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
The AfriLabs Annual Gathering is the AfriLabs’ flagship global convergence of the African innovation ecosystem, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, government leaders, academia, development agencies, corporates, technology practitioners, and media stakeholders for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Regarded as Africa’s premier innovation convening, the Gathering has become a launchpad for strategic partnerships and investment, high-level policy dialogue, showcasing innovations and startup exhibitions, thought leadership and ecosystem research, capacity development through masterclasses, technical labs, and sector tracks and cultural immersion and celebration of African creativity and talent.
The 2025 AAG saw the birthing of a UN-level strategic co-hosting with timbuktoo (UNDP), strengthening global recognition of Africa’s innovation agenda, with representation from all 54 African countries and over 70 countries globally, reaffirming its position as the continent’s most influential technology convening.
The 2026 Gathering will mark the 11th edition of this flagship event and will take place from 18–20 November 2026 in Cotonou, Benin Republic. The event will be hosted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation of the Republic of Benin, with the endorsement of the President of the Republic of Benin, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem and showcase Benin’s growing leadership in digital transformation and innovation, while strengthening collaboration across Africa, advancing enabling policy frameworks, and fostering strategic partnerships to position the continent as a global leader in innovation.
Why Benin Republic?
Benin Republic is emerging as one of Africa’s top destinations for digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven economic transformation. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, the country has made significant investments in strengthening its digital economy, modernizing public services, and creating an enabling environment for startups, innovators, and private sector investment.
Strategically located in the heart of West Africa, Benin serves as a gateway to both Francophone and Anglophone markets, providing seamless access to regional and continental innovation ecosystems. Its political stability, business-friendly reforms, expanding digital infrastructure, and commitment to regional integration make it an ideal destination for convening Africa’s leading technology and innovation stakeholders.
The host city, Cotonou, is the country’s commercial and economic capital and a vibrant center for entrepreneurship, trade, and innovation. The city is home to a growing community of startups, innovation hubs, technology companies, universities, and development partners working together to accelerate digital transformation and inclusive economic growth. Its modern infrastructure, international connectivity, and thriving entrepreneurial culture provide the perfect setting for meaningful collaboration and cross-sector partnerships.
Benin’s innovation ambitions are further reflected through national initiatives that promote digital skills development, startup growth, smart infrastructure, and innovation-driven public services. The country’s investments in digital governance, entrepreneurship support, and initiatives such as Sèmè City demonstrate its long-term vision of becoming a regional hub for innovation, talent development, and knowledge exchange.
Hosting the 2026 AfriLabs Annual Gathering in Benin Republic represents more than a change of location, it reflects the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future. Bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, academia, corporates, development partners, and innovation hubs from across the continent, the Gathering will strengthen cross-border collaboration, unlock new investment opportunities, foster policy dialogue, and showcase African innovation on a global stage.
For organizations seeking to engage with Africa’s next wave of innovation, Benin Republic offers a compelling platform to build partnerships, discover emerging opportunities, and contribute to the continued growth of one of the world’s fastest-evolving innovation ecosystems.
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 Commerce
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
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