Ignition Group is a tech company, so we asked people across our business units to predict the top tech trends for 2025. As you’d expect, AI was at the top of everyone’s lists, but not always being used in the way we expected it to be. And because Ignition is a diverse enterprise that operates in multiple sectors, all sorts of interesting fields were represented in their answers. The common theme? Tech that has the potential to change lives and even the way we view or interact with the world around us.
Here’s a look at what is believed will be the top tech trends defining 2025, and what they mean for all of us:
1. Biotech in agriculture: feeding the future
The fusion of biotechnology and agriculture is revolutionising food production, in terms of size of yields and sustainability, and therefore food security. Precision farming, gene-editing technologies and AI-powered crop monitoring are enhancing yields and reducing the environmental impact of crop farming.
This technology has the potential to be particularly impactful in water-scarce countries like South Africa, where efficiency in farming can lead to greater yields with less water. And with climate change a reality, efficiencies have never been more important in feeding the world, while a strong agricultural sector is also needed as a key driver for the economy as well as food security.
2. Autonomous cars: the road to a self-driving future
This is one technology that has been predicted for decades, but it’s no longer just coming up in our rear-view mirrors, it’s here and potentially overtaking us. Companies like Tesla and BYD are driving the Electrical Vehicle (EV) revolution, and more and more advanced tech is becoming mainstream. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are becoming more sophisticated and integrated into everyday transport in some global markets.
Will they arrive in South Africa? Of course, in time, but for that to happen our infrastructure will need to catch up with foreign markets and the technology will have to become more affordable. The potential benefits are enormous: improved road safety, reduced traffic congestion and enhanced mobility for everyone. Productive hours lost in commuting will also be pulled back as people are able to work while they’re driven to work.
3. Personalised medicine: healthcare that knows you
Here’s a technological advancement that truly has the power to change the world. The rise of AI and genetic research is paving the way for medical treatments tailored to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and health data. This means more effective treatments, better disease prevention, and ultimately, longer and healthier lives.
This is obviously a long-term solution, but AI already has the power to make a tangible difference in countries like ours. Healthcare accessibility can be a challenge in South Africa due to infrastructure and affordability, but digital solutions can bridge the gap between haves and have-nots. There is incredible potential in AI for diagnosing illnesses as well as management of medical services and logistics, improving efficiency and reducing delays for patients. Hopefully the end result is that more people benefit from cutting-edge medical advancements.
4. Generative AI: the age of intelligent creativity
AI is no longer just a tool; it has become a collaborator. Generative AI is transforming industries by creating content, writing code and even designing products with human-like intuition. Whether it’s businesses leveraging AI for marketing, media or customer service, or individuals using AI-driven tools to enhance productivity, the impact is profound. At Ignition Group, we see generative AI as a partner in progress, helping businesses and individuals work smarter, not harder, and not at the expense of the human element. That’s why our own AI and Machine Learning systems have been designed and rolled out to complement our expert customer experience staff for better efficiency that’s not at the expense of real human interaction.
Why this matters and how Ignition Group fits in
Technology isn’t just about innovation – it’s about impact. As these trends take shape, South Africans need to be equipped with the tools, access and knowledge to take advantage of them. Ignition Group remains committed to enabling this future by making sure that no one is excluded, by creating opportunities and ensuring that everyone, from businesses to individuals, can benefit from the technological advancements shaping our world.
