Kigali, Rwanda – Africa stands at a defining moment in its economic transformation. With the world’s youngest population, abundant natural resources, expanding digital economies, and the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the continent has the potential to become one of the world’s leading engines of growth. The Innovate Africa Conference 2026, taking place at the Kigali Convention Centre on 12–13 October 2026, is designed to accelerate this transformation by bringing together the leaders, investors, and innovators who will shape Africa’s economic future.
The conference theme, “From Declining Finance to Trillion-Dollar Economies,“ reflects a critical moment for the continent. As traditional sources of development finance tighten, African countries must build self-sustaining economies capable of competing at a global scale. Following the success of the 2025 edition, held in partnership with ECOWAS at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja, the conference has evolved into a high-level platform connecting governments, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders across Africa and beyond.
About Innovate Africa Corporation.
Innovate Africa Corporation is a pan-African platform dedicated to advancing innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and economic collaboration across the continent. Founded in 2023 by Uloma Onyebuchi, the organization emerged from a deep-seated passion for Africa and a commitment to addressing its challenges through creativity, technology, and strategic partnerships.
Their mission is to empower African entrepreneurs and innovators by providing them with the tools, resources, partnerships, and support needed to drive economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability across the continent. Through conferences, strategic partnerships, and leadership forums, they bring together governments, businesses, investors, and innovators to develop solutions that support Africa’s sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Their vision is a future where Africa and its diaspora are at the forefront of global innovation, powered by the seamless integration of creativity, cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, unity, and efficient governance. They strive to be the catalyst for a transformative movement that unlocks Africa’s immense potential—empowering communities, stimulating economic growth, and promoting social progress across the continent.
Their core values—integrity, excellence, and teamwork—guide their initiatives and partnerships. They understand that Africa’s challenges are complex and require collaborative, holistic approaches built on trust, discipline, and shared purpose.
Distinguished Speakers
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of African and global leaders, including
- Valentine Ozigbo – Immediate Past President & Group CEO of Transcorp Plc and Founder of the Valiant Movement. With more than two decades of experience spanning banking, hospitality, corporate leadership, and investment, Ozigbo has built a distinguished career at the intersection of business and economic transformation. He argues that “the greatest challenge facing humanity is not politics, economics, or technology, but the quality of individuals being formed to lead society.” At Innovate Africa 2026, Ozigbo will address how Africa can transform its immense potential into scalable businesses, stronger institutions, sustainable investment, and trillion-dollar economies.
- Chioma Ude – Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and a leading voice in Africa’s creative and entertainment ecosystem. Under her vision, AFRIFF has grown into the largest film festival in Africa, training over 10,000 young adults in film and television.
- Nyesom Wike—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, who has called for a shift from transactional to transformational leadership and urged African leaders to move beyond patronage-based governance toward visionary and accountable leadership.
- Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa – Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Founder of the New Nigeria Group, advocating for a transformation of political structures to promote inclusivity, innovation, and investment.
Other confirmed speakers include Kanayo Awani, Benaisha Poole-Watson, and Michael V. Roberts.
Four Strategic Sectors for Africa’s Future
The 2026 conference will center discussions on four key sectors identified as critical to Africa’s economic future:
🎨 1. Creative Economy
Unlocking the potential of Africa’s music, film, fashion, media, gaming, and digital industries through greater investment, stronger intellectual property frameworks, and international partnerships. The creative sector has the power to generate jobs, attract capital, and increase export earnings across the continent.
🌾 2. Agriculture and Food Systems
Advancing agritech, value addition, climate-smart agriculture, and regional supply chains to strengthen food security and create economic opportunities. Improving productivity and developing stronger regional agricultural value chains will be essential to reducing food insecurity and enabling African countries to capture greater value from their agricultural resources.
💻 3. Technology at Scale
Exploring the role of fintech, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems in driving productivity, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness. Africa’s rapidly expanding technology sector offers opportunities to increase productivity, support entrepreneurship, create jobs, and improve the continent’s competitiveness in the global economy.
⚡ 4. Energy Transition
Accelerating access to reliable and sustainable energy while supporting industrial growth, climate resilience, and economic development. Addressing Africa’s energy challenges will be critical to unlocking the potential of businesses and industries across the continent.
What to Expect
The two-day event will feature :
- Keynote addresses from African and global leaders
- Executive dialogues on strategic economic priorities
- Investment sessions connecting capital with opportunities
- Startup showcases highlighting innovative African ventures
- Strategic networking to forge partnerships and collaborations
The organizers said these engagements are expected to facilitate partnerships, investment opportunities, and practical solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing economic challenges.
Why Kigali?
The choice of Kigali as the venue reflects Rwanda’s growing role as a regional center for business, innovation, and international conferences. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Kigali’s culture and tourism offerings while engaging in discussions around Africa’s economic future.
Who Should Attend
The conference will bring together:
| Category | Representatives |
|---|---|
| Government | Heads of State, Ministers, Policymakers |
| Finance | Investors, Venture Capital Firms, Family Offices |
| Business | CEOs, Corporate Executives, Entrepreneurs |
| Development | Development Finance Institutions and Partners |
| Industry | Technology, Agriculture, Energy, and Creative Industry Leaders |
| Academia | Researchers, Youth Leaders, and Emerging Changemakers |
How to Register
Registration is FREE—zero cost to attend! This is a unique opportunity to engage with leaders shaping Africa’s economic future at no cost.
📅 Dates: October 12–13, 2026
📍 Venue: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
🔗 Register here: https://innovateafricacorps.com/index.html
For more information, visit www.innovateafricacorps.com.
🌍 Earth Focus Network at the Conference
At Earth Focus Network, we believe that environmental and social change is a collective movement. We will be attending the Innovate Africa Conference 2026 to connect with changemakers, share opportunities, and build partnerships that drive sustainable development across Africa.
Join Our Network
- 🤝 Connect with like-minded changemakers
- 💰 Access funding opportunities for sustainable development
- 📢 Share your work with a global audience
- 🌱 Support restoration—we’re planting 10,000,000 trees in Rwanda by 2030
🌐 Visit us: www.earthfocusnetwork.com
📧 Email us: Info@earthfocusnetwork.com
Earth Focus Network believes the future is not something we wait for—it’s something we build together. Join us in shaping Africa’s trillion-dollar future!
