Nairobi to host Africa Soft Power Summit 2026

Nairobi is set to host the 2026 edition of the Africa Soft Power Summit, reaffirming its position as a leading continental hub for innovation, culture and cross-border collaboration.

The summit will take place from May 20 to 23, with an extended programme running through May 24, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa, the diaspora and global markets.

The gathering will focus on the intersection of the creative and technology sectors, women’s leadership, policy and investment.

This year’s theme— “Africa’s Compound Interest: Aligning Ecosystems of Finance, Creativity and Human Capital for Growth”—highlights the growing convergence between capital, talent and innovation in shaping the continent’s economic future.

According to Nkiru Balonwu, founder of the Africa Soft Power Group, the summit comes at a time when global systems are being reshaped and Africa’s role is becoming increasingly significant.

“The world is looking for fresh solutions, credible leadership and new pathways for growth. Africa’s creative and innovation sectors are central to that future and Nairobi offers an ideal setting given its energy and connectivity.” she said,

The 2026 programme will feature three anchor events, including the Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference, which focuses on advancing women’s leadership; the Creative and Innovative Industries Conference, examining how creative work translates into commercial success; and the ASP Gala and Awards, celebrating excellence across sectors such as film, fashion, media and technology.

Organisers say the summit will also include curated experiences across Nairobi and beyond, aimed at showcasing Kenya’s creative and cultural industries while facilitating networking, investment and partnerships.

Previous editions of the summit have attracted a diverse mix of global and African institutions, including Netflix, Meta, Google, Mastercard, Safaricom and African Export-Import Bank, alongside policymakers, investors and creatives.

The return of the summit is expected to further cement Nairobi’s standing as a key meeting point for ideas, capital and culture, particularly as Africa’s creative and innovation sectors continue to attract global attention and investment.