The government of Kenya, through the State Department for Science, Research & Innovation (SDSRI) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and INVIGENCE Ltd, today officially launched the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026, a premier continental platform that will bring together over 3,500 government leaders, investors, diplomats, researchers, innovators and private sector executives to shape Africa’s next chapter of technology and innovation-driven growth.
The conference, that will take place on 22nd and 23rd October 2026 at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi, is being co-convened with the State Department for Science, Research & Innovation (SDSRI) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, INVIGENCE Ltd and Twinspen Limited.
This year’s theme is “From Technology Ambitions to Strategic Advantage: Leveraging Science, Research & Innovation for Diplomacy, Capital and Execution.”. The ATLC 2026 comes at a defining moment for the continent and positions Kenya at the center of Africa’s growing leadership in science, technology diplomacy and economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak said the conference responds directly to Africa’s most pressing technology leadership questions, and is expected to facilitate strategic public-private partnerships, promote research commercialisation, stimulate investment conversations and strengthen collaboration across African institutions.
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“Africa has reached a pivotal moment where science, research and innovation must become strategic instruments for economic transformation and global influence. The conversations we convene today must move beyond aspiration towards execution, partnership and measurable impact. The Africa Technology Leadership Conference provides the platform through which governments, academia, researchers, industry and investors can collectively shape Africa’s technology future while positioning Kenya as a leader in technology diplomacy.” – said PS Prof Abdulrazak.
The conference is expected to attract participants from more than 30 countries, including Heads of Government, government leaders, diplomatic community, development finance institutions, higher educational institutions leaders, research organisations, multinational corporations, venture capital firms, innovation hubs and technology entrepreneurs. Delegates will participate in specialised workshops, policy dialogues, investment discussions, technology showcases and collaborative sessions designed to produce actionable recommendations culminating in the ATLC 2026 Communique.
Dr Kenneth Rotich, Chief Executive Officer of INVIGENCE Ltd, noted that the conference represents a deliberate shift towards implementation,” for years, Africa has produced bold digital strategies and ambitious innovation agendas. Our greatest opportunity now lies in execution and we have designed this 2nd edition of the Africa Technology Leadership Conference to bring together the leaders who finance, govern, build and deploy research, innovations and technology so that ideas move beyond policy documents into institutions, investments and real outcomes that improve lives across the continent.”
“The conference will provide a high-level platform for governments, development finance institutions, academia, research institutions, industry leaders and investors to develop practical partnerships that accelerate technology deployment, commercialise research and strengthen Africa’s position in shaping global technology governance,” Dr Rotich added.
“Beyond the conference, we as the organisers expect this initiative to reinforce Nairobi’s position as Africa’s premier destination for technology leadership dialogue while strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional hub for innovation, research collaboration, investment and technology diplomacy. We are excited to bring together key stakeholders who will be part of shaping Africa’s next chapter of technology and innovation-driven growth,” concluded Mr. Brian Mung’ei of Twinspen Limited
Registration for delegates, strategic partners and exhibitors is now open, with additional programme announcements and speaker confirmations expected in the coming weeks.
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