Kenya will host
the second Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026 in October as
the country seeks to position itself as the continent’s hub for science,
technology diplomacy and innovation-driven investment.
The two-day
conference, scheduled for October 22–23 at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi, is
expected to attract more than 3,500 delegates from over 30 countries, including
government leaders, diplomats, investors, researchers, technology firms and
innovators.
The event is being
organised by the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SDSRI)
in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, INVIGENCE Ltd
and Twinspen Limited.
Speaking during
the launch, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof.
Shaukat Abdulrazak said the conference aims to strengthen public-private
partnerships, promote commercialisation of research and attract investment into
Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
“Africa has
reached a pivotal moment where science, research and innovation must become
strategic instruments for economic transformation and global influence,”
he said, adding that the forum will focus on turning policy into practical
outcomes through collaboration among governments, academia, industry and
investors.
The conference
will be held under the theme ‘From Technology Ambitions to Strategic Advantage:
Leveraging Science, Research and Innovation for Diplomacy, Capital and
Execution.’
Organisers said
delegates will participate in policy dialogues, investment forums, technology
exhibitions, specialised workshops and business networking sessions, with
discussions expected to culminate in the ATLC 2026 Communique, outlining
recommendations for advancing technology-led development across the continent.
INVIGENCE Ltd
Chief Executive Dr. Kenneth Rotich said Africa’s challenge is no longer
developing digital strategies but implementing them.
He noted that the
conference will bring together policymakers, financiers, researchers and
technology companies to accelerate technology deployment, commercialise
research and strengthen Africa’s influence in global technology governance.
Twinspen Limited
representative Brian Mung’ei said the forum is also expected to reinforce
Nairobi’s position as a leading destination for technology leadership dialogue,
innovation partnerships and research collaboration.
Registration for
delegates, exhibitors and strategic partners has opened, with organisers
expected to announce additional speakers and programme details in the coming
weeks
