By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, April 23, 2026 - Kenya will next week host a major continental summit with far-reaching global implications, as Africa seeks to assert itself in shaping international digital trade, data governance and technology standards.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said the 15th Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi will serve as a platform for the continent to move from fragmented national policies to a coordinated voice in the global digital arena.
“This year’s Summit… comes at a critical moment when the continent must take an active role in shaping its digital future,” Kabogo said, signalling Africa’s intent to influence how global digital systems evolve.
The summit, set for April 27–30 at the The Edge Convention Centre, will draw ministers and senior officials from across Africa, alongside continental institutions such as the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and Smart Africa.
At the heart of the discussions will be Africa’s place in the rapidly expanding global digital economy, including how the continent can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build a unified digital market capable of competing internationally.
“Our goal is to bring together Africa’s innovators, policymakers, and private sector leaders to create a digital market that is inclusive,” Kabogo said, adding that the vision is one that serves “both small-scale traders and high-growth technology enterprises across the continent.”
The Nairobi meeting is expected to produce frameworks with global relevance, including an AfCFTA Digital Trade Implementation Sprint List and an African Data Space Action Note - tools that could shape how African countries engage with international partners on data flows, cybersecurity and cross-border e-commerce.
“These are practical steps aimed at reducing barriers to cross-border digital trade and strengthening Africa’s data governance systems,” Kabogo said.
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Analysts say Africa’s push for harmonized digital policies could strengthen its bargaining power in global negotiations, particularly at a time when major economies are competing to set the rules for digital trade and data use.
Despite rapid growth, Kabogo acknowledged structural challenges that continue to limit Africa’s global competitiveness, including “limited connectivity, high costs, and fragmented regulatory frameworks.”
Through the summit, Kenya is advocating for a unified continental approach, seen as critical for Africa to negotiate effectively on the global stage.
“We are working toward a unified approach where Africa can negotiate and implement digital policies collectively, rather than in isolation,” he said.
With delegates expected from across the continent and beyond, the summit positions Nairobi as a key hub in the ongoing global conversation on digital transformation – one where Africa is increasingly seeking not just participation, but influence.
“I call on all stakeholders to focus not only on the discussions, but also on the outcomes that will shape Africa’s digital transformation for years to come,” Kabogo said.