AFRICA-FOWARD Summit | Nairobi | 11 May 2026
Nairobi:
The Innovation Capital of Africa
Organized under the high patronage of H.E. President William Ruto, Nova Garage brings Africa's highest-growth ventures into direct conversation with Heads of State, global CEOs, and leading institutional investors.
Hosted by:
Co-Organisers
Strategic Partners
15
Selected Founders
350
Summit Attendees
...
Days To Summit
THE EVENT
Nova Garage Summit
Africa Forward
11 May 2026 · Kenya Cultural Center – Norfolk, Nairobi
Countdown To Summit
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Days
until Nairobi convenes the room
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Hours
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Minutes
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Seconds
VISION
Deciding the next decade.
The objective is to surface the strategic partnerships and technological tools that will shape the continent's next decade. In this room, those tools take the form of ventures built by Africa's most ambitious young founders.
By placing these builders directly where capital is allocated and policy is shaped, we move beyond traditional incubation. Nova Garage connects youth-led innovation with institutional capital and state leadership to help build the infrastructure of Africa's future.
“We have spent decades speaking for Africa's future. Perhaps it is time we made room for those who are actually building it.”
Dr. Abraham Korir Sing'Oei
PS, State Department for Foreign Affairs
Why Kenya
Africa's innovation
capital
Kenya stands at the forefront of Africa's digital transformation. From the M-Pesa revolution that redefined financial inclusion globally, to a thriving ecosystem of AI and climate-tech startups, Nairobi has earned its reputation as the Silicon Savannah.
Forward-looking public policies and regulatory innovation have created an environment where technology companies can build, test, and scale — attracting growing venture capital and positioning Kenya as the regional gateway to East and Central Africa.
With a young, digitally native population and a government committed to technology-driven economic growth, Kenya is not just participating in the future of innovation — it is shaping it.
Kenya at a Glance
#1
Fintech Ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa
Gateway
Regional Gateway to East & Central Africa
400+
Active Tech Startups
$1B+
In VC Funding Raised in 2025
Curation & Preparation
A rigorous, merit-based pathway.
01
Identify
Traction & Impact
Through our application process and strategic partner network, we identify founders under 35 from across the continent who are building innovation-led ventures. We focus on businesses with demonstrated traction, measurable impact, and clear investment readiness.
02
Prepare
Positioning & Narrative
Selected founders undergo structured preparation ahead of the event. We help refine their narrative, strengthen their positioning, and prepare them to engage confidently with senior institutional partners.
03
Convene
The Summit Room
Fifteen selected founders present some of Africa's most compelling ventures directly to Heads of State, global CEOs, and key decision-makers across venture capital and development finance.
Access
Attendance by Confirmation
RSVP submissions are reviewed and confirmed by the Nova Garage team to keep the room focused and intentional.
Curated Summit Room
Every seat is thoughtfully curated across decision-makers, operators, institutional partners, press, and young visionaries.
Founder Accounts Stay Active
Selected founders and existing applicants can still log in to review their accounts and updates.
Press Requires Accreditation
Media teams should request access through the dedicated accreditation flow.
Summit Logistics
Confirmed guests can share dietary, access, and operational details through the RSVP process.
Outcomes
For Founders
- —Fifteen selected founders prepared for high-stakes engagement
- —Direct access to senior decision-makers, partners, and investors
- —Seed capital and compliance support
For Partners
- —Early access to high-potential, innovation-led ventures from across Africa
- —Co-investment positioning
- —Visibility within a high-profile Franco-African platform
For the Ecosystem
- —Pipeline from youth enterprise to institutional partnership
- —Cross-border collaboration grounded in technical exchange
- —A credible model for bringing young African builders into rooms where capital and policy align
Attendance is now the priority.
The founder application window has closed. RSVP for attendance, request press accreditation, or review the summit briefing.
Monday, 11 May 2026 · Kenya Cultural Center – Norfolk, Nairobi