Toby Shapshak: Innovation Technology

Toby Shapshak writes and speaks about how innovation is better in Africa. His TED talk on how Africa is solving real problems has had over 1,4-million views; and he has been featured in the New York Times. He is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stuff magazine; is a contributor to Forbes and writes a weekly […]

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Johannesburg
  • **Fee range: 50,000 - 75,000

Toby Shapshak writes and speaks about how innovation is better in Africa. His TED talk on how Africa is solving real problems has had over 1,4-million views; and he has been featured in the New York Times. He is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stuff magazine; is a contributor to Forbes and writes a weekly […]

Toby Shapshak writes and speaks about how innovation is better in Africa. His TED talk on how Africa is solving real problems has had over 1,4-million views; and he has been featured in the New York Times. He is the editor-in-chief and publisher of Stuff magazine; is a contributor to Forbes and writes a weekly column for the Financial Mail.
He has been co-hosting a weekly TV show on CNBC Africa for the past two years.
He believes Africa is a mobile-driven continent, about which he has written for CNN, The Guardian in London and for Forbes. He is writing a book on innovation in Africa, looking at how the problems Africa is solving for itself will benefit the rest of the world.
Toby has spoken at the South by South West (SxSW) conference in Austin, Texas, (thrice) on how mobile is being used in Africa (2013) and how music is being consumed (2014); and The Guardian’s Activate: Johannesburg on innovation out of necessity.
He has also spoken at Intel’s IDF conference in San Francisco, Germany’s Zukunftskongress (Future Congress), TEDxGateway in Mumbai, Pivot East in Nairobi, and Tech4Africa in Joburg.

Toby Shapshak – Innovation Technology

Toby was named in GQ’s top 30 men in media and the Mail & Guardian newspaper’s 300 influential young South Africans list; and has been the ICT Journalist of the Year. GQ said he “has become the most high-profile technology journalist in the country” while the M&G wrote: “Toby Shapshak is all things tech… he reigns supreme as the major talking head for everything and anything tech.”
As a news and political journalist, he ran Mail & Guardian newspaper’s website when it was the first news site in Africa, shadowed Nelson Mandela when he was president, and covered the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Toby Shapshak has interviewed a range of tech industry luminaries, including Apple co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
Formerly a senior newspaper reporter covering everything from crime to politics, he has been writing about innovation, telecoms and the internet and the impact it has on our lives for more than 20 years; including the Sunday Times, Business Day, Mail & Guardian, The Financial Mail, The Times, City Press, ThisDay, and The Weekender.

Toby Shapshak was named in GQ’s top 30 men in media and the Mail & Guardian newspaper’s 300 influential young South Africans list; and has been the ICT Journalist of the Year.

GQ said he “has become the most high-profile technology journalist in the country” while the M&G wrote: “Toby Shapshak is all things tech… he reigns supreme as the major talking head for everything and anything tech.”

Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Speakers Contact

Speaker Enquiry Form

Talent Resources to download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links

View further speakers

Amanda du-Pont is an actress, television presenter, and commercial and fitness model, voice over artist and business woman. Amanda has acted on numerous television shows such as Muvhango, Generations, A place called Home, City Sesla, Intersexions, End Game, Task Force, Tarryn & Sharon, Kowethu, Mzansi Love and Single Guyz. Amanda has also acted on CBS […]

  • Actress | Influencer
  • (1 reviews)

Josina Machel holds an MSc degree in Sociology (Gender) from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of  Social  Science, Sociology and Political Science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Following a horrific domestic violence attack that left her blind in one eye, Ms. Machel founded the Kuhluka Movement, […]

  • GBV Motivational

Richard Sutton is a renowned health and performance expert based in South Africa, celebrated for his innovative approaches to stress resilience and human potential optimization. With a career spanning over two decades, Richard has been instrumental in guiding elite athletes, corporate leaders, and organizations toward achieving peak performance through strategic lifestyle and behavioral modifications. In […]

  • Health Performance

Simone Musgrave is a woman of class and integrity but that does not mean that a sense of adventure and lust for the unusual has failed her. To think that her life has been a conventional one would be a grave misinterpretation of a woman who continues to inspire us with her success and determination […]

  • Business Innovation

Tom Goodwin is a dynamic and sought-after speaker who is at the forefront of innovation in marketing and artificial intelligence. With a career spanning over two decades, Tom has earned a reputation as a thought leader and visionary, constantly challenging the status quo and inspiring audiences around the world. His insights into the digital landscape […]

  • Digital Disruption

Dr. Roelof Botha is an acclaimed economist and sought-after keynote speaker known for his exceptional insights into global political and economic trends. With decades of experience analyzing market forces, government policies, and global financial ecosystems, Dr. Botha has established himself as a guiding voice in economics. His presentations are celebrated for their clarity, depth, and […]

  • Political Economist

Liezel van der Westhuizen is also a sought after MC and has been the Programme Director at more than 200 events for top clients Her adeptness in reputation management and public relations has seen her work with global icons like Lenny Kravitz, the Backstreet Boys, and Atomic Kitten, and locally with Danny K; Mandoza and […]

  • Emcee | Speaker

Faf de Klerk is a celebrated South African rugby icon whose tenacity, leadership, and vision have defined an era of Springbok success. Renowned for his speed, tactical awareness, and indomitable spirit, Faf is more than just a world-class scrum-half—he is a symbol of resilience and determination on and off the field. His dynamic performances in […]

  • Springbok Legend
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Our Mission

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Speakers Inc Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

We promise to not spam you!

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel