Africa Tech Festival 2026 runs from 17 to 19 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, investors and startups. The invitation-only Leaders In Africa Summit opens the programme on 16 November. Register for your pass here.
Before you book, it helps to know the conversation you are walking into. African startups are raising money differently this year, and that will shape many of the discussions in Cape Town.
The funding picture: less money overall, but more of it is equity
According to Africa: The Big Deal, as reported by Tech in Africa, African startups raised about US$2.16 billion between January and September 2026, made up of US$1.5 billion in equity and US$669 million in debt. Total funding is 4% lower than the same period in 2025 (US$2.24 billion), but the mix has shifted. Equity is up 23% year on year, its strongest January to September showing since 2022, while debt is down 33%.
Country figures are only available for the first half of the year (January to June), and they show the shift playing out unevenly. These come from Africa: The Big Deal’s H1 2026 report, as covered by African Business:
- Egypt: US$327 million in total funding, of which US$183 million was equity.
- Nigeria: US$254 million in total, of which US$214 million was equity, the highest of any market.
- Kenya: US$126 million in total, but only US$46 million was equity.
- South Africa: US$83 million in total, of which US$66 million was equity.
What to watch for:
- Equity mix: Nigeria’s and South Africa’s funding is heavily equity-led, while less than 40% of Kenya’s total was equity. Expect the financing conversations to ask what that means for how founders raise capital in each market.
- Early-stage squeeze: Only 190 ventures raised US$100,000 or more in the first half, the lowest half-year count since The Big Deal began tracking in 2021. Much of the equity growth came from a handful of large late-stage rounds, so a 23% rise does not mean it is easier for early-stage founders to raise.
Six pillars shaping Africa’s digital economy
The programme is organised around telecoms and connectivity, data centres, AI, cybersecurity, startups and digital transformation. Expect conference sessions, an exhibition, masterclasses, startup showcases and networking.
Who is speaking
Three ministers headline the programme: Hon. Solly Malatsi (South Africa), Hon. Samuel Nartey George (Ghana) and Hon. David Tshere (Botswana). They are joined by leaders from telecoms, enterprise and technology companies, including MTN Group, Vodacom, Orange Middle East and Africa, Microsoft and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
With policymakers and major operators on one programme, it is a useful place to hear how policy and infrastructure plans line up.
Startups, investors and Leaders In Africa
Startups can showcase their solutions, meet potential customers and explore partnerships. Investors and established businesses can assess emerging companies and technologies across African markets.
The Leaders In Africa Summit takes place on 16 November at The Forum Embassy Hill. It brings together senior executives, policymakers and innovators for closed-door roundtables and curated networking. Attendance is by invitation or application only.
Key details
- Dates: 17 to 19 November 2026 (Leaders In Africa Summit on 16 November)
- Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town
- Passes: A standard pass, or Platinum for access to all stages, keynotes, 1:1 meetings and curated introductions. Tailored Startup, Investor and Media & Creator passes are also available, and free premium passes are subject to organiser approval.
- Register: Book your pass on the official Africa Tech Festival 2026 ticketing page.
For more upcoming events, visit the iAfrikan Events page.
