Africa Tech Festival returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together government, technology companies, telecoms operators, infrastructure providers, enterprise leaders, startups and investors from across the continent and beyond

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With a little over two months to go, anticipation is building for the 29th edition of Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s longest running and most influential technology event. As the countdown continues, the programme is taking shape around some of the most pressing questions facing Africa’s digital economy, from AI and the infrastructure needed to support it, to cybersecurity, connectivity and the changing investment environment for African technology businesses.

Africa Tech Festival returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together government, technology companies, telecoms operators, infrastructure providers, enterprise leaders, startups and investors from across the continent and beyond.

“The questions facing Africa’s digital economy are becoming more interlinked, more complex and more urgent. It’s no longer simply about whether businesses will adopt AI, move to the cloud or invest in new infrastructure, but about how those decisions are made, who benefits from them and what needs to be in place for them to deliver sustainable growth,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival. “This year’s programme is designed to provide a platform for those conversations and give stakeholders a clearer view of the decisions, partnerships and investment priorities that will shape the next phase of Africa’s digital development.”

Artificial intelligence runs through much of the 2026 programme. A panel titled Beyond Adoption: What Will Make Africa an AI Producer, Not Just a Consumer? will examine what is required to build globally competitive AI capabilities in Africa. Sessions will explore the emergence of agentic AI in enterprise decision-making and how companies should prioritise investment across AI, cloud, data platforms and core systems as they modernise for growth.

That focus on capability extends to the infrastructure underpinning it. AI growth is inseparable from questions about data centres, cloud infrastructure and local compute capacity. The Next Wave of AI Infrastructure Growth panel will consider where new capacity should be built, the role of hyperscaler partnerships and the need for localised compute to meet data sovereignty requirements. Dedicated discussions will examine which African markets are attracting investment interest, how power availability and hyperscaler presence are shaping that interest, and how sovereignty, performance and cost are reshaping cloud architecture decisions.

Africa’s next phase of digital growth also depends on extending reliable connectivity while keeping digital businesses and services secure. The Telecoms & Connectivity programme will examine fibre investment, 4G and 5G deployment and the growing role of satellite technology in reaching underserved communities.

All of these conversations point to a maturing digital economy, where competitiveness depends as much on enabling environments as on ambition, and where practical groundwork, compute, capital, skills and partnerships will determine who benefits from Africa’s growth. This is what makes Africa Tech Festival such a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar: it is where these decisions are debated, tested and made, bringing together the people setting policy, developing infrastructure and allocating capital across the sector.

With just months to go, the excitement is building for three days of conversation, connection and insight into where Africa’s digital future is heading. Registration for Africa Tech Festival 2026 is now open.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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About Africa Tech Festival:
Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa’s digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa.

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SOURCE Africa Tech Festival

The article outlines key checking account features that can support everyday banking and long-term financial organization.

GREENVILLE, Texas, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should you look for in a checking account? A recent HelloNation article featuring insights from Financial Expert Brad Bailey, CEO of Red River Credit Union (RRCU), explores how consumers can evaluate account features that support everyday banking needs and financial organization.

The article explains that a checking account often serves as the foundation of daily money management. From receiving income and paying bills to making purchases and monitoring spending, the features attached to a checking account can influence how efficiently someone handles routine financial tasks. Because of this, the article encourages consumers to look beyond convenience alone and consider how an account fits their actual banking habits.

According to the article, one of the first steps in selecting a checking account is evaluating how money moves in and out of the account each month. Some consumers rely heavily on digital tools, while others prefer occasional branch visits. Understanding personal banking habits can help identify which features will provide the greatest value over time.

The HelloNation article notes that direct deposit remains one of the most important features for many account holders. A checking account that supports direct deposit can provide faster access to income while reducing the need to deposit paper checks. The article explains that automatic deposits may also make budgeting easier by creating a more consistent flow of funds into an account.

Another consideration discussed in the article is debit card access. Because many consumers use a debit card for purchases, bill payments, and daily expenses, reliable access to funds is essential. The article notes that understanding card features and transaction options can help account holders avoid inconvenience and maintain better awareness of available balances.

The article also examines the growing role of mobile banking in everyday financial management. Many consumers now use mobile banking to review account balances, transfer funds, monitor transactions, and deposit checks remotely. A checking account with strong mobile banking capabilities can make account management more convenient while helping users stay informed about spending activity throughout the month.

Fees are another area the article encourages consumers to review carefully. Different financial institutions may structure fees differently, including maintenance fees, overdraft charges, and other account-related costs. The article explains that reviewing fee disclosures before opening a checking account can help consumers better understand potential expenses and avoid surprises later.

ATM access is also highlighted as an important feature. Although many financial transactions occur digitally, access to cash remains necessary in certain situations. The article notes that a checking account with convenient ATM access can simplify withdrawals and help consumers avoid unnecessary charges when accessing their funds.

In addition, the article discusses the role a checking account plays in managing recurring expenses. Many households use a checking account for utilities, insurance premiums, subscriptions, and loan payments. A checking account that works efficiently with electronic bill payment systems can help streamline monthly responsibilities while providing a clearer view of overall cash flow.

The article concludes that choosing a checking account involves evaluating a combination of features, including direct deposit, debit card access, mobile banking, fees, ATM access, and bill payment capabilities. By reviewing these factors carefully, consumers can select an account that supports their everyday banking needs and adapts to changing financial habits over time.

Choosing a Checking Account That Fits Daily Life features insights from Brad Bailey, Financial Expert of Greenville, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

Research From More Than 8,300 Family Members Reveals How Trust, Relevant Communication, and Visible Student Impact Can Strengthen Engagement and Philanthropy

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Encoura®, an industry-leading educational technology, marketing, and research organization, and CampusESP, a leading provider of AI-powered parent and family engagement solutions for higher education, today announced the release of Drivers of Family Giving: The 2026 National Study, a new research report showing that family philanthropy is rooted in student success, trust, and meaningful relationships — not simply in receiving a fundraising appeal.

Conducted in May 2026 through CampusESP’s parent and family engagement platform, the study includes responses from 8,353 family members across 77 colleges and universities. It examines how communication, engagement, and the student experience influence families’ connection to an institution and their willingness to give.

Key Insights:

The student experience matters more than the ask. 87% said satisfaction with their student’s experience is very important when deciding whether to give.

Student success is the strongest connection point. 81% of respondents said seeing their student succeed most strengthens their connection to the institution.

Goodwill is high, but connection can grow. 79% have a positive overall impression of their student’s institution, while 58% say they feel connected to it.

Email remains the essential channel. 78% rely on email as their primary source of institutional information, and 63% are satisfied with institutional communication — underscoring the opportunity to make outreach even more relevant and useful.

Many families are open to future giving. While 32% have donated in the past, 37% of families who have never donated said they would consider giving in the future.

Families favor student-centered impact and broader participation. 54% would direct a future gift to scholarships or financial aid, and 44% are interested in contributing beyond financial giving.

“We went straight to the source to uncover what families really want from the colleges and universities their students attend,” said Sarah Kleeberger, senior vice president of consulting fundraising management at Encoura. “More than 8,300 family members told us what they value, what builds trust and connection, and what can lead to deeper engagement and giving. Their message is clear: when institutions help families see that students are supported and succeeding, they create the foundation for lasting relationships.”

“Family giving doesn’t start with a fundraising appeal. It starts with student success,” said Dave Becker, CEO of CampusESP. “When families see their student thriving and feel informed and connected along the way, colleges build the kind of relationship that can naturally lead to giving.”

The study translates the findings into a checklist for institutions: build trust before asking for engagement or gifts; lead with student outcomes; communicate for relevance rather than volume; create opportunities to participate beyond writing a check; tailor engagement for distinct family audiences; and focus on “not yet” families who may be open to a future relationship.

The research also reinforces that family engagement extends beyond enrollment and does not end at commencement. By sharing meaningful student outcomes, showing the impact of support, and creating authentic opportunities to participate, institutions can make giving a natural extension of an established relationship built on a shared commitment to student and alumni success.

The full study can be downloaded from Encoura’s website: https://www.encoura.org/resources/papers/2026-drivers-of-family-giving-report/.

Members of the media who would like to speak to the author of this report can contact Todd Boullion at toddb@encoura.org.

About Encoura, LLC
Encoura is an educational technology, marketing, and research organization serving thousands of higher education institutions across the nation. Since 1972, Encoura has been a leading provider of strategic consulting, data science, and engagement solutions that connect institutions to the communities they serve. In 2025 and 2026, Encoura expanded its capabilities with its acquisition of Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) and Anthology’s Lifecycle Engagement and Student Success portfolio. This combined expertise now spans enrollment, marketing, student success, alumni relations, and advancement, providing institutions with comprehensive solutions to achieve their goals throughout the student lifecycle.
For more information, visit https://encoura.org.

About CampusESP
CampusESP helps colleges and universities engage the parents, families, and supporters who help students succeed. More than 500 institutions use CampusESP’s platform, AI, and family engagement expertise to connect with over 7.5 million families throughout the student lifecycle, from enrollment and orientation through student success and advancement. Learn more about CampusESP and explore its research on today’s college families at CampusESP.com.

Members of the media can contact Todd Boullion at toddb@encoura.org.

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SOURCE Encoura