As automation, artificial intelligence and digitalisation accelerate across global industry, African organisations face a future defined by uncertainty, disruption and opportunity. In this edition of The Road to the Indaba, we turn the spotlight to Mitch Ilbury, one of South Africa’s leading futurists and strategic foresight specialists whose work focuses on helping organisations think clearly about complex and uncertain futures.
Mitch Ilbury.
Mitch Ilbury is co-founder of Mindofafox, a consultancy specialising in scenario planning, strategic decision making, and complexity management. With a background in conflict analysis and foresight strategy, Mitch has worked with corporations, government entities, and industry bodies across Africa to help leaders anticipate change, test assumptions, and make better long-term decisions. His approach is particularly relevant in the context of automation, where technological advancement intersects with economic, social and political variables.
At the Africa Automation Indaba 2026, Mitch will deliver a keynote titled ‘Scenario Planning for Africa’s Automation Future: Why Strategic Scenario Thinking Is Vital’ and will also facilitate a high-level strategic panel discussion. His sessions will guide delegates through the process of understanding multiple possible automation futures, from rapid technological adoption to uneven or fragmented implementation, and identifying the actions required to mitigate risks while harnessing opportunity. For automation and process control professionals, this perspective is critical to navigating investment decisions, workforce planning and technology roadmaps.
Mitch Ilbury’s contribution brings clarity and structure to conversations often dominated by uncertainty and hype. By equipping delegates with practical foresight tools, he enables industry leaders to move from reactive decision making to proactive strategy. As The Road to the Indaba continues, his participation reinforces a key message: Africa’s automation journey will reward those who prepare thoughtfully for multiple futures.
Seats are limited – secure your place at Africa Automation Indaba 2026
Africa Automation Indaba brings together senior industry leaders, policymakers, investors and technology innovators shaping the future of automation across the continent. With a highly curated programme and limited capacity, delegate seats are strictly limited.
At R6500 excl. VAT, your registration gives you access to two days of executive-level insights, strategic networking and future-focused industry dialogue in a premium environment. Demand is already strong and seats are allocated on a first-come basis. Once capacity is reached, registrations will close.
Don’t delay, secure your place now and be part of the conversation shaping Africa’s industrial future.
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