The Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 will return to Nairobi from 20–23 May 2026, convening a diverse network of policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders shaping Africa’s global influence.

Now in its seventh year, the summit has grown into one of the continent’s most influential cross-sector platforms, where conversations at the intersection of capital, technology, and creativity are driving new thinking around Africa’s economic future.

A Platform for Africa’s Next Growth Phase

As global economic and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the 2026 edition will focus on how Africa can better align its financial systems, digital infrastructure, creative industries, and policy frameworks to unlock sustainable growth.

The summit is structured as a dynamic, “live editorial” platform—designed not just for discussion, but for generating actionable insights, partnerships, and market-shaping ideas. Key themes will include finance and capital markets, artificial intelligence and data governance, trade and tourism, and the growing role of women’s leadership in strengthening institutions.

Blending Policy, Innovation and Culture

The programme reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of Africa’s development. It begins with a high-level welcome reception and continues with the Remarkable African Women’s Leadership (RAW) Conference, which explores women’s leadership as a driver of economic performance.

This is followed by the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, bringing together leaders across technology, media, finance, and policy to examine how innovation can be translated into commercial and global value.

The summit will conclude with the Africa Soft Power Gala & Awards, alongside curated experiences across Nairobi that highlight the city’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation and culture.

A Global Network with African Roots

The summit consistently attracts high-level participation from across Africa and the diaspora, including CEOs, policymakers, investors, and creatives. Previous editions have featured representatives from institutions such as African Export-Import Bank, Safaricom, Netflix, Meta, Amazon, and the International Finance Corporation.

This blend of public and private sector voices reflects the summit’s role as a space where Africa’s economic and cultural narratives are not only discussed but actively shaped.

Shaping Africa’s Global Positioning

At a time when traditional centres of global influence are shifting, Africa is increasingly emerging as a key player in redefining global economic and cultural systems. The summit provides a platform for deal-making, policy dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration—helping position Africa as a driver of innovation and growth.

Outlook

With its integrated approach, the Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 underscores a critical reality: Africa’s future competitiveness will depend on how effectively it connects policy, capital, technology, and culture.

As anticipation builds, the Nairobi event is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s next phase of development.