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From April 27 to 30, 2026, the Connected Africa Summit is bringing together more than 1,500 policymakers, innovators and tech leaders from 30 countries in Nairobi. This year’s theme — "Shaping The Future of a Connected Africa: Unlocking Growth Beyond Connectivity" — highlights discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity and digital public infrastructure, with a focus on turning ideas into concrete action to support economic development across the continent.
On June 29-30, 2026, the Global AI Show will gather more than 10,000 participants in Riyadh under the theme “AI 2030: Accelerating Intelligent Futures.” More than 100 speakers will discuss machine learning, robotics, and sector-specific applications with policymakers, startups, and investors. The event aims to advance artificial intelligence innovation across the region and beyond.
On Wednesday, June 17, CYSEC MENA will bring together technology decision-makers, security officers and experts in Manama, Bahrain, for a three-day conference on regional cyber threats. The agenda includes panels on critical infrastructure protection, IT/OT strategies, compliance and digital resilience. The event is expected to promote international collaboration and networking among governments, businesses and cybersecurity solution providers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
From June 9 to 12, the SIT Africa Forum will bring together more than 70 cybersecurity vendors and 350 IT decision-makers from across Francophone Africa in Marrakech. The four-day event will feature conferences, workshops and business meetings focused on cyber risks, data protection, cloud computing, digital identity and the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen organizational security.
From April 22 to April 24, Google Cloud Next will take place in Las Vegas, bringing together developers, IT leaders and business decision-makers. The event will focus on recent developments in cloud computing, data and artificial intelligence. The program includes keynote sessions, technical workshops and product demonstrations covering security, analytics and application development.
From April 28 to 30, the Women in Tech Global Summit will bring together executives, founders, investors, and public officials at the Cape Town Convention Center to promote women in technology. The agenda includes keynote talks, workshops, and networking sessions focused on innovation, leadership, and STEAM skills, with delegations from more than 60 countries.
African startups have until April 30 to register for the 5th cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The competition rewards innovative solutions powered by clean energy for water production, distribution, storage, desalination and purification. With a $1 million prize pool, the award is open to projects, research, individual initiatives and crisis-response solutions in the water sector.
From Tuesday, May 5 to Thursday, May 7, GISEC GLOBAL will bring together governments, businesses, experts and startups at Dubai Expo City. Conferences, workshops and demonstrations will focus on AI in security, protection of critical infrastructure, and resilience to cyberattacks, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing and international networking.
From May 19 to 21, AI Everything Kenya and GITEX Kenya will bring together policymakers, startups, investors and digital experts in Nairobi. Conferences, workshops, exhibitions, pitch sessions and investment forums will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, agritech, and digital health and education, aiming to foster collaboration and support tangible projects across East Africa’s digital economy.
Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator has passed the milestone of 100 startups supported, as it launches its sixth cohort. Since its inception, the program has backed 104 companies across 28 markets, with a combined valuation of $1.4 billion. Applications for the new cohort are open until Sunday, May 17, as the program seeks to help a new wave of founders scale financial solutions across the continent.
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The online school Koa Academy is launching a free entrepreneurship challenge for South Africans aged 9 to 16. Over five weeks, participants will learn how to develop an idea, set prices, identify their target market, and pitch their ideas to professionals. The hands-on program aims to build confidence, business skills, and initiative from an early age.
The Morocco Gaming Expo will take place from Wednesday, May 20, to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat. In its third edition, the event is positioning itself as the leading gathering for video games, e-sports, and immersive technologies in Morocco. It will bring together enthusiasts, studios, publishers, and public sector stakeholders, featuring demonstrations, competitions, and networking opportunities.
The General Confederation of Guinean Enterprises, in partnership with Microsoft, is launching “AI Xcelerate”, a program aimed at helping 250 companies adopt artificial intelligence. The initiative combines training with practical applications to improve SME productivity and competitiveness. It forms part of the national 2026-2035 roadmap to narrow the technology gap and modernize the economy amid global shifts.
The Estonian tech conference Latitude59 is closing applications for its African startup pitch competition this Wednesday, April 15. The event, scheduled for May 20–22 in Tallinn, offers a prime opportunity to connect with European investors and mentors. Early-stage companies from across the continent are invited to apply to showcase their potential at this influential European event.