2026 Innovate Africa Conference

The Innovate Africa Conference 2026 will take place on 12–13 October 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to discuss the industries that can drive Africas next major phase of economic growth.

The conference theme is Driving the Next Trillion-Dollar Economies: Africa Creative, Agricultural, Technology and Energy Sectors.

The event will focus on how innovation, investment and collaboration can help Africa scale important industries, attract capital and build globally competitive businesses.

Four Main Focus Sectors

Creative Economy

The conference will explore opportunities in:

• Film

• Media

• Design

• Music

• Culture

• Creative businesses

• Intellectual property and global markets

Agricultural Growth

Discussions will focus on:

• Modern food systems

• Agribusiness

• Agricultural finance

• Value-chain innovation

• Food security and resilience

Technology Scale

The technology track will cover:

• Digital infrastructure

• Startup ecosystems

• Applied innovation

• Technology businesses

• Moving technology solutions from pilots to markets

Energy Transition

The energy discussions will explore:

• Investment in energy

• Bankable energy models

• Industrialisation

• Energy for cities and businesses

• Inclusive development

Conference Programme

The two-day programme includes policy and sector discussions, keynote sessions, panels and investment-focused activities.

12 October 2026

Conference Day

The first day will feature:

• Keynote sessions

• Panel discussions

• Discussions across the four growth sectors

• Policy and industry sessions

• Creative economy discussions

• Agriculture and agribusiness discussions

• Technology and startup discussions

• Energy sector discussions

13 October 2026

Investors Roundtable

The second day will focus on investment and business opportunities, including:

• Startup pitch showcase

• Investors Roundtable

• Deal Room

• Networking

• African Excellence Awards Gala

The full official agenda is available here:

https://www.innovateafricacorps.com/2026-agenda.html

Speakers

The conference has announced speakers from government, business, investment, agriculture, technology, finance and the creative industries.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Jeremiah Koung — Vice President of the Republic of Liberia

• Dr. Chantal Ingabire — Director General for Planning at Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources

• Kanayo Awani — Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afrexim Bank

• Sam Ohuabunwa — Founding Chairman and CEO, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc

• Ezenwo Nyesom Wike — Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nigeria

• Dauda Lawal — Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria

• Uchechukwu Ogah — President and Founder, Master Energy Oil and former Minister of State for Power and Steel, Nigeria

• Chioma Ude — Founder, African International Film Festival

• Valentine Ozigbo — Immediate Past President and Group CEO, Transcorp Plc

• Ahmed Farah — Executive Director, East Africa Business Council

• Williams Nganje — Professor and Chair of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University

• Bolanle Austin Peters — Founder and Artistic Director, BAP Productions and Terra Culture

• Gillian Richards-Greaves — Associate Professor of Anthropology, Coastal Carolina University

• Paul Izzeoma Chinda — Head of Microsoft Practice, CDW Corp

• Ahmed Tunde Kalokah — CIO, Business and Cyber Security Executive

The conference website lists additional speakers from the creative, business, technology, agricultural and investment sectors.

Investment and Business Opportunities

A major part of the conference is connecting investors, businesses and innovators.

The Investors Roundtable will include a startup pitch showcase and Deal Room, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to connect around businesses and investment opportunities.

The event is expected to bring together:

• 2,500 attendees

• 30+ industry leaders

• 15+ partners and sponsors

Sponsorship and Exhibition

Organizations can participate through different sponsorship packages.

Available sponsorship levels include:

• Diamond Sponsor: $100,000

• Gold Sponsor: $75,000

• Silver Sponsor: $50,000

• Bronze Sponsor: $25,000

• Exhibition Booth: $2,000

Sponsors can receive benefits such as brand visibility, speaking opportunities, exhibition space, tickets, VIP access, promotional opportunities and networking access, depending on the package.

Who Should Attend?

The conference is relevant to:

• Entrepreneurs

• Startup founders

• Investors

• Government leaders

• Business executives

• Technology professionals

• Agribusiness professionals

• Energy sector professionals

• Creative industry professionals

• Development organizations

• Innovation ecosystem leaders

• Companies looking for partnerships and investment opportunities

Registration

The Innovate Africa Conference 2026 will take place in Kigali on 12–13 October 2026.