NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is set to host the 15th Connected Africa Summit from April 27 to 30, 2026, in a move aimed at accelerating the continent’s push toward an inclusive and integrated digital economy.
Announcing the development, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said preparations for the high-level forum, to be held at The Edge Convention Centre, are complete.
The summit, themed “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market,” is expected to bring together policymakers, innovators, and private sector leaders from across the continent to chart a unified digital transformation path.
“This year’s Summit comes at a critical moment when the continent must take an active role in shaping its digital future,” Kabogo said, emphasizing a shift from dialogue to “measurable delivery.”
According to organizers, the forum will convene ministers and senior officials alongside key continental institutions, including the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, and Smart Africa.
Among the expected outcomes are an AfCFTA Digital Trade Implementation Sprint List, an African Data Space Action Note, and a pipeline of bankable projects targeting connectivity, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skills development.
Stakeholders say these deliverables are designed to address long-standing barriers to cross-border digital trade, including fragmented regulatory frameworks and limited interoperability across African markets.
The summit also underscores the growing role of the private sector in driving Africa’s digital agenda, with participation from major technology and telecommunications firms. Representatives expected include officials from Safaricom PLC, Huawei Kenya, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, among others.
Government officials present at the announcement included John Tanui, Jessy Maruti, and Mary Kirema.
The initiative aligns with broader continental efforts under the AfCFTA framework to enhance digital trade and economic integration. Analysts note that a harmonized digital market could significantly boost intra-African trade, which remains below its potential compared to other regions.
However, challenges persist. Limited internet access, high data costs, and uneven digital infrastructure continue to hinder progress, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Kabogo said the summit aims to foster a coordinated approach to policy development, enabling African countries to negotiate and implement digital frameworks collectively rather than in isolation.
The event comes as Kenya positions itself as a regional technology hub, leveraging its growing digital ecosystem and policy reforms to attract investment and innovation.
As delegates prepare to converge in Nairobi, attention will be on whether the summit delivers actionable outcomes capable of advancing Africa’s digital transformation beyond policy discussions into tangible economic gains.
