The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, through the ICT Authority, today hosted a high-level breakfast meeting for partners supporting the Connected Africa Summit 2026.
Held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the engagement brought together key stakeholders across Africa’s ICT and digital economy ecosystem to align on preparations for the upcoming summit.
The meeting was officiated by State Department for ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui, who underscored the critical role of the private sector in accelerating digital transformation across the continent.
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“The role of the private sector is very critical. They are our partners to ensure that the investment they have done over the years in research, the investment they have done in innovation and product development can be utilized to accelerate our connectivity in the continent,” Tanui said.
He further noted that the private sector possesses both the human capital and financial resources necessary to build and scale sustainable digital infrastructure across Africa.
The 2026 Connected Africa Summit, themed ‘Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market’, aims to enhance connectivity by fostering an inclusive digital marketplace for the continent. Organizers say the summit will focus on strategic conversations around emerging technologies, cross-border digital integration, and mechanisms for attracting investment into Africa’s digital connectivity agenda.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Maruti said the summit will serve as a catalyst for collaboration and action.
“This year’s Summit presents a clarion call to action, aiming to unite, innovate, and to create a digital market that is inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive,” she said.
Maruti added that the platform seeks to build “a continent where technology connects every community and creates opportunities for all.”
Also present at the event was ICT Authority Board Chairperson Hon. Lilly Ng’ok, alongside senior state officers and development partners.
The Connected Africa Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in early April, bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, innovators, and development partners to shape the future of Africa’s digital economy.
