Event
Leaders, Creators Converge at Africa Soft Power Summit in Nairobi
Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 opens in Nairobi, bringing leaders together to explore finance, creativity, and Africa’s economic transformation
The Africa Soft Power Summit 2026 will hold from May 20 to 23 in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together investors, policymakers, creators, and technologists to explore the future of Africa’s economic and cultural growth.
Also read: Iquo Ukoh, Lolu Akinwunmi lead 2026 CMO Circle
The summit is built around a central theme that examines how finance, creativity, and human capital can work together to drive sustainable development across the continent.
Organisers say the event addresses a growing gap between Africa’s rising cultural influence and its ability to retain and scale the value generated by its creative industries.
From Afrobeats to Nollywood, African fashion to fintech innovation, the summit highlights how African creativity is gaining global recognition but still faces structural challenges around ownership and capital retention.
The programme is structured across two days of focused discussions.
The first day will centre on leadership, inclusion, and market power, with conversations on women’s leadership as economic infrastructure and the role of female-driven economies in shaping growth.
The second day will focus on creativity, innovation, and capital, examining topics such as AI, diaspora investment, data ownership, and Africa’s evolving investment landscape.
Speakers include senior figures from global institutions, African businesses, creative industries, and technology companies, reflecting the summit’s cross-sector approach.
Beyond panel discussions, the event will feature networking sessions, cultural showcases, and curated experiences designed to connect business with culture in practical ways.
Evening programmes will include private gatherings, fashion-focused events, and a gala in Nairobi, underscoring the summit’s emphasis on culture as an economic force.
Also read: Lagos Speaker Obasa Sends Clear Signal to Investors on Power of Strong Institutions
Since its inception in 2020, the Africa Soft Power Summit has grown into a major platform for dialogue on Africa’s role in the global economy, bringing together voices from across public and private sectors.
Organisers of Real Talk With Kike have unveiled a high-profile lineup of speakers for the programme’s seventh anniversary celebration, which will also commemorate ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20-year journey in the Nigerian media industry.
The milestone event will hold on October 10, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture for conversations on Nigeria’s future.
Leading the keynote sessions are Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr Vlassis Liakouris, Group Managing Director of Mandilas Group Limited.
Also confirmed as distinguished speakers are Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, and Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder of Rise Network, while Mrs Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria, will deliver the goodwill message.
The speakers will engage the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” exploring how governance, enterprise, innovation and storytelling can shape national development.
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the philosophy that has defined Real Talk With Kike over the past seven years as a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, society, business, relationships, culture and contemporary issues affecting Nigeria.
For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, the celebration marks two significant milestones. Beyond the programme’s seventh anniversary, it also celebrates more than two decades of broadcasting, making the occasion a tribute to longevity, impact and the power of dialogue.
The multidisciplinary speaker lineup mirrors the event’s nation-building focus. Hamzat is expected to share perspectives on public leadership and governance, while Adesina and Liakouris will discuss private-sector leadership, enterprise and innovation. Akerele-Ogunsiji will contribute insights on education, youth development and innovation, with Adesola bringing the perspective of corporate governance and financial-sector leadership.
The October gathering is expected to attract policymakers, business executives, media personalities, creatives and guests who have been part of the Real Talk With Kike journey since its inception, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for thought-provoking conversations.
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