Arrival
Registration
Accreditation, VIP arrivals and networking.
Official conference programme
Two days shaping Africa’s next trillion-dollar economies.
Creative economy, agriculture, technology and energy—brought together through leadership, investment and action.About the conference
From dialogue to investment, partnerships and policy action.
The Innovate Africa Conference 2026 convenes African heads of state, policymakers, investors, business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, development institutions and global experts to unlock the continent’s high-growth opportunities.
Creative economyAgriculture & food systemsTechnology at scaleEnergy transition
Day one · Monday
Conference programme
Opening
Opening Ceremony
Housekeeping, Rwandan National Anthem, welcome address, host-country remarks and cultural performance.
Presidential keynote
Africa’s Road to Trillion-Dollar Economies
His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr., Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
Economic transformation, industrialisation, regional integration, investment and innovation.
Leadership dialogue
Investing in Africa’s Next Economic Frontier
His Excellency Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. Building the infrastructure for sustainable growth through connectivity, smart cities, partnerships and African ownership.
Mobilising capital for transformation
Global Investment Keynote
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa on policy reforms driving Africa’s economic transformation, including AfCFTA, ease of doing business, digital economy, investment policy and taxation.
Networking Break
Investor meetings, media interviews and VIP networking.
Bridging Continents
Structuring diaspora investment for scalable development.
Moderator: Marynsia Magunu
Panelists: Ahmed Farrah, Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, John Burns, Dr. Benaisha Poole-Watson and Dr. Kennedy Nnadi.
Investment Panel Q&A
Vision to Power
A leadership charge by Dr. Valentine Ozigbo on building Africa’s trillion-dollar economies.
Lunch & Networking
Turning creativity into global economic power
Cultural Display and Dance
Africa’s Cultural Capital
Creative and cultural economy panel moderated by Pamela Williams.
Panelists: Abimbola Akintola, Susan Peters, Jonny Miles, Nanna Yakubu Dashe, Dr. Gillian Richards-Greaves and Mohammed Williams.
Creative Economy Panel Q&A
Building Institutions That Last
Fireside chat with Chioma Ude and Bolanle Austin-Peters, moderated by Mohamed Williams, on structuring Africa’s film industry for global scale and investment.
Building Africa’s next tech giants
Technology Keynote
Presented by Paul Izeoma Chinda, Head of Microsoft Practice, CDW Corp.
From Startups to Global Market Leaders
Technology and innovation panel moderated by Obakam Tom George.
Panelists: Paul Izeoma Chinda, Dr. Yakama Manty Jones, Dr. Kevin Ngala and Ahmed Tunde Kalok.
Technology Panel Q&A
Break
Partners and sponsors spotlight.
From food security to food superpower
Agriculture Keynote
Minister of Agriculture, Rwanda.
Agriculture Panel
Scaling Africa’s agribusiness into a trillion-dollar industry.
Moderator: Lyzianah Emakoua
Panelists: Teslim Bello-Osagie, Nana Klay, Dr. Williams Ngaje and Judith Okoli.
Panel Q&A
Powering Africa’s industrial future
Global Energy Keynote
Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah on energy as economic sovereignty.
Powering Prosperity
Panel moderated by Atuzie Favour.
Panelists: Dr. Mark Igiehon, Yachtze Luchin and Dr. Uche Ogah.
Panel Q&A
Closing remarks by Princess Alugwe.
Day two · Tuesday
Investors’ Roundtable
Financing Africa’s next trillion-dollar economies by connecting investors, DFIs, venture capital and private equity firms with promising businesses and innovators.
Registration, Networking & Investor Reception
Arrival of investors, founders, delegates and partners.
Official Opening & Welcome Remarks
Introduction to the Roundtable and its investment agenda.
Keynote
Financing Africa’s Next Trillion-Dollar Economies
A high-level perspective from Dr. Yakama Manty Jones on sources of capital and Africa’s biggest opportunities.
What Does It Take to Build an Investable Business?
Investors discuss investment readiness, FDI, cross-border growth, governance, traction, valuation and due diligence.
Panelists: Teslim Bello-Osagie, Dr. Greg Ogbeifun and John Burns.
Fireside Chat
Yachtze Luchin in conversation with Pamela.
The Innovate Africa 20: Startup Pitch Showcase
Twenty investment-ready African startups across creative economy, agriculture, technology and energy. Each presents a four-minute pitch followed by a two-minute Q&A.
Investor Deliberation & Feedback
Direct feedback on investment readiness, scalability, strengths and areas for improvement.
The Deal Room: From Pitch to Deal
Structured discussions around investment, equity, partnerships, market access and other forms of capital.
Investment & Partnership Announcements
Confirmed investments, expressions of interest and investor-founder matches.
Innovate Africa 20 Recognition Ceremony
Best Pitch, sector winners, Investors’ Choice and certificates.
Conference Feedback & Communiqué
Investor feedback, founder needs, capital gaps and priority actions.
Convener’s Closing Remarks
Investor & Founder Networking Reception
Gala Night
African Excellence Awards
Red Carpet Reception & VIP Arrival
Media interviews, photography and press coverage.
Grand Opening Ceremony
Opening film presenting Africa’s economic potential and conference highlights.
Welcome Remarks
Cultural Opening Performance
Dinner Begins
Distinguished Guest Address
Special Recognition Presentation
Awards
African Excellence Awards Ceremony
Celebrating leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and impact across Africa.
Entertainment Interlude
Investment & Partnership Spotlight
Conference Communiqué
Lifetime Achievement & Legacy Award
Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks
Celebration & Executive Networking After Party
Join us in Kigali