Back in 2017 we identified there were no business focused AI events or 4IR trade publications in Africa.  Many events were either deeply technical, exclusive or just simply beyond the reach of most non-technical people because of cost, knowledge, travel or societal constraints. This lead to the creation of the AI Media Group based in South Africa who launched AI Expo Africa,  Synapse Magazine & AI TV back in 2018.  The event model we created was a massive success and helped us identify some of the key challenges and needs of the 4IR community in Africa.

Over the last 6 editions we have showcased; 402 exhibitors, 422 speakers, 3319 companies and 7540 delegates have joined us & reported high satisfaction scores for both content, admin and value from the AI Expo Africa event series. In 2022 we then went on to launch the first comprehensive analysis of the African AI landscape with the publication of “The State of AI in Africa Report“.

We also believe the tech media industry is changing and traditional event model is broken. All stakeholders want value from events beyond the “selling space model” and “pay-to-play” news models of old. We are leveraging new formats and platforms to communicate the business opportunity in the African AI IA & 4IR landscape for entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and corporates. We make our content accessible across the whole of Africa by removing price barriers to content and sharing the fastest growing business opportunity across the continent via our channels, events and publications.

Our vision to “Create an AI Powered Future for Africa” is centred on growing 4IR trade and innovation in Africa which aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9 & 17.  We have also established a partnership with the ITU, Geneva around the AI for Good Movement to propel Africa more centrally into the mainstream global AI narrative.  You can learn more about the UN SDGs we align with here.

The AI Expo Africa vision aligns with UN SDGs 8, 9 & 17

AI Media PTY Ltd was founded in 2017 by Dr Nick Bradshaw a 25 year tech veteran now based in South Africa. Nick hails from the world of Enterprise collaboration software & cloud platforms and has worked in Europe, North America & Africa with a diverse set of Multi $bn global clients. Prior to building AI Media, Nick created a successful South African Microsoft Gold software business (Complexus), has advised multiple tech start-ups and clients on a range of technology based transformation projects and is now 100% focused on growing the 4IR trade community in Africa.

“We fundamentally believe that artificial intelligence and related 4IR technologies will play a significant role in commerce and society at both a local, national and global level in the coming decades. Our mission and community are focused on harnessing this opportunity and making it available to all.  We hope you can join us on this journey” 

Nick is supported by Mia Muylaert who heads up Sales and Event Management. Prior to her new role Mia was a function co-ordinator at one of Cape Town’s busiest food and beverage operations. She comes with extensive experience the advertising and events industry, having worked as a production manager for AdMakers International for close to five years.

Harris Kubjane joins us as our Research and Community Manager having come from the NGO and volunteer sector where he was the National Director at AIESEC. Harris looks after our research database and community programme ensuring that our insights are kept up-to-date and engagement with our partners is maintained.