Nemer, UKIMEA Enterprise Architect, Distinguished Technologist, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
As businesses continue to embrace hybrid IT environments – spanning on-premises infrastructure, cloud platforms, and edge computing – managing complex distributed systems has become increasingly challenging.
Furthermore, managing a hybrid IT environment requires more than traditional monitoring – it demands AI-infused observability. By combining deep visibility with intelligent automation, business can proactively manage IT operations, enhance system reliability, and optimize cost.
Join us for an exclusive session to unlock the future of virtualisation, revolutionising the management of hybrid environments from edge to cloud, and unlock the key to a resilient cloud strategy by rebalancing resources, boosting resilience and optimising investments.
Wrap-up and close
Arthur Goldstuck, Author: "The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI". Founder and CEO of World Wide Worx, author, speaker, trainer. Regular columnist for major newspapers and magazines
Venue
The Forum Hyde Park, Sandton Johannesburg
Hyde Park Shopping Centre
Cnr Jan Smuts Ave & William Nicol Dr
6th Rd, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
+ 27 11 575 3888
The Forum Hyde Park is conveniently located on the 7th floor of Hyde Park Shopping Centre in Johannesburg and neighbour to The Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel, Sandton. Parking is located within Hyde Park Shopping Centre.
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