Explore the 2026 Africa Startup Festival Kenya Agenda
Join us on October 29th & 30th 2026, Liquor Library Tigoni, Nairobi, Kenya. Discover inspiring keynotes, innovative tech talks, and game-changing conversations shaping Africa's future.
Thursday, 30 October
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Arrivals & Registration
Arrivals start now, attendees get registered and familiarize themselves with the different sections of the Festival. Its also an opportunity for light networking!
11:00 AM - 11:05 AM
The Opening Remarks
Clinton Nnaemeka
11:10 AM - 11:45 AM
The Dangerous Capital: Why Investing Is No Longer Innocent
Capital is no longer just money; it's intent. It shapes who gets to build, who gets seen, and what kind of future takes form. This Fireside Chat explores the responsibility that comes with influence, and the fine line between enabling progress and defining it.
Maryanne Ochola
Efayomi Carr
Cynthia Alabi
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
The Hateful Eight: Building Trust in a World That Doesn’t Deserve It.
We live in an era where trust is the ultimate currency, and it’s constantly under attack. From deepfake identities and AI-generated scams to insider fraud and data manipulation, the line between authenticity and deception has never been thinner. In this conversation, we unpack what it means to build trust in a world that’s built on doubt. Zack from Archer is leading the charge with AI-driven fraud detection across Africa, where digital inclusion is expanding rapidly, but the systems that protect it haven’t caught up. With global fraud losses expected to hit $343 billion by 2027, Archer’s mission is to help banks, fintechs, and lenders detect fraudulent behavior before it happens, whether it’s loan defaults, scams, or internal corruption. Sarah from Atlantica Ventures brings the investor’s perspective: how to back founders tackling the toughest systemic problems while scaling responsibly in high-growth markets. Atlantica partners with entrepreneurs from seed to exit, supporting them with capital, operational guidance, and a global network spanning fintech, AI, agritech, logistics, and digital security.
Sarah Wanjohi
Zach Bijesse
12:25 PM - 12:55 PM
Impact Fatigue: When Doing Good Isn't Good Enough
Doing good is hard. Scaling it is harder. This AMA Session explores the highs and heartbreak of building systems that serve people and survive. Because in today's Africa, doing good isn't the goal; making it last is.
Mélanie Keita
Ikechukwu Anoke
Lord Malcom
01:00 PM - 01:35 PM
The Unsexy Future: Betting on What Comes After the Hype
Africa's capital markets love a trend. But what happens when the spotlight moves, and the real work begins? This Fireside Chat explores what comes after the hype cycle: the slow, quiet revolution of conviction capital and the builders who refuse to trade substance for spectacle.
CJ Fonzi
Mobola da Silva
Sharon Ngugi
02:05 PM - 02:35 PM
Lunch Break
An opportunity for attendees to grab something to eat and take a break from the sessions.
02:40 PM - 03:10 PM
In the Tranches: The Battle for the First Cheque
Every founder remembers the first "yes." This AMA Session delves into what it truly takes to support Africa's next generation from day one, including the risks, the misses, the instincts, and the small bets that can change everything.
Philippe Griffiths
Lewam Kefela
Sonia Claire
03:15 PM - 03:50 PM
The Last Mile Financing: Why Capital Should Get Its Hands Dirty
This Fireside Chat is about moving money from impact reports to impact reality, and proving that inclusive growth isn't charity, it's good business.
Sieka Gatabaki
Chris Maranga
03:50 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host wraps up the event, highlights the next steps for the participants and passes across all other relevant info
Zipporah Gitahi
