TLDR: The University of Johannesburg (UJ) played a pivotal role at the inaugural CNBC Africa Artificial Intelligence Summit on August 14, 2025, in Johannesburg. Three prominent UJ academics, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, contributed to discussions on AI’s transformative impact, regulatory landscapes, and its role in education and industry, showcasing UJ’s leadership in shaping Africa’s AI future.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) made a significant impact at the inaugural CNBC Africa Artificial Intelligence Summit, held on August 14, 2025, at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg. The summit convened over 300 industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers to delve into AI’s transformative role across Africa’s key sectors. UJ was prominently represented by three distinguished academics: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi; Associate Professor Kat Yassim from the Department of Education Leadership and Management; and Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara, Director of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge (IFK). Their collective presence underscored UJ’s commitment to leading Africa’s AI future through excellence in research, policy influence, and educational innovation.
The summit commenced with a keynote address by H.E. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who emphasized the critical need for collaboration among government, academia, and industry. This collaboration, he stated, is essential to ensure AI drives inclusive economic growth while upholding ethical standards, privacy, and digital rights. His remarks set a forward-looking tone for the day’s discussions, which focused on practical strategies and debates.
Professor Mpedi participated in a high-profile televised fireside chat with CNBC Africa’s Editor-in-Chief, Godfrey Mutizwa, titled ‘The AI Regulatory Landscape: Balancing Innovation and Compliance.’ Professor Mpedi addressed the complexities of fostering innovation while establishing robust ethical and legal frameworks. He stressed the importance of empowering regulators and policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of AI’s challenges to achieve meaningful progress. His contribution positioned UJ as a key voice in national and continental policy discourse on AI governance.
Associate Professor Yassim contributed to the ‘AI in Education: Personalised Learning and Future-Ready Skills’ panel. She highlighted UJ’s proactive approach to integrating AI tools into teaching and learning, from classroom applications to lifelong learning pathways, noting that many universities have taken a more conservative stance compared to UJ. Professor Mutambara, from the Institute for the Future of Knowledge, also contributed to discussions on AI’s broader societal implications.
Further showcasing UJ’s innovative spirit, Michael Phalane, a Robotics Technician at the University, discussed ‘Sport,’ a robotic dog developed by Boston Dynamics and utilized at UJ. Sport is primarily used for AI and robotics research, particularly in mine exploration at a mock mine on the Joenfontein campus. Phalane explained that Sport’s enhanced sensory capabilities allow it to capture detailed pictures and videos in challenging terrains, providing vital data for researchers. He also humorously remarked on the potential for AI to disrupt traditional job markets, stating, ‘I can tell you that I’m scared of Sport because I think Sport is going to go down the mine and begin mining, and then we won’t have any mining jobs.’
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UJ’s participation in the summit reflects its strategic vision to be at the forefront of both African and global debates on AI’s ethical, practical, and societal applications. By contributing expertise in regulation, education, and infrastructure, the University is actively shaping a future where AI serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and positive societal impact. As AI continues to transform economies and communities, UJ’s academics are not merely adapting to change but actively leading it.
