Innovation isn’t just about creating cutting-edge technology—it’s about designing systems that ensure technology benefits everyone.
On February 28th, the MIT Sloan Africa Business Club will bring this vision to life with the 15th Annual MIT Africa Innovate Conference (AIC).
For over 15 years, AIC has grown from a bold, student-led initiative into a globally recognized platform driving African innovation and institutional growth.
According to the Africa Innovate Conference Impact Report, the AIC ecosystem has sparked over $150 million in follow-on funding, created more than 1,500 jobs, and positively impacted over one million lives. Alumni ventures like Sanergy and MDaaS Global are just a few examples of its far-reaching influence.
But AIC’s impact goes beyond launching ventures. The conference has become a hub for leaders shaping national policies, global trade, and technology governance. It’s a vital pipeline for talent, leadership, and systemic change across Africa.
A Trusted Platform for Change
In 2026, AIC will be co-chaired by Rita Uganden-Teryila and Bernard O’Bien, continuing its legacy as a trusted platform for innovation, systems thinking, and leadership development. Also, the event brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and scholars to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.
The theme for 2026, “African Intelligence: Building Systems for Shared Prosperity,” goes beyond the buzzwords of AI and tech. It focuses on how policy, capital, and talent can converge to create scalable, sustainable solutions for Africa. However, this year’s discussions will shift from individual success stories to building systems that generate wealth and opportunity for all. It’s about creating infrastructure for trust, collaboration, and long-term growth.
What to Expect at AIC 2026
1. The Hackathon: Turning Ideas into Action
The Innovate Conference kicks off with The Hackathon, a high-energy event showcasing African Intelligence in action. Over 24 hours, interdisciplinary teams of Africa’s brightest minds will collaborate to tackle urgent challenges.
This isn’t just about building apps—it’s about designing resilient, scalable systems. Teams will develop practical, actionable solutions rooted in Africa’s real-world priorities, transforming the theme of shared prosperity into tangible digital and policy prototypes.
2. Gala Night: Celebrating Heritage and Partnerships
After the Hackathon, the weekend transitions into Gala Night, a celebration of African heritage, excellence, and identity.
Set against a vibrant backdrop of music, culture, and community, the evening is more than a social gathering. It’s a space where builders, investors, and policymakers form meaningful connections that can grow into long-term partnerships. Gala Night is a reminder that Africa’s innovation story is powered not just by technology and capital, but also by culture, community, and shared purpose.
3. The Main Conference: From Ideas to Execution
The next day, the focus shifts to the main Innovate Conference at Wong Auditorium, where global thinkers and African innovators will gather to discuss actionable strategies for the continent’s future.
Through panels and fireside chats, leaders will explore how to scale solutions across Africa. Moreover, Topics will range from policy and leadership to financing African AI, energy and urban resilience, talent development, and expanding health systems.
Keynote Speakers and Thought Leaders
Note that, The 2026 Africa Innovate Conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, starting with keynote speaker Funke Opeke. Other highlights include:
- Dr. Patrick Njoroge (Former Governor, Central Bank of Kenya) in a Fireside Chat on Policy & Strategic Leadership.
- Business and tech leaders like Gregory Ugwi, Yassine Laghzioui, and Tolu Alabi, discussing real-world solutions and financing African startups for the global market.
- Experts in energy and urban resilience, including Prof. Ericmoore Jossou and Dr. Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough.
- Health system specialists Dr. Uche Ralph-Okpara and Adeola Alli, focusing on scaling healthcare solutions.
AIC 2026: Building Systems for Shared Prosperity
The 15th Annual MIT Africa Innovate Conference promises to be a transformative event, uniting visionaries from across the globe to shape Africa’s future. From the Hackathon to the Gala Night and the main conference, AIC 2026 will inspire bold ideas, foster collaboration, and drive systemic change for shared prosperity across the continent.
