Kenya Set to Host 15th Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi
The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, H.E Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, EGH, announced that the preparation for the 15th Annual Connected Africa Summit, to be held from 27 to 30 April 2026 at The Edge Convention Centre, is complete.
This year’s Summit, under the theme “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market,” comes at a critical moment when the continent must take an active role in shaping its digital future.
Building on the progress of previous editions, there is a shift in focus, firmly toward measurable delivery.
The goal of the summit, is to bring together Africa’s innovators, policymakers, and private sector leaders to create a digital market that is inclusive; one that serves both small-scale traders and high-growth technology enterprises across the continent.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that, the Summit is convening ministers and senior representatives from across Africa, alongside key institutions such as the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, and Smart Africa.
This Summit will deliver concrete outcomes, including an AfCFTA Digital Trade Implementation Sprint List, an African Data Space Action Note, and a pipeline of bankable digital projects spanning connectivity, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and skills development.
These are practical steps aimed at reducing barriers to cross-border digital trade and strengthening Africa’s data governance systems.
The CS recognised the support of all sponsors which underscores the critical role of the private sector in advancing our shared digital agenda.
While Africa’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly, challenges remain: limited connectivity, high costs, and fragmented regulatory frameworks.
Through this Summit, the government is working towards a unified approach where Africa can negotiate and implement digital policies collectively, rather than in isolation.
As Kenya prepares to host delegates from across the continent and beyond, the CS called on all stakeholders to focus not only on the discussions, but also on the outcomes that will shape Africa’s digital transformation for years to come.
In attendance were Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui; ICTA CEO, Mr. Jessy Maruti; Country Manager HPE - Selectium Ken Ltd, Mr. George Odula; Head of Policy and Partnership, Huawei Kenya, Mr. Adam Lane; Leadership representative from Safaricom PLC, Secretary ICT and E-Government, Mary Kirema, among other key industry players.