By 
Benin Republic becomes the first Francophone nation to host Africa’s flagship innovation event, emphasizing regional integration and sustainable growth.
Cotonou, Benin Republic, will host the 11th AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG 2026) as Africa’s largest network of innovation and technology hubs seeks to deepen collaboration and strengthen the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
RELATED: AfriLabs and ATU in Pan-African alliance to boost digital innovation
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation of the Republic of Benin and endorsed by the President of Benin, will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, technology leaders and innovation ecosystem stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
The 2026 gathering is scheduled to take place under the theme, “Africa’s Innovation Era: Building Sustainable Institutions for Global Influence and Continental Impact.”
AfriLabs Gathering Heads to Francophone Africa for First Time
AAG 2026 will mark the first time the annual AfriLabs gathering is hosted in a Francophone country, a move the organisation described as an important milestone in its efforts to build a more inclusive pan-African innovation ecosystem.
The decision to hold the gathering in Cotonou is expected to strengthen AfriLabs’ engagement with Francophone West Africa while creating new opportunities for collaboration between innovation hubs, startups, investors and policymakers across linguistic and regional boundaries.
René Parker, Board Chair of AfriLabs, said the choice of Cotonou was a strategic decision aimed at deepening the organisation’s relationship with the region.
“When you enter a new market, it starts with dialogue. You have to understand the ecosystem before you can build anything of value in it,” Parker said.
She noted that the move would give greater visibility to entrepreneurs and innovation communities driving technological development across Francophone Africa.
AfriLabs Highlights Benin’s Digital Transformation Drive
Parker said Benin’s growing commitment to digital transformation and its emerging innovation ecosystem made Cotonou an appropriate location for the gathering.
According to her, AfriLabs’ network now spans 536 innovation hubs across more than 53 countries, demonstrating the scale of Africa’s interconnected technology ecosystem.
“Innovation does not belong to a few well-connected rooms; it belongs to anyone with ideas,” Parker said, stressing the importance of bringing grassroots innovation communities into continental conversations.
She added that the gathering would provide an opportunity for ecosystems, investors and entrepreneurs to work together on shaping Africa’s innovation future.
Benin: Africa Needs Entrepreneurs and Enabling Governments
Benin’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna AKPLOGAN, said hosting the AfriLabs Annual Gathering was consistent with the country’s long-term digital transformation strategy.
“Digital transformation cannot be decreed: it must be prepared,” AKPLOGAN said, adding that Benin had invested in institutions and human talent to build the foundations for digital transformation.
He said Africa needed entrepreneurs capable of developing solutions to its challenges as well as governments willing to create the conditions necessary for innovation to thrive.
“Africa needs entrepreneurs to invent its innovative solutions, it needs states that create the conditions,” he said.
AAG 2026 to Focus on Sustainable Innovation Institutions
The theme of AAG 2026 reflects growing recognition that Africa’s ability to compete globally will depend not only on individual startups and entrepreneurs but also on the strength of the institutions supporting them.
The gathering will examine how African countries can build resilient institutions capable of supporting entrepreneurs, developing innovation-friendly policies, attracting investment and strengthening technology ecosystems.
The organisers said the event would also explore how African innovation can move from isolated success stories to sustainable systems capable of generating long-term economic and social impact.
Investment, Startups and Policy to Take Centre Stage
Participants at the gathering are expected to engage in discussions covering policy, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and ecosystem development.
The multi-day programme will feature several key components, including:
- High-level governance: Ministerial dialogues, policy discussions and conversations around innovation-friendly ecosystem design.
- Investment and growth: Investment forums, startup showcases and exhibitions designed to connect African entrepreneurs with investors and capital.
- Knowledge and networking: Keynote speeches, thematic sessions and extensive peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
- Cultural celebration: Curated experiences highlighting Africa’s cultural diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial energy.
Cotonou Positioned as Gateway to West African Innovation
Beyond showcasing Benin’s progress, AfriLabs said the 2026 gathering is intended to accelerate the country’s growing role in Africa’s digital and innovation landscape.
Cotonou’s position as a gateway to Francophone West Africa is expected to provide an important platform for connecting innovation communities across English-, French- and other language-speaking markets.
The event could also strengthen relationships between African innovation hubs and create opportunities for entrepreneurs to access new markets, investment networks, knowledge and strategic partnerships.
Registration and Programme Details to Follow
AfriLabs said further information on registration, speakers, programme tracks, sponsorship opportunities, exhibitions, side events and other participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
With AAG 2026 coming to Francophone Africa for the first time, the gathering is expected to serve as a major platform for examining how stronger institutions, deeper investment and greater cross-border collaboration can help Africa translate its growing innovation capacity into global influence and continental impact.
