Kenya hosts continental talks on creativity, technology and investment

Kenya has positioned itself at the centre of Africa’s growing conversation on creativity, technology, and investment as Nairobi hosts the 2026 Africa Soft Power Summit bringing together leaders, innovators, investors, creatives, and policymakers from across the continent.

The summit is focusing on how African countries can align culture, innovation, finance, and human capital to drive economic growth and strengthen the continent’s global influence.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Africa Soft Power Founder and Creative Director Dr. Nkiru Balonwu said Africa’s future growth depends on integrating creativity, technology, and finance into one ecosystem.

“For as long as I can remember, Africa’s growth story has been discussed in fragments, finance in one room, creativity in another, technology somewhere else. But serious economies do not develop in fragments,” she said.

Dr. Balonwu noted that Africa already has significant global influence through sectors such as music, film, fashion, and digital innovation, but stressed the need for Africans to capture more value from these industries.

The summit, held under the theme Africa’s Compound Interest: Aligning Ecosystems of Finance, Creativity, and Human Capital for Growth, is expected to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence, governance, innovation, commerce, media, and investment.

Zainab Hawa Bangura, Under-Secretary General and the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) said Africa’s creative and technology sectors are increasingly becoming major drivers of global influence and economic transformation.

“From Nollywood to Afrobeats, from fintech innovation to fashion, Africa is no longer waiting to be discovered. Africa is actively reshaping global culture, commerce, and conversations,” Bangura said.

Bangura called for stronger investment in Africa’s creative and innovation industries through improved intellectual property protection, better access to financing, and expanded market opportunities for African entrepreneurs and creatives.

Principal Secretary for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, said Kenya is proud to host the summit as the country continues to position culture and innovation as key pillars of economic growth.

“The Africa Soft Power Summit has become an important space for shaping how Africa tells its story, builds influence, and creates opportunities through culture, creativity, innovation, and partnerships,” Bashir said.

She added that Africa’s youthful population remains the continent’s greatest asset due to its creativity, innovation, and talent.

Stakeholders at the summit are seeking practical ways to strengthen partnerships between governments, investors, creatives, and technology leaders in order to unlock Africa’s economic potential.