Kenya is seeking to cement its position as one of Africa’s leading technology and innovation hubs with the launch of the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026.
ATLC, a high-level summit designed to connect policymakers, investors, researchers and entrepreneurs around science-driven economic growth, scheduled for October 22-23 in Nairobi, is expected to attract more than 3,500 delegates from over 30 countries.
The conference aims to help governments across the continent to look beyond digital policy frameworks toward commercialising research, attracting investment and strengthening Africa’s influence in global technology governance.
The event is being convened by the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SDSRI) with support from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, INVIGENCE Ltd and Twinspen Limited.
Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak said the summit comes at a time when Africa must transform science and innovation into practical tools for economic development.
“Africa has reached a pivotal moment where science, research and innovation must become strategic instruments for economic transformation and global influence,” Abdulrazak said during the launch. “The conversations we convene today must move beyond aspiration towards execution, partnership and measurable impact.”
The conference will focus on research commercialisation, technology financing, public-private partnerships and science diplomacy, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, development finance institutions, universities, venture capital firms, multinational companies and technology entrepreneurs.
Organisers say discussions will culminate in an ATLC 2026 Communiqué outlining recommendations aimed at accelerating innovation, strengthening regional collaboration and expanding investment in African research and technology ecosystems.
“For years, Africa has produced bold digital strategies and ambitious innovation agendas. Our greatest opportunity now lies in execution,” said Dr. Kenneth Rotich, Chief Executive Officer of INVIGENCE Ltd. “This conference brings together the leaders who finance, govern, build and deploy research, innovation and technology so that ideas move beyond policy documents into institutions, investments and real outcomes.”
Kenya has spent the past decade building one of Africa’s most vibrant technology ecosystems, anchored by mobile money, a growing startup sector and government investment in digital infrastructure.
Organisers believe the conference will further reinforce Nairobi’s standing as a regional centre for technology leadership, innovation investment and research collaboration.
Registration for delegates, exhibitors and strategic partners is now open, with organisers expected to announce additional speakers and programme details in the coming weeks.