Technology Innovation Agency

The Charted CIO 2026 Conference centred on the pivotal challenges and strategic crossroads facing South African Chief Information Officers (CIOs). As organisations navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, the event focused on the dual mandate of driving cutting-edge innovation while
maintaining operational resilience. A primary objective was exploring how digital transformation can be leveraged to generate meaningful value not only for corporate enterprises but for government and society at large.

To address these challenges, industry speakers unpacked several critical pillars of modern information communication and technology (ICT) strategy:
• Responsible AI Deployment: Strategies for scaling artificial intelligence safely while actively
navigating the shifting AI threat landscape.
• Legacy Modernisation & Digital Sovereignty: Balancing the upgrade of outdated core systems
with the critical need for national and organisational digital sovereignty.
• Advanced Cybersecurity: Proactively defending infrastructure against increasingly
sophisticated cyber threats.
• ICT Evolution & Professional Qualifications: Aligning industry workforce skills with the
continuous evolution of tech through formal ICT qualifications and continuous learning.
• Ecosystem Collaboration: Fostering cross-sector partnerships to drive sustainable, inclusive innovation.

The inaugural conference culminated in the prestigious 2026 IT Industry Recognition Awards, hosted by ITWeb, the Institute of Chartered IT Professionals (ICITP), and the Chartered CIO Council under the inspiring theme, "Resilient, Intelligent and Inclusive: Shaping South Africa’s digital future."

These awards stand as a testament to excellence, celebrating individuals and organisations whose contributions are actively shaping the trajectory of the nation’s technology sector through innovation, leadership, and dedication.

A particularly proud moment was the recognition of Mr. Loyiso Tyira, Chairperson of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), who was honoured with the Technology SME Development Champion Award. This accolade reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing South Africa’s IT landscape and empowering the next generation of innovators. Congratulations to Mr. Tyira on this remarkable and well-deserved achievement.

As we close out the signings of the day at the Coega Business Centre, TIA's Mr. Patrick Krappie, Executive: Innovation Enabling, delivered the Vote of Thanks at today's Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony and it was a fitting close to a historic occasion.

Four agreements. Four partners. One shared vision for innovation-led industrialisation in South Africa.

Patrick's words reflected what TIA's Innovation Enabling function is all about, building the bridges between research, industry, and investment that turn ideas into real economic impact.

As TIA continues to Consolidate. Grow. Scale, today's signings with Coega, NMU, InnoVenton, SAIMI, and Fluorochemicals South Africa are a testament to the depth of collaboration TIA is forging across the country's key growth sectors.

Technology Innovation Agency signed four strategic collaboration agreements at the Coega Special Economic Zone, marking a major milestone in South Africa's innovation and industrialisation journey.

The partnerships formalised today:
TIA & Coega Development Corporation
TIA & NMU InnoVenton
TIA, Fluorochemicals South Africa & NMU InnoVenton
TIA & the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)

Together, these agreements unlock new pathways for technology commercialisation, industrial growth, and skills development - across maritime, advanced manufacturing, and fluorochemicals sectors.

TIA’s CEO Dr. Titus Mathe led the ceremony, reinforcing TIA's commitment to building the partnerships that move South Africa's innovation economy forward.

This is what Consolidate. Grow. Scale. looks like in action.

South Africa's unemployment rate sits above 32%.
This number is not a statistic it's a call to action to the country.

Today TIA CEO Dr. Titus Mathe took a decisive step toward changing that reality. Through four landmark partnerships with the COEGA, Nelson Mandela University, SAIMI, and InnoVenton, we are connecting critical mineral beneficiation, advanced chemical manufacturing, maritime innovation, and technology development into one unified industrial agenda.

These partnerships are not just announcements, we are formalising our collaborations that will focus on ex*****on to deliver on national imperatives
The Eastern Cape is proving that a province can be more than a site of implementation - it can be a home of innovation.

The other eight provinces are watching. We invite them to follow suit.

This morning, TIA CEO Dr. Titus Mathe joined Coega Development Corporation CEO Mr. Themba Koza and key leaders at the Coega Business Centre in Gqeberha for the Innovation for Industrialisation Strategic Partnership Signing and Investment Announcement Ceremony - a historic moment under the theme: Innovating from Eastern Cape to the World.

This Briefing session is in collaboration with the four partners:
Coega Development Corporation
Nelson Mandela University through InnoVenton
South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
Fluorochemicals South Africa

Also representing TIA in the room we have Tandokazi Moyo, General Manager: Strategic Partnerships, Business Developments and Stakeholder Relations and Patrick Krappie, Executive: Innovation Enabling.

These Partnerships will drive innovation that can define the economic future of South Africa.

TIA is proud to announce the signing of four agreements in the Eastern Cape.

The agency will sign agreements with Coega Development
Corporation (CDC), Fluorchemicals South Africa (FSA), Nelson
Mandela University (NMU) - InnoVenton and the South African
International Maritime Institute (SAIMI).

These partnerships are part of TIA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in line with its 2.0 Strategy. The agreements are the culmination of engagements with key partners to advance shared objectives, drive innovation, and unlock opportunities for joint initiatives.

This is a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to build strategic alliances that drive innovation-led growth across South Africa.

Today, TIA Board Chairperson, Loyiso Tyira, addressed industry leaders at the ITWeb Chartered CIO Conference 2026, where he shared insights on Innovation and the Role of CIOs.

In his address, Tyira highlighted the critical role of innovation in driving economic growth, industrial competitiveness and job creation. He emphasised that while technology adoption creates efficiency, technology production creates prosperity, underscoring the importance of strengthening South Africa's domestic innovation capabilities.

Reflecting on the country's innovation agenda, he stated: "If we are serious about economic growth, industrial renewal and job creation, then innovation can no longer remain the responsibility of innovation agencies alone. It must become a national imperative embraced by government, industry, academia and society as a whole."
He noted that innovation-led growth requires a more connected and coordinated innovation ecosystem. Rooted in a systems approach, TIA 2.0 seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, academia and society; improve the commercialisation of innovation; and accelerate the conversion of innovative ideas into economic impact.

Tyira challenged the CIO community to move beyond digital transformation towards innovation transformation by becoming active participants in strengthening South Africa's innovation ecosystem. This includes serving as customers for South African innovation, supporting local technology development, and partnering with TIA to create stronger pathways between innovators and markets.

As South Africa's innovation agency, TIA remains committed to enabling innovation-led growth and building an innovation ecosystem that delivers sustainable economic and social impact.

Today, TIA Board Chair, Loyiso Tyira, joins industry leaders at the ITWeb Chartered CIO Conference 2026, where he will share insights on "Innovation and the Role of CIOs."

At the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), we recognise that innovation and digital transformation are key drivers of economic growth, competitiveness and social impact. As South Africa's innovation agency, TIA supports the development and commercialisation of locally developed technologies, helping innovators and entrepreneurs bring solutions to market and contribute to national development priorities.

As technology continues to reshape industries and economies, CIOs are uniquely positioned to champion innovation, foster digital adoption and build future-ready organisations. Their leadership is critical in creating an enabling environment where technology can solve real-world challenges, unlock opportunities and accelerate inclusive growth.

We look forward to contributing to conversations that advance South Africa's innovation ecosystem and strengthen the role of technology in building a more prosperous and digitally empowered future.

40 projects. R16.8 million invested. 32 prototypes. 22 IP assets. 6 commercial breakthroughs.

That's the story of TIA and the University of Johannesburg and it's still being written.

TIA CEO Dr. Titus Mathe met with UJ's Professor Mpedi for a strategic engagement on 8 June, continuing his programme of stakeholder engagements as the newly appointed CEO.

The discussion centred on deepening an already rich partnership from the Seed Fund, implemented through the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), to the Metal Casting Technology Station (MCTS) and the Process, Energy and Environmental Technology Station (UJ PEETS), both of which connect SMMEs to world-class infrastructure and expertise.

With R8.5 million in newly approved funding and a shared commitment to advancing South Africa's innovation ecosystem, TIA and UJ are firmly focused on what comes next.