Dell Technologies Forum Johannesburg Addresses Scaling AI and Infrastructure Modernisation

Dell Technologies is hosting its Forum at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Johannesburg on 3 November 2026, to convene business and technology leaders focused on scaling AI, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing digital resilience. The event aims to help organisations in South Africa and the region address critical technology decisions as AI transitions from an experimental technology to a strategic business driver.

Focus on AI, Infrastructure and Data Governance

Speakers from Dell Technologies will present on developing infrastructure capable of supporting AI and data-intensive workloads securely and responsibly. The programme includes live demonstrations and peer engagement.

The forum will examine:

• Scaling AI securely and effectively across organisations
• Building resilient, low-complexity infrastructure aligned to business outcomes
• Pursuing sovereign AI strategies that address South Africa’s data sovereignty, privacy, and compliance requirements
• Deploying AI-ready workplaces with intelligent devices to enhance productivity and security
• Embedding cyber resilience, including data protection and governance, from the infrastructure level upwards

Implications for South African Industry

According to IDC forecasts cited by Dell Technologies, AI spending in EMEA is expected to reach US$319 billion in 2026, growing more than three times faster than overall IT expenditure. This is driving rapid shifts in infrastructure investments and strategic priorities across industries in South Africa.

Habib Mahakian, Vice President for Southern and sub-Saharan Africa at Dell Technologies, emphasised that South African organisations are moving beyond exploration of AI potential. Instead, they are prioritising readiness across infrastructure, devices, security, and governance to scale AI effectively.

The Forum’s timing reflects an increased focus on sovereign AI and trusted data as regulatory and privacy considerations shape technology strategies locally.

Organisations attending can expect insight into practical measures to modernise infrastructure while reducing complexity, with an emphasis on sustaining long-term business value through trusted and resilient AI-enabled environments.

Future developments to watch include how these discussions translate into concrete adoption of sovereign AI architectures and cyber resilience frameworks adapted to the South African context.