Ideas. Action. Impact.
Turning bold ideas into sustainable impact.
Turning bold ideas into sustainable impact.
Ideas. Action. Impact.
Turning bold ideas into sustainable impact.
<p data-block-key="7qbbr">Turning bold ideas into sustainable impact.</p>
Featured Keynotes & Speakers
Who may attend AIA 2026?
Innovators, inventors, and research-driven ventures can showcase breakthrough solutions and technologies at AIA. The Awards offer a platform to demonstrate prototypes, explore commercialization pathways, and engage directly with investors, corporates, and potential partners.
Participants can access mentorship, knowledge exchange, and collaborative opportunities to scale innovations and turn research into impactful products and services. For innovators, AIA is a launchpad for visibility, partnerships, and global reach.
Students passionate about technology, science, and entrepreneurship are encouraged to attend AIA to explore emerging trends, meet mentors, and connect with startups and investors.
The event provides a unique learning environment, exposing students to real-world innovation, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Students leave inspired, equipped with knowledge, and motivated to become the next generation of African innovators.
Entrepreneurs from Africa and beyond will find AIA a fertile environment for growing their businesses. The event provides a platform to present ventures to a global audience, including investors, corporate partners, mentors, and peers.
Entrepreneurs can participate in panel discussions, workshops, and pitch sessions, gaining valuable exposure, feedback, and networking opportunities. Attending AIA is a chance to elevate ventures, secure funding, and build international connections that accelerate business growth.
Investors attending the Africa Innovation Awards gain access to a curated platform showcasing Africa’s most promising innovators and breakthrough solutions. The event brings together startups, scale-ups, corporate innovators, and research-driven ventures, offering a comprehensive view of the continent’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
By participating, investors can meet directly with African founders, tech leaders, and ecosystem builders, evaluate investable opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and gain insights into emerging sectors, technologies, and market trends.
AIA is an essential event for investors looking to discover high-impact ventures and support Africa’s next generation of global innovators.
Policymakers can leverage AIA to discuss regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and strategies that foster innovation and economic growth. Engaging with innovators, investors, and international partners allows governments to create an enabling environment for startups, research commercialization, and technological advancement.
Government representatives attending AIA can highlight national innovation achievements and engage with startups, investors, and corporates to attract investment into local ecosystems.
The event provides a platform to promote policy initiatives, share national innovation strategies, and showcase flagship projects that support technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
Main roadshow destinations in 2026
Let's explore together innovation ecosystem in Africa
Event Schedule
Registration & Welcome Coffee
Selected Innovators Only
Opening Remarks & Program Overview
Introduction of Mentors & Jury
Masterclass: From Innovation to Investable Venture
Value Proposition, Market Fit, Investor Expectations
Coffee Break
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Parallel Workshops
Pitch Deck Lab / Financial Modeling / IP & Legal / Go-to-Market & Growth Strategy
Networking Lunch
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Mock Pitch Sessions with Investor Jury
5-minute pitches, real-time feedback
Break
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Storytelling & Stage Presence Coaching
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Final Briefing for Day 2
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Private Networking Cocktail
Mentors, Investors, Innovators
Registration & Exhibition Opens
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Opening Ceremony
Welcome by AIA Founder, Government Remarks, Keynote, Ribbon Cutting
VIP Exhibition Tour
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Pitch Sessions – Semi-Finals (Track 1 & 2)
FinTech / ClimateTech / HealthTech / AI & Emerging Tech
Networking Lunch & B2B Meetings
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Panel Discussions
Financing Innovation / Scaling African Startups
Coffee Break
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Pitch Sessions – Semi-Finals (Track 3 & 4)
AgriTech / Smart Cities / EdTech / Industrial Innovation
Announcement of Finalists
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Private Investor & Speakers Networking Reception
Sponsor visibility included
Grand Finale Pitch Competition
Top 10 Finalists Present (7-min each)
Coffee Break
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High-Level Policy Roundtable
Ministers, Policymakers, DFIs, Corporate Leaders – Theme: “Building Africa’s Innovation-Driven Economy”
Networking Lunch
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Guest Seating & Protocol Prep
Official seating for VIPs & media
Arrival of Head of State
Reception by AIA Founder & Government Officials
Official Entry into Ceremony Hall
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National Anthem
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Welcome Address – AIA Founder
Sponsors acknowledgment
Sponsor Recognition #1
Title Sponsor speech & logo display
Keynote Remarks
Minister of Innovation / Strategic Partner
Awards Presentation
Categories: Startup, Young Innovator, Women in Innovation, Climate Innovation, Research Commercialization, Corporate Innovation, Grand Prize
Special Recognition Awards
Presidential Recognition & Innovation Champion
Grand Prize Announcement
Envelope opened by Head of State
Closing Remarks
Lead Sponsor, AIA Founder, Head of State
Official Photo Session
Winners, Officials, Sponsors
Press Conference & Media Interviews
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WHAT WE OFFER
Innovation is a journey. At AIA, we create the platform where bold ideas gain visibility, capital, and global partnerships.