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The Business Week Afrika Annual Summit is a flagship annual convening that brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem enablers, investors, policymakers, development organisations, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond. Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, the Summit serves as a
platform for collaboration, market access, innovation exchange, and practical business growth.
The 2026 edition of the Business Week Afrika Annual Summit will take place over two days in
October in Nairobi. Building on the momentum and learnings from previous editions, the Summit is
designed to create meaningful connections, unlock opportunities, and support entrepreneurs at
different stages of their journey
The Summit will feature a dedicated exhibition area showcasing innovations, products, services, and business solutions from across the continent. Entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and ecosystem partners will use this space to gain visibility, attract partners and investors, and engage directly with customers and stakeholders.
The Marketplace is a commercial space within the Summit where participants can buy and sell products and services. This area allows entrepreneurs to test markets, generate revenue, build customer relationships, and engage in real-time transactions during the Summit.
The Networking Village is a relaxed, informal space designed for meaningful conversations and relationship-building. While the Summit hosts many high-level, serious conversations through panels, negotiations, and deal-making sessions, the Networking Village exists as a deliberate pause from intensity.
The International Trade Corner will feature dedicated country pavilions, with each participating country hosting its own immersive space. When attendees enter a country pavilion, they experience that country as a business destination — from its culture and identity to its trade and investment opportunities
Each pavilion will showcase:
- Trade and investment opportunities
- Import and export pathways
- Business registration processes and incentives
- Market access frameworks and regulatory guidance
- Cultural elements such as food, visuals, and national identity
Alongside the main Summit programme, there will be smaller, focused summits running for two to three hours each. These sessions will centre on specific industries or themes and will include panel discussions, fireside chats, barazas, and interactive conversations.
Proposed thematic tracks include:
- Finance & Investment
- Market Access & Cross-Border Trade
- Creative & Digital Economy
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Green & Sustainable Economy
The Media Corner is a dedicated content and storytelling hub within the Summit designed to capture, amplify, and extend key conversations beyond the physical event. At the Media Corner, curated and recorded conversations will take place with entrepreneurs, founders, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, ecosystem enablers, and country representatives.
To explore strategies that unlock capital flows across Africa, foster cross-border investments, and create financing solutions tailored to African businesses. This summit will aim to connect investors, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs to identify funding opportunities, investment ready ventures, and innovative financial instruments that support sustainable business growth across the continent
To focus on the free movement of goods across Africa by addressing all pillars of market access, including customs, tariffs, border regulations, logistics, and regional trade agreements. This summit will facilitate discussions on harmonizing regulations, simplifying trade processes, overcoming logistical challenges, and creating a seamless marketplace where African businesses can efficiently distribute goods across borders and unlock new markets
To highlight opportunities for growth in Africa’s creative industries and digital ecosystems. This session will aim to showcase how technology, innovation, and digital platforms can drive business, foster entrepreneurship, and create new revenue streams while connecting creative talents with investors, collaborators, and regional markets
To advance equity and inclusive growth across African enterprises. This summit will discuss strategies for empowering women, youth, and underrepresented groups in business, ensuring diverse perspectives in leadership, and creating inclusive ecosystems that support innovation, collaboration, and equitable access to opportunities.
To accelerate sustainable business practices and climate-conscious entrepreneurship in Africa. This summit will explore renewable energy, circular economy solutions, climate adaptation strategies, and sustainable investment opportunities that drive long-term economic growth while protecting the continent’s environment
Founder & CEO, Webmasters Kenya
Technology Policy & Governance Specialist
Co-Founder & CEO BlackRhino VR
Artist Manager & A&R
Founder & CEO, Juza AI
Regional Programme Lead & AI Governanace Advisor.
AI Transformation Partner. global AI Speaker. Cybersecurity.
