The Africa Soft Power Summit is scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 20 to May 23, 2026, bringing together stakeholders from business, policy, technology, media and the creative industries.
Africa Soft Power Summit organisers said the event will continue to serve as a platform for cross sector engagement. The wider programme will extend to May 24 through curated cultural and destination based activities across Nairobi. Nigerian participants are expected to feature at the summit, continuing their involvement in previous editions.
This year’s theme focuses on the alignment of finance, creativity and human capital as drivers of economic growth. Organisers said the approach reflects the view that development outcomes depend on how different sectors interact rather than working separately.
Founder and Creative Director of the Africa Soft Power Group, Dr Nkiru Balonwu, said the summit is designed to support engagement at a time of global economic and technological change.
She said Africa’s creative and innovation sectors are playing a growing role in shaping discussions on future growth.
“The world is looking for fresh solutions, credible leadership and new pathways for growth. Africa’s creative and innovation sectors have already shown that they are not peripheral to that future. They are central to it. ” Balonwu said.
“This summit is a fitting setting for that conversation because it reflects so much of the ambition, energy and connectivity the continent is building”.
The programme will run across three main tracks. The Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference will open the summit, with discussions focused on leadership and governance. This will be followed by sessions on creative and innovation industries, examining the commercial potential of Africa’s cultural sectors.
The summit will end with a gala and awards ceremony recognising contributions across art, fashion, film, media and technology.
Previous editions have featured participants from organisations such as Netflix, Meta, Google, MTN, Safaricom, Amazon Studios, Afreximbank, IFC, Bank of Industry, AfCFTA, NGX Group and the National Basketball Association, alongside policymakers, entrepreneurs and cultural figures.
Nairobi will host the 2026 edition at a time of growing attention on Africa’s creative and technology sectors. The summit has become a meeting point for discussions on investment, partnerships and policy direction across the continent.
Registration for the 2026 edition is currently open to individual and institutional participants.
Nkiru Balonwu is a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur. She founded the Africa Soft Power Group, which focuses on connecting Africa’s creative, policy and business communities through platforms that encourage collaboration and dialogue across sectors.
