Key Themes & Discussion Tracks
Emerging Tech & Regulation
Explore how AI, metaverse, and data-driven tools can evolve safely under effective governance.
New Regulatory Tools & Approaches
Introduce smarter oversight frameworks, including Online Risk Assessments and harm-detection methodologies.
Data Safety & Trust
Strengthen accountability for personal-data protection and transparent platform behavior.
Building a Trusted Marketplace
Tackle fraud, misinformation, and harmful content to make online transactions safe and reliable.
Day 1 — Monday, 23 November 2026
Day Facilitator: Jeremy Maggs (Media Specialist)
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:30 | Networking Registration and Networking | — |
| 08:30–08:45 | Opening Address Into Africa’s Baobab Marketplace: Regulatory Disruptions on the Horizon and Managing Online Safety Risks | Mashilo Boloka — CEO, OS Lab |
| 08:45–09:05 | Speaker A Message of Support: Inside the (South) African Marketplace — Bubbling Risks: The 2026 Risk Report | Sanjay Bhana — Board Member & 2nd VP, IRMSA |
| 09:05–09:45 | Keynote Dialogue Theme – Into the Horizon – Marketplace Risk in Africa: Trends and Disruptions | Lincoln Mali — President, ASAPP |
| 09:45–10:05 | Conversation with the CEO The South African Digital Marketplace and the Uneven Playing Field | Alastair Tempest — CEO, Ecommerce Forum South Africa |
| 10:05–10:35 | Panel Navigating Emerging Regulatory Risks in Africa: Regulatory Landscape, Safety, Compliance and Cross-Border Issues | Emmah Monyanga — Technical Specialist, NRCS Kamogelo Khanye — Head of Support Services, SABS / CIPC Tsundzukani Maluleke — Senior Risk & Compliance Specialist, Multichoice Group |
| 10:35–10:55 | Tea Break | |
| 10:55–12:25 | Panel Navigating the Regulatory Horizon: Strengthening Governance to Manage Emerging Marketplace Risk | Yoliswa Makhasi — Researcher, Public Service Reform Programme, New South Institute Thabana Mahlo — Manager: Policy Assurance and Governance, ACSA Lunga Dweba — Director, GeoIntelligence |
| 12:25–12:45 | Speaker The complexities of Fraud scams in the African Marketplace | Emmanual Adinkrah — GISF (Ghana) |
| 12:45–13:30 | Lunch Break Lunch and Networking | |
| 13:30–13:50 | Speaker Theme: Understanding Africa’s Marketplace — Emerging Risks | Patrick Le Roux — Founder, Venture Labs |
| 13:50–14:10 | Speaker Theme: Trends in Consumer Complaints | Avitha Nofal — Head of Regulation and Oversight at the Ombud Council |
| 14:10–14:40 | Panel Trust & Safety: Trends in Consumer Complaints, Empowerment, Education and Complaints Handling Mechanisms | Prudence Moilwa — Executive Head: Complaints & Investigations, National Consumer Commission Riana Botes — (OS Lab) Avitha Nofal — Head of Regulation and Oversight at the Ombud Council Lesego Sibilanga — (OMBUD) |
| 14:40–15:00 | Speaker The state of play of fintechs in the marketplace: Emerging issues | Elizabeth Ogunseye — Co-founder, The FintechAfrica (Nigeria) |
| 15:00–15:20 | Speaker The Legal Non-Negotiables: Governance, Compliance and Crisis Readiness for Marketplace SMEs | Mzuzukile Soni — The StartUp Legal |
| 15:20–15:40 | Tea Break | |
| 15:40–16:10 | Panel Theme: Building Trusted Marketplace Platforms in Africa — Lessons and Non-Negotiables for Small Enterprises and New Entrants | Katekani Baloyi Vuyo Tofile — Tech entrepreneur and SME development specialist Risuna Maluleka — Group Chief Executive Officer of Flexi Group of Financial Services Mzuzukile Soni — The StartUp Legal |
| 16:10–16:30 | Speaker AI in the Marketplace | Avril Peterson |
| 16:30–16:50 | Speaker Into the Horizon: Africa’s Marketplace Outlook and the Future | Ben April — Deloitte / KPMG |
| 16:50–17:00 | Close of Day Closing Remarks | Mashilo Boloka — CEO, OS Lab |
Day 2 — Tuesday, 24 November 2026
Bootcamp Day
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–09:00 | Registration Registration and Networking | — |
| 09:00–09:45 | Opening Opening Address | Mashilo Boloka — CEO, OS Lab |
| 09:45–10:00 | Tea Break | |
| 10:00–13:00 | Parallel Bootcamp Session — Part I The Legal Non-Negotiables: Governance, Compliance and Crisis Readiness for Marketplace SMEs | Mzuzukile Soni — The StartUp Legal |
| Part II Marketplace Risk Assessment Framework Workshop | Christopher Palm | |
| 13:10–14:00 | Lunch Break Lunch and Networking |