Africa Startup Congress 2027

Date: February 24–26, 2027
Venue: Kigali Convention Center
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Organizer: Accelerate Africa
Expected delegates: 2,000+
Speakers: 100+
Panels and masterclasses: 30+
Exhibitors: 300+
Official website: Africa Startup Congress

Full Description

Africa Startup Congress 2027 is a three-day African entrepreneurship and innovation event taking place from February 24 to 26, 2027, at the Kigali Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda.

The congress is designed as a marketplace connecting startups, founders, investors, governments, development stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, and other members of the African innovation ecosystem.

Under the theme Empowering Innovators, Accelerating Job Creation in Africa, the event will focus on entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, technology, policy, creative industries, and opportunities for building sustainable businesses across Africa.

The event is expected to bring together more than 2,000 delegates, 100 speakers, and 300 exhibitors, with more than 30 panels and masterclasses.

Key activities

National and Continental Startup Pitch Competition

The Africa Startup Congress will host a startup pitch competition running at national level from February to November 2026.

The best startup from each participating country will be selected to compete in the continental pitch competition at ASC27 in Kigali.

The competition is open to startups working across areas such as:

• Technology

• Energy

• Agribusiness

• Creative industries

• Other innovative sectors

The continental competition will provide startups with an opportunity to present their businesses to investors, ecosystem stakeholders, and other influential participants.

Keynote addresses

The congress will feature keynote addresses from senior government officials, industry leaders, investors, and development stakeholders.

The keynote program will explore areas including:

• Vision and inspiration

• The future of entrepreneurship in Africa

• Policy and startup ecosystem development

• Investment and business growth

• Innovation and technology

High-level thematic panels

The event will host thematic panel discussions bringing together industry experts, founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem players.

The sessions are designed to examine the opportunities and challenges facing African startups while providing forward-looking perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and ecosystem development.

Masterclasses

The ASC masterclasses will provide practical learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders.

Sessions will be led by experienced experts, investors, and business leaders and will include practical insights, case studies, and strategies that participants can apply to their own work.

Topics will include:

• Investment readiness

• Business development

• Innovation management

• Policy development

• Building sustainable businesses

• Competing in African and international markets

African Creative and Cultural Gala and Awards Ceremony

The African Creative and Cultural Gala and Awards Ceremony will celebrate African culture and the continent creative industries.

The gala will bring together:

• Artists

• Designers

• Filmmakers

• Musicians

• Cultural entrepreneurs

• Policymakers

• Investors

The event will provide a platform for showcasing African creativity, encouraging cultural exchange, and exploring economic opportunities within the creative economy.

Made in Africa Product Exhibitions and Sales

The Made in Africa (MiA) exhibition will provide a marketplace for African-made products and innovations.

Startups, entrepreneurs, artisans, and manufacturers will have an opportunity to showcase and sell their products while connecting directly with potential customers, investors, partners, and industry leaders.

Exhibitors can use the platform to:

• Increase visibility

• Showcase products and services

• Meet potential customers

• Connect with partners and investors

• Launch and demonstrate solutions

• Access new market opportunities

• Position their brands within the African innovation ecosystem

Event program

The three-day program is structured around learning, pitching, networking, and ecosystem engagement.

February 24, 2027

• Official opening

• High-level thematic panel sessions

February 25, 2027

• Breakout sessions

• Masterclasses

February 26, 2027

• High-level thematic panel

• Continental startup pitch competition

• Closing ceremony

Who should attend?

Africa Startup Congress is designed for participants across the African startup and innovation ecosystem, including:

• Startup founders

• Entrepreneurs

• Investors

• Venture capital firms

• Government representatives

• Policymakers

• Development stakeholders

• Technology companies

• Industry leaders

• Startup ecosystem organizations

• Creative industry professionals

• Manufacturers and product businesses

• Innovation leaders

Opportunities for delegates

Delegates will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with founders and entrepreneurs from across Africa

• Meet investors and potential business partners

• Learn from experienced industry leaders

• Participate in masterclasses and panel discussions

• Discover African startups and innovations

• Explore products through the Made in Africa marketplace

• Build partnerships across sectors and countries

• Gain insights into African entrepreneurship and investment

• Participate in networking and ecosystem activities

Opportunities for exhibitors

Businesses and organizations can participate in the Made in Africa Exhibition to showcase their products and services.

The exhibition is intended to provide:

• Brand visibility

• Direct access to potential customers

• Opportunities to meet investors and partners

• Product demonstrations

• Market access

• Connections with policymakers and industry leaders

Sponsorship and partnership opportunities

Organizations can also participate as sponsors or partners of the congress.

Potential benefits include:

• Premium brand visibility

• Access to startup founders and investors

• Connections with policymakers and industry leaders

• Strategic networking opportunities

• Partnership opportunities

• Positioning within the African innovation ecosystem

Venue

The event will take place at the Kigali Convention Center, a major conference and events venue in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kigali Convention Center
Kigali, Rwanda