It’s not global until it speaks local!
9 October | 39 Melrose Boulevard, JHB
Join us as we share case studies and lessons learnt across industries—from financial services to retail, showcasing how African innovation is shaping digital futures.
Speaker reveal
Coming soon...
Speaker reveal
Coming soon...
Speaker reveal
Coming soon...
2025 Speakers
We are flipping the script
XDC 2025 Theme
Designing digital futures: Rethinking global tech for the African context
At XDC 2025, African voices, culture and innovation take centre stage. We will explore how leading global technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality are reimagined for our local context to unlock solutions that make a difference for our communities.
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Learn from industry leaders
Our speakers are creatives, technologists and business innovators shaping Africa’s digital future. They will share practical insights on designing for intelligent systems, solving complex challenges, creating inclusive experiences and developing locally relevant solutions that inspire action and innovation.
Join the circle of innovators
Whether you're here to learn, connect, or inspire new ideas, this is where bold thinking meets real impact. Come meet other curious minds, soak up insights, be part of the conversations shaping the future of design and end the day with conversation and good food.
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Subash Sharma
Managing Executive: Digital,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Sivan Lapidus
Head of Design,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Kulani Emelda Hlungwane
Group Senior Manager:
Digital Experience, MTN
Rob Cowie
Senior Design Specialist,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Keynote speaker
Inez Patel
Experience Design Director,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Donald Mokgale
Managing Director,
MoyaApp
Alfi Oloo
Founder,
The Ordinary Group
Zeenat Hassim
Interim CIO: Digital Technology,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Muano Karidza
Senior Product Development Specialist: Credit Card,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Ayanda Mbonambi
Experience Design Lead,
Absa CIB
Jennifer Stuart
Principal Design Consultant,
Spot On Consulting
Jonelle Kuyler
Senior Manager: Customer Insights, Absa Personal and Private Banking
Yashoda Ram
Founder & CEO,
The Manifesto
Candice Bond
Product Manager: Customer Innovation, ShopriteX
Jade Willemse
Design Director,
Absa Africa Regional Operations
Hannah Gould
Experience Design Director,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Darren Bak
Head of Intelligent Data,
Synthesis Software Technologies
Brandon Fairweather
Strategy and Design Executive,
Synthesis Software Technologies
Nelri Venzke
Senior Design Director,
Absa Personal and Private Banking
Zaheera Ismail
Experience Design Director,
Absa Personal and Private Bank