Africa Tech Festival, the continent’s longest-running and most prominent technology event, will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from November 16 to 19, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders driving the next phase of Africa’s digital growth.
Africa Tech Festival, which was founded as AfricaCom and is now in its 29th edition, has developed alongside the continent’s digital transformation, widening its focus to embrace the complete spectrum of technology, investment opportunities, and policies that drive economic progress.
At a time when investment in connectivity, subsea cables, fiber networks, data centers, and cloud infrastructure is altering Africa’s digital environment, the Africa Tech Festival acts as a catalyst for the discussions and collaborations that are driving that development. South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is a Strategic Partner of the event, and Hon. Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, has agreed to deliver the inaugural address.
“Africa Tech Festival is a strategic platform shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together leaders from across the continent in government and industry to drive collaboration, investment, and innovation. As host country, South Africa is proud to champion an event that not only strengthens partnerships, but advances a shared vision of an inclusive, connected and globally competitive African digital economy,” said Minister Malatsi.
Africa Tech Festival 2026 is organized around six interrelated pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities that drive Africa’s digital economy: telecommunications and connectivity, data centers, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, startups, and digital transformation.
Together, these pillars provide a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing priorities, such as digital infrastructure expansion, increased connectivity and digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption, stronger data sovereignty and digital trust, and the partnerships and investments required to unlock Africa’s next wave of innovation and economic growth.
The event will include specific content programming, executive forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and investment-focused conversations to bring together decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.
“It is now clear that this is a defining moment for the ICT sector in Africa. AI adoption is transforming business processes, but it also raises questions around inclusion, data sovereignty and the capacity of digital infrastructure. Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together to find the answers,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival.
As Africa’s digital economy continues to garner worldwide investment and attention, the Africa Tech Festival demonstrates the continent’s strengths and leadership while linking African stakeholders with foreign investors, technology businesses, and politicians. Beyond the yearly event, it continues to be a year-round venue for thought leadership, industry engagement, and ecosystem growth, influencing the policies, investments, and technologies that are propelling Africa’s digital revolution.
