THE LIQUID FIBRE
TECHCELERATE
Sector Insights Exchange and Graduation
07 August 2025 | 10:00
About the Programme
The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is more than a development initiative — it is a commitment to reimagining opportunity. Over 12 months, this programme identified and elevated 20 Black-owned MSMEs, preparing them to participate meaningfully in South Africa’s digital economy.
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Rooted in the Eastern Cape, TechCelerate blends training, finance, technology, and market access into a proven pipeline that transforms small contractors into fully-fledged fibre infrastructure enterprises. With tailored coaching, digital enablement through CortexFlow, access to the Tech Credit Fund, and real-world deployment, TechCelerate repositions local businesses as national players in broadband rollouts.
Event Information
Dress Code
Formal
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Date
07 August 2025
10:00 -14:00
Venue
Premier Hotel ICC, Beachfront, East London.
The Programme
10:00 – 10:05
10:05 – 10:15
10:15 – 10:25
Welcome Remarks
Programme Director
Harnessing Innovation for Africa’s Digital Future
Mr. Nico Muka, Board Chair, the Cortex Hub
The Power of Collaborative Transformation
​Ms. Fiona Khan, Senior Manager, B-BBEE, Liquid Intelligent 
Technologies South Africa
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Insights into the strategic partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial 
Government and SITA, and the TechCelerate Programme’s impact on 
regional development.
10:25 – 10:35
10:35 – 10:45
10:45 – 10:55
Youth Empowerment and Job Creation
Mr. Thembelani Maphanga, Senior Project Manager: Youth Empowerment
and Job Creation, ECDC
Building a Resilient Eastern Cape Through Digital Enterprises
Prof. WD Thwala, Executive Dean, WSU​
The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Journey
Ms. Nkateko Mdluli, ESD & CSI Specialist, Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa
10:55 – 11:15
11:35 – 12:30
12:30 – 12:40
Tea Break
Celebrating Achievement and Future Potential
Presentation of Graduates and Awarding of Certificates
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Announcement: Winning SMME of the Pitching Competition
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Special Recognition: Walter Sisulu University – Girls in ICT Fibre Optics Initiative
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Remarks from a Representative of 
the Graduating Suppliers
Catalysing South Africa’s Digital Future: A Connected Economy
Mr. Darryl Dennis, Chief Executive Officer, NMB iHub
12:40 – 12:50
12:50 – 13:15
13:15 – 13:30
13:15 – 14:00
Catalysing South Africa’s Digital Future: Congratulatory Message
Mr. Xolani Mbulawa, Regional Head of Department, SITA
Announcing the TechCelerate Class of 2025
Mr. Anda Ngcaba, The Cortex Hub Non-Executive Board Member
Photo Opportunity
Lunch
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