Livetec Systems’ Data Lead, Kaluba Chikonde, recently represented the company at the UK–SA SMME Forum, held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Themed “Digital Futures: Technology, AI, Fintech, and the Creative Economy,” the forum brought together pioneering companies, policy‑makers, and trade facilitators from both the UK and South Africa.
Forum Highlights & Collaboration Focus
The event was organised by Invest Global in partnership with UK Department for Business and Trade (British High Commission), South African Chamber of Commerce UK, British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies. It provides a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) to explore cross‑market trade, digital innovation, and technology‑led growth. The forum emphasised how UK–SA collaboration can unlock opportunities in emerging tech sectors and create a more inclusive digital economy.
Kaluba joined a panel alongside:
- Kerryn Krause (CEO, iSlices Innovations) – a South African entrepreneur expanding tech into the UK.
- Clayton Hayward (CEO, EFT Corporation) – a UK fintech company scaling across Africa.
- Benjamin Goodwin (Executive Partner, Outsource‑SA) – UK executive connecting African tech talent with UK business.
The panel was moderated by Chim Chalemera, Regional Director at the UK DBT, and the forum featured remarks from Solly Malatsi (South Africa’s Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies) and John Humphrey (His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa), reinforcing the importance of trade, digital readiness, and public‑private collaboration.
Livetec’s Digital Innovation
Kaluba shared Livetec’s experience in scaling digital solutions like Livestock Protect, the company’s innovative digital platform designed to help poultry producers take control of biosecurity, compliance, and disease risk management. She highlighted how Livetec adapts its solutions to different markets while ensuring accessibility and practical impact.
“Our approach is about sharing knowledge across ecosystems,” said Kaluba. “We’re learning from international markets and adapting those insights locally to create practical, inclusive solutions.”
Why This Forum Matters for Livetec
The UK–SA SMME Forum offered a chance to engage with trade-support frameworks, regulatory insights, and partnership networks focused on digital and tech-enabled sectors. For Livetec, the event reinforced its role as a “bridge” between markets — linking UK technology expertise with South African agricultural and biosecurity needs.
We are pleased to have been asked to attend this forum and look forward to participating in future events, continuing to share knowledge, and supporting cross-border digital innovation.
