Connected Africa Summit 2026 To Be Hosted In Nairobi

The ICT Authority (ICTA) has confirmed that the 2026 Connected Africa Summit will be held from April 27 to 30, 2026, at The Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi. The high-level forum is expected to bring together presidents, ministers, regulators, private sector leaders, investors and development partners from across the continent to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

This year’s theme, “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for a Single Digital Market,” underscores a focus on collaboration, practical implementation and ensuring that digital policy discussions translate into real impact for communities and businesses. The summit builds on the momentum of previous editions, including CAS2024, themed “Shaping the Future of a Connected Africa: Unlocking Growth Beyond Connectivity,” and CAS2025, “The Digital Journey: Vision to Reality,” continuing to provide a high-level platform for policymakers, innovators, investors and industry leaders shaping Africa’s digital ecosystem.

In 2025, more than 2,000 delegates gathered in Diani to deliberate on digital inclusion, climate technology, connectivity and future skills. The event featured keynote addresses from Hon. Musalia Mudavadi and Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, alongside contributions from Ambassador Philip Thigo and Eunice Pohlmann, Chair of Women in Technology & Innovation Africa. Private sector leaders from global technology firms and fintech innovators also participated in discussions on data policy, cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

CAS2026 is anchored in the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020–2030 and aligns with continental frameworks such as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and the AU Data Policy Framework. Discussions will centre on policy and regulation, digital infrastructure, skills development and innovation to ensure Africa’s digital growth is secure, interoperable and inclusive.

Speaking during the partners’ breakfast marking the start of the CAS2026 journey, Eng. John Tanui, CBS, Principal Secretary in the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, said the summit reflects Kenya’s leadership in digital transformation. He emphasised that while government can set policy direction and regulatory clarity, sustainable execution depends on private sector partnership, investment and innovation, particularly in digital skills, cross-border infrastructure, cloud sovereignty and cybersecurity frameworks.

ICTA’s incoming Chief Executive Officer, Jessy Maruti, invited stakeholders across government, industry and development partners to participate. He said the 2026 summit would move beyond dialogue to execution, bringing together ministers, regulators and CEOs to align on collective action in advancing Africa’s digital economy.

Building on past editions, the 2026 agenda will examine how emerging technologies can be tailored to Africa’s context, including AI and advanced computing for African languages and sectors, digital tools for climate resilience, digital public infrastructure and trust frameworks, immersive technologies in public services and strategies for future skills and the creative economy. More than 1,500 delegates from over 30 countries are expected to attend high-level plenaries and breakout sessions aimed at forging partnerships and advancing continental digital transformation.

The 2025 summit concluded with the adoption of the Diani Resolutions, a joint communiqué committing stakeholders to deepen digital cooperation and launch the Connected Africa Secretariat to coordinate regional digital transformation efforts.