The Connected Africa Summit 2026 opened in Nairobi on Monday, bringing together policymakers, technology executives and investors to focus on turning Africa’s digital ambitions into measurable outcomes.
The four-day summit, organised by Kenya’s ICT Authority and running through April 30 at The Edge Convention Centre, is centred on the theme “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market.”
Officials said this year’s discussions mark a shift from vision-setting to execution, as African countries push to accelerate digital transformation amid growing demand for jobs, services and economic growth.
“This year, delivery has to become measurable,” Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said at a briefing ahead of the event.
Key topics include artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and cybersecurity, alongside digital identity, fintech, cloud computing and data governance.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Jessy Maruti said the summit would focus on expanding opportunities for young people across the continent by improving access to skills, capital and markets.
“The global digital economy presents immense opportunity for our youth,” Maruti said. “Our focus is to unify innovation across Africa so that young people can create enterprises and secure jobs.”
The summit is expected to attract government delegations, private sector leaders and development partners, with ministers from countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Gabon, Guinea, Chad and Zimbabwe confirmed to attend.
A key outcome of the meeting will be the launch of the Connected Africa Secretariat, which Kenya will chair. The body is expected to support coordination and long-term collaboration on cross-border digital initiatives.
Maruti said fragmented systems remained a major barrier to growth. “We must build stronger continental connectivity and harmonised frameworks that allow data, services and innovation to move seamlessly across borders,” he said.
Private sector participants including Safaricom and Huawei are using the platform to deepen partnerships, with a focus on scaling digital infrastructure and developing talent.
MIDIS Group, alongside Hewlett Packard Enterprise operated by Selectium, also said it would continue working with Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy to support digital transformation efforts across the continent.
The summit builds on last year’s event, which drew more than 1,500 delegates from over 30 countries, as African governments seek to translate digital strategies into economic gains.