The Africa Soft Power Summit returns to explore the continent’s vast potential
The crucial role the media can play in propelling economic growth in Africa and building bridges with the wider world will be part of a packed agenda when the Africa Soft Power Summit returns for its much anticipated seventh edition in Kenya this month.
The premier event bringing together the continent’s creative and innovation ecosystems, the Africa Soft Power Summit, which takes place in Nairobi from 20-23 May, has evolved into a distinctive platform spanning media, finance, policy, technology and the creative industries.
“At a time when the world faces intensifying challenges, from climate change and sustainability to AI, shifting socio-political landscapes, and more, the need to showcase diverse perspectives and fresh solutions has never been greater,” says Nkiru Balonwu Founder & Creative Director, Africa Soft Power Group.
“Africa’s creative and tech sectors have already demonstrated their power as engines of global growth, and African soft power stands as a transformative force for positive change.
“As some of the traditional champions of globalisation step back, Africa and its vast diaspora have both the opportunity and the responsibility to step forward: to shape new narratives, to bridge capital and creativity, policy and innovation, and to connect local ideas with global ambition.”
This year’s theme, Africa’s Compound Interest: Aligning Ecosystems of Finance, Creativity and Human Capital for Growth, positions Africa’s growth as a compounding process where capital, ideas, talent and markets reinforce one another over time.
It explores how financial systems can better support innovation and creative industries; how cultural and digital economies translate into scalable businesses and meaningful jobs; and how human capital – particularly women and youth – is integrated not just as participants, but as drivers of value.
The power of women
While women already play a central role in economic activity across Africa – driving a significant share of consumer spending, leading a large proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises, and shaping key sectors from trade to the creative industries – their contribution is not consistently reflected in access to capital, scale or long-term value capture.
To help change this, the Summit will this year include the Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference. Powered by African Women on Board (AWB), it marks the continent’s first dedicated convening on African women’s leadership, reframing female leadership as institutional infrastructure integral to economic design, capital allocation, policy effectiveness and long-term stability in a changing global economy.
The Summit will also feature the Creative & Innovative Industries Conference, uniting leaders from technology, finance, media, sports, art, entertainment, and policy to examine the intersections of creativity, commerce and innovation – and how Africa’s cultural and creative capital translates into investment, scalable businesses and broader economic growth.
The event will come to spectacular end with the ASP Gala & Awards on the closing evening, bringing together leaders across business, culture, creativity and public life for a night of celebration and recognition that combines awards, fashion and performance in a distinctly African way.
Let’s talk
This Summit will bring together an exciting line-up of speakers across a wide range of sectors. The programme includes talks by:
- Sneha Mehta, CEO, Uncover
- Frank Mwiti, CEO, Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc
- Catherine Muraga, MD, Microsoft Africa Development Center & Engineering Director, Microsoft
- Uzoma Dozie, CEO, Sparkle MFB
- Joyce-Ann Wainaina, Managing Partner, Chui Ventures
- Innocent Isichei, CEO, ACOIE Associates
- Cheryl Itemere Arunga, Head of Entrepreneur Experience, Endeavor Kenya
- Michael Eganza, Director, Banking and Payment Services, Central Bank of Kenya
- Michelle Moore, Award-winning Author
- Eniitan Tejuoso, Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain
For an update on more speakers and for more information on Africa Soft Power Summit 2026, visit theafricasoftpowerproject.com.
