Countdown to AIS’26: Tech Leaders and Innovators to Convene in Nairobi for Africa Internet Summit.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Anticipation is building across the continent’s tech sector as the Africa Internet Summit 2026 (AIS’26) prepares to kick off in Nairobi. Serving as Africa’s premier Internet industry event, this year’s summit promises five days of intensive technical, policy, governance, and digital development discussions aimed at shaping the future of the region’s digital landscape.

Organized by the AIS’26 Secretariat, the summit will gather global experts, policy makers, and network practitioners to address critical infrastructure challenges and collaborate on a unified vision for Africa’s digital ecosystem. For the global audience unable to travel to Kenya, organizers have confirmed a robust virtual framework, with daily access links streamed directly to registered online delegates.

High-Stakes Agenda and Key Tracks

The five-day event features an extensive lineup of high-profile sessions designed to address pressing internet governance and technical issues. Key highlights of the program include:

• The Opening & Closing Ceremonies: Framing the core objectives and outcomes of the summit.
• AF-Star Day & Government Roundtable: High-level dialogues bridging the gap between state policy and technical execution.
• AfNOG Day & AFRINIC-37 Public Policy Meeting: Technical deep-dives into network operations, alongside the crucial AFRINIC Annual General Members Meeting (AGMM).
• Dedicated Stakeholder Days: Focused sessions led by global internet bodies including ICANN and the Internet Society (ISOC).

Introducing the 2026 AFRINIC Fellows

In an effort to foster the next generation of African technology leaders, the secretariat officially announced the AFRINIC-37 Fellowship cohort. Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 1,700 applicants across the continent, five standout individuals will participate in dedicated mentorship and policy development pipelines:

• Abraham Nyuon – South Sudan
• Musa Bangura – Sierra Leone
• Lucrèce Itanganeza – Burundi
• Noha Abdel Baky – Egypt
• Eva Nadège NCHO Epse HIE – Ivory Coast (Serving as Cohort Mentor)

“Throughout AIS’26, the fellows will engage directly with core policy discussions, technical sessions, and invaluable mentorship opportunities, expanding their reach within the African Internet community,” the Secretariat noted in a statement.

Safety and Strategic Industry Support

With health and safety remaining a top priority, organizers are working hand-in-hand with public health authorities to implement rigorous on-site measures. A comprehensive Security Assessment Report has been made available to all traveling delegates to ensure an informed and secure event experience.

The massive scale of AIS’26 is bolstered by heavy investment from leading digital infrastructure giants, registry operators, and cyber-defense organizations. This year’s key sponsors and supporting organizations include:

Delegates are heavily encouraged to interface with these stakeholders via dedicated sponsor booths and targeted technical sessions to explore the emerging services transforming African connectivity.

Stay Updated

As the event approaches, the AIS’26 Secretariat advises all attendees—both in-person and virtual—to monitor the official AIS’26 Website and follow AFRINIC’s social media channels for real-time schedule adjustments and logistical updates.

For direct inquiries, the secretariat can be reached at secretariat@internetsummit.africa.

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Obanla Abayomi

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