Kenya has officially launched the Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026, positioning the country at the forefront of Africa’s science, technology, and innovation agenda.
The two-day conference, scheduled for October 22-23, 2026, at the Argyle Hotel in Nairobi, is expected to attract more than 3,500 participants from over 30 countries. The event is being convened by the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SDSRI), with support from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, INVIGENCE Ltd and Twinspen Limited.
Held under the theme, “From Technology Ambitions to Strategic Advantage: Leveraging Science, Research & Innovation for Diplomacy, Capital and Execution,” the conference aims to strengthen Africa’s technology leadership and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth.
Focus on Partnerships and Commercialisation
Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said the conference comes at a critical moment as Africa seeks to transform scientific research and innovation into engines of economic development.
He noted that the forum will promote strategic public-private partnerships, research commercialisation, investment opportunities and stronger collaboration among governments, academia, industry and investors.
According to Prof. Abdulrazak, Africa must move beyond technology ambitions and focus on execution, partnerships and measurable outcomes that enhance the continent’s global competitiveness.
Bringing Together Global Technology Leaders
The conference will bring together heads of government, senior government officials, diplomats, development finance institutions, university leaders, research organisations, multinational corporations, venture capital firms, innovation hubs and technology entrepreneurs.
Delegates will participate in policy dialogues, investment forums, specialised workshops, technology exhibitions, and collaborative sessions aimed at generating practical solutions for Africa’s technology ecosystem.
The discussions will culminate in the ATLC 2026 Communique, outlining recommendations to strengthen science, research, innovation, and technology across the continent.
Shifting from Strategy to Action
INVIGENCE Ltd Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kenneth Rotich said the conference reflects Africa’s growing focus on implementing technology strategies rather than merely developing policy frameworks.
He said the event will connect leaders responsible for financing, governing, building and deploying technology to ensure innovations translate into institutions, investments and tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Dr Rotich added that the conference will also create opportunities for governments, development finance institutions, researchers, academia, industry and investors to build partnerships that accelerate technology deployment and research commercialisation.
Strengthening Kenya’s Position as an Innovation Hub
Twinspen Limited’s Brian Mung’ei said the conference is expected to reinforce Nairobi’s reputation as Africa’s leading destination for technology leadership dialogue while strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional hub for innovation, research collaboration, investment and technology diplomacy.
He noted that bringing together key stakeholders from across Africa will help shape the continent’s next phase of technology-driven growth and economic transformation.
Organisers have opened registration for delegates, exhibitors, and strategic partners, with additional programme details and speaker announcements expected in the coming weeks ahead of the October conference.
