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.
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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.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr Dauda Lawal has received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.
The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.
The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.
Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.
“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.
“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.
Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.
He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.
Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.
“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”
The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience and commitment to national service.
Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, commended Shettima for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his years of service in both the public and private sectors.
He said public service at the highest level requires sound judgment, resilience and the ability to remain focused amid the challenges associated with leadership.
“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
“Public service at the highest levels in Nigeria is not a path for those in search of comfort. It demands sound judgement, resilience through challenging seasons, and the consistency to remain focused on the responsibility at hand,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Shettima’s career, the Oando chief executive noted that the Vice President’s journey from banking to public administration had been marked by service and perseverance.
He particularly referenced Shettima’s tenure as governor of Borno State, describing his leadership of the state during difficult years as an important phase of his public career.
“From a distinguished career in banking to leading Borno through some of the toughest years in its history, and now as Vice President of our country, yours has been a journey marked by service, excellence and perseverance,” he said.
Tinubu also prayed for the Vice President as he begins his seventh decade, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
“On this day and ever more, may Allah grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and joy in the company of those you hold dear.
“I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in your service to our great nation and its people,” he added.
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