Technology
AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2026 - Cotonou | Benin
About this event
The 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2026) brings Africa’s innovation ecosystem together in Cotonou, Benin Republic, from 18–20 November 2026. This year’s Gathering will bring together more than 1,200 innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, corporates, development partners and ecosystem leaders from Africa and beyond. AAG is AfriLabs’ flagship global convening and a leading platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange across Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Over the years, the Gathering has become a launchpad for strategic partnerships and investment, high-level policy conversations, innovation showcases, masterclasses, technical labs, sector-focused discussions and experiences celebrating African creativity and talent.
Why Benin Republic?Benin is emerging as an important hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic transformation in West Africa. Its investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, innovation and digital governance are creating new opportunities for startups, innovators and investors. Cotonou, the country’s commercial and economic capital, offers a vibrant environment for entrepreneurship, trade and innovation, with a growing community of startups, hubs, technology companies, universities and development partners. Bringing AAG to Benin is more than a change of location. It is an opportunity to spotlight the country’s growing role in Africa’s digital future while creating new connections, investment opportunities and partnerships across Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
Tracks at the 2026 AfriLabs Annual GatheringThe AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) 2026 will feature dedicated thematic tracks designed to facilitate discussions, knowledge exchange, and practical insights on some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Each track will bring together ecosystem leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, development partners, and industry experts to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that drive sustainable growth and continental impact.
The thematic tracks for AAG 2026 include:
Individuals interested in learning more about the thematic tracks or the track leadership structure may contact bede@afrilabs.com or peter@afrilabs.com for further information.
Why Benin Republic?Benin is emerging as an important hub for digital innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic transformation in West Africa. Its investments in digital infrastructure, skills development, innovation and digital governance are creating new opportunities for startups, innovators and investors. Cotonou, the country’s commercial and economic capital, offers a vibrant environment for entrepreneurship, trade and innovation, with a growing community of startups, hubs, technology companies, universities and development partners. Bringing AAG to Benin is more than a change of location. It is an opportunity to spotlight the country’s growing role in Africa’s digital future while creating new connections, investment opportunities and partnerships across Francophone and Anglophone Africa.
Tracks at the 2026 AfriLabs Annual GatheringThe AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) 2026 will feature dedicated thematic tracks designed to facilitate discussions, knowledge exchange, and practical insights on some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
Each track will bring together ecosystem leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, development partners, and industry experts to explore emerging trends, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that drive sustainable growth and continental impact.
The thematic tracks for AAG 2026 include:
- Policy, Data and AI
- Health Track
- Hub Solutions
- Creative Digital Economy
- Makerspaces
- Green and Blue Economy
- Investor/Investment
- Trade and Industry
Individuals interested in learning more about the thematic tracks or the track leadership structure may contact bede@afrilabs.com or peter@afrilabs.com for further information.