Theme:
Africa's Innovation Era: Building Sustainable Institutions for Global Influence and Continental Impact
18 – 20 November 2026
Cotonou, Benin Republic
By participating, your organization can tap into the expansive AfriLabs network of 500+ hubs across 232 cities in 53 African countries, representing a combined community of over one million innovators. The event also offers significant visibility through AfriLabs’ extensive media reach, including:
The 2026 edition provides unmatched access, reach, and partnership opportunities within Africa’s innovation landscape.
About the 2026 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
Why Benin Republic?
Host Ministry – AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2026
Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation (MTDI) of the Republic of Benin is the official host of the 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2026), taking place from 18–20 November 2026 in Cotonou, Benin.
Leading Benin’s digital transformation agenda, the Ministry is driving innovation, digital governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology-enabled economic growth. In partnership with AfriLabs, the Ministry will welcome more than 1,200 innovators, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and beyond to advance collaboration, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and shape Africa’s innovation future.
Together, AfriLabs and the Government of Benin are creating a platform where bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and transformative solutions will help build sustainable institutions for Africa’s global influence and continental impact.
Tracks at the 2026 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
The AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) 2026 will feature dedicated thematic tracks designed to facilitate discussions, knowledge exchange, and practical insights on some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Each track will bring together ecosystem leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, development partners, and industry experts to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that drive sustainable growth and continental impact.
The thematic tracks for AAG 2026 include:
Policy, Data and AI
Health Track
Hub Solutions
Creative Digital Economy
Makerspaces
Green and Blue Economy
Investor/Investment
Trade and Industry
Individuals interested in learning more about the thematic tracks or the track leadership structure may contact bede@afrilabs.com or peter@afrilabs.com for further information.
Event Highlights
Recap of AfriLabs Annual Gatherings
Explore the key moments and highlights from our previous gatherings.
Event Tickets
Kagera
The Core Conference Pass: Perfect for local participants, students, early-stage founders, and professionals looking to engage with key conference sessions.
- Access to Days 1 and 2 of the Gathering
- Access to keynote sessions and breakout discussions
- General registration access
- General lunch and tea break access
- Access to exhibition area
- Digital delegate toolkit
Zambezi
The Full Gathering Experience: Ideal for founders, hub leaders, ecosystem builders, professionals, and partners seeking complete event access.
- Full access to Days 1, 2, and 3
- Access to the AfriLabs Soirée
- Access to the AfriLabs Gala & Awards Dinner
- Access to the Ecosystem Tour
- General shuttle service (hotel–venue)
- Standard registration access
- General seating across all sessions
- General lunch and tea break access
- Access to attendee networking sessions
- Digital delegate toolkit
- Access to post-event session highlights
Nile
The Premium AAG Experience : Designed for senior ecosystem leaders, investors, executives, partners, and delegates seeking a seamless and elevated event experience.
- Full access to Days 1, 2, and 3 of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering
- Access to the AfriLabs Soirée
- Premium access to the AfriLabs Gala & Awards Dinner
- Access to the Ecosystem Tour
- Dedicated airport transfers (airport–hotel–venue–airport)
- Hotel-side registration and credential collection prior to event opening
- Priority venue access with fast-track entry
- Reserved premium seating during main-stage sessions
- Access to the exclusive Nile Lounge for high-level networking
- Reserved Gala seating
- Dedicated lunch service area
- Pre-event concierge support for logistics and event assistance
- Priority access to ecosystem tour sign-up
- Digital delegate toolkit and post-event resources
- Invitation to an exclusive premium networking coffee session
What to Expect at AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2026
The 2026 edition provides unmatched access, reach, and partnership opportunities within Africa’s innovation landscape.
Diverse Tracks and Sessions
The AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) 2026 will feature dedicated thematic tracks designed to facilitate discussions, knowledge exchange, and practical insights on some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Key Announcements and Partnerships
Stay updated on the latest initiatives and partnerships announced at our gathering, aimed at empowering African startups and fostering innovation across the continent.
Past AAG
2025
Hosted by
2024
South Africa
2023
Rwanda
2022
Zambia
2021
Nigeria
2020
Virtual
2019
Hosted by
2018
Tanzania
2017
Egypt
2016
Ghana
AfriLabs Annual Gathering
Sponsorship Brochure
Discover how your organization can support Africa’s innovation ecosystem by becoming a sponsor of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering.
Accelerate your growth and amplify your impact
Join AfriLabs Connect and become part of a dynamic ecosystem driving change across the continent.
