The 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2026) brings Africa’s innovation ecosystem together in Cotonou, Benin Republic, from 18–20 November 2026. Hosted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation of the Republic of Benin, with the endorsement of the President of the Republic of Benin, 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.
Host Ministry – AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2026 Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation (MTDI) of the Republic of Benin is the official host of the 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2026), taking place from 18–20 November 2026 in Cotonou, Benin.
Leading Benin’s digital transformation agenda, the Ministry is driving innovation, digital governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology-enabled economic growth. In partnership with AfriLabs, the Ministry will welcome more than 1,200 innovators, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and beyond to advance collaboration, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and shape Africa’s innovation future.
Together, AfriLabs and the Government of Benin are creating a platform where bold ideas, strategic partnerships, and transformative solutions will help build sustainable institutions for Africa’s global influence and continental impact.
Tracks at the 2026 AfriLabs Annual Gathering
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.
