The Summit
Three days of keynotes, panels and workshops on AI, fintech, digital public infrastructure and the policy shaping them.
See the programme24-26 Sep 2026Golden Tulip Airport Hotel & Spa, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Where Africa builds what comes next
Three days bringing together the founders, engineers, investors and policymakers shaping technology and AI across the continent. A summit programme, a full exhibition floor, a continental hackathon, and the awards that close the week.
What is on
Four things happening at once
The Expo runs as one event with four strands. You can follow one all the way through or move between them.
The Exhibition
Ten pavilions covering everything from AgriTech to MineralsTech, plus a Startup Village for early-stage teams and a live demo zone.
Exhibit with usThe Awards
Ten categories recognising the people and organisations moving African technology forward, judged by panel and decided by public vote.
About the awardsThe Hackathon
The African Innovation Challenge. Nine challenge areas, teams of two to five, and a prize pool of $7,500 plus startup support. Fifteen finalists compete live on day one.
Enter the hackathon
The Awards
10 categories, decided in the open
Nominations are open to anyone. A panel shortlists, then the public votes. Nothing is announced until the night.
Nominations close 14 August 2026 at 23:59 EAT
Nominations close in: 0 days, 10 hours and 30 minutes remaining. Closes 14 August 2026 at 23:59 EAT.
Nominate
Anyone can put forward a person or organisation, with a short case and links to evidence.
Panel screening
An independent panel screens every entry and shortlists three finalists per category.
Public vote
Voting opens to the public, verified by one-time code. One vote per category per person.
Winners revealed
Results stay sealed until the Presidential Reception on the evening of 26 September.
African Innovation Challenge
Build. Pitch. Launch.
This isn't just a hackathon, it's a launchpad for Africa's next generation of startups. Teams build against a brief in one of 9 challenge areas, competing for a prize pool of $7,500 plus startup support. Fifteen finalists present live on the main stage on day one.
FinTech
Making money move easier for everyone.
HealthTech
Saving lives with technology.
Energy
Ensure stable and affordable access to energy.
Tourism
Harness the tourism sector's ability to service all its market segments.
EdTech
Achieve educational outcomes and support the legal environment.
Gov/Business Tech
Helping governments and businesses work smarter.
CreativeTech
Powering Africa's creative, cultural and media industries.
AgriTech
Smarter farming for food security.
Smart Cities
Making cities work better for the people who live in them.
Tickets
Four ways in
Early bird pricing ended 10 August 2026. Standard rates apply. Capacity is 1,000 per tier.
Ordinary
Days 1 and 2
$100 / TZS 250,000
Early bird price, no longer available:
$50 / TZS 125,000early bird, ended 10 August 2026- Conference sessions on days 1 and 2
- Full exhibition floor access
- Workshop rooms, subject to capacity
All three days
VIP
All three days
$600 / TZS 1,250,000
Early bird price, no longer available:
$400 / TZS 1,000,000early bird, ended 10 August 2026- Everything in Ordinary
- Priority seating and VIP lounge
- Presidential Reception on day 3 included
The only tier that covers all three days on its own. The standard rate is being confirmed, so check it at checkout before you pay.
See this tier, VIPPresidential Reception
Day 3 only
$120 / TZS 300,000
Early bird price, no longer available:
$90 / TZS 220,000early bird, ended 10 August 2026- Presidential Reception and gala dinner
- The awards ceremony and winners reveal
Day 3 entry requires this pass or a VIP ticket.
See this tier, Presidential ReceptionStudent
Days 1 and 2
Free
- Conference sessions on days 1 and 2
- Full exhibition floor access
First come, first served. Register with your school details and your place is confirmed straight away.
Claim a free pass, Student
Day 3 access, the Presidential Reception and the awards ceremony, requires a VIP or Reception pass. Ordinary and Student tickets cover days 1 and 2.
The three days
How the week runs
Day 1 opens with the hackathon finals, day 2 is the full summit and exhibition, and day 3 closes with the Presidential Reception and the awards.
Day 1: Opening & Hackathon Finals
Thursday 24 September
Gates open, keynote programme begins, and the hackathon sprint ends with finals judged live on the main stage.
Day 2: Summit & Exhibition
Friday 25 September
Full-day conference track alongside the exhibition floor, startup village and workshop rooms.
Day 3: Presidential Reception & Awards
Saturday 26 September
The awards are revealed at the Presidential Reception. Entry requires a VIP or Reception pass.
Exhibition pavilions
- EdTech
- FinTech
- AgriTech & EnviroTech
- HealthTech
- CreativeTech
- EnergyTech & Infrastructure
- MineralsTech
- ServicesTech
- Technology Hub
- Startup Village
Venue and travel
Golden Tulip Airport Hotel & Spa
Zanzibar, Tanzania. 24 to 26 September 2026. Minutes from the international airport, with the summit halls, exhibition floor and reception all on one site.
Getting there
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a few minutes from the venue, with direct connections through Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Doha and Addis Ababa.
Visas
Most visitors can obtain a Tanzania visa on arrival or online in advance. Requirements by nationality are set out on the travel page.
Where to stay
The Golden Tulip is the host hotel and holds a delegate allocation. Negotiated rates and nearby alternatives are published on the travel page.
Getting around
A shuttle runs between the airport, partner hotels and the venue across all three days. Timings are published closer to the event.
Partners
Delivered in partnership
The Expo is organised by Africa Business Connex with Unique Touch, under the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, and supported by the startup associations of Zanzibar and Tanzania.
24 to 26 September 2026
Come as an attendee, bring a stand, put a team into the hackathon, or back the whole thing as a sponsor.