Key Takeaways
- The inaugural AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA will be held in Nairobi from May 19-21, 2026, aiming to enhance investment in the $16.5 billion AI market.
- The event will bring together leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss AI’s role in East Africa’s digital economy and infrastructure.
- Mastercard and over 100 investors from 21 countries are set to showcase AI technologies and explore investment opportunities in the region.
AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA Debuts in Nairobi
Kenya is preparing for a pivotal event in East Africa’s technological landscape with the launch of AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA, occurring from May 19 to 21, 2026. This initiative aims to catalyze tech investment and facilitate cross-border collaborations within the continent’s burgeoning $16.5 billion AI market. Organized by inD in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology of the Republic of Kenya, the event will take place at two venues: the Inclusive AI Everything Summit at Sarit Expo Centre and the AI EVERYTHING KENYA EXPO at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The three-day gathering is designed to bolster Kenya’s status as a hub for an inclusive and investment-driven AI ecosystem in East Africa. It will bring together various stakeholders, including tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators, to discuss advancements in AI infrastructure, aiming to benefit a population exceeding 300 million.
H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo articulated Kenya’s role as an innovation leader in Africa, emphasizing that the event marks a significant milestone for East Africa’s future in AI. He noted, “This is where East Africa advances toward co-authoring a future where lives are uplifted and shared prosperity is realized through innovation.”
The agenda commences with the Inclusive AI Everything Summit, which will host discussions among government officials, industry leaders, and global organizations on the key issues facing Africa’s AI future. The summit will feature international participants, spotlighting sovereign AI applications and strategies for sectors such as finance, agriculture, and energy.
Following this, the AI in Action Forum at KICC will delve into practical applications of AI across various sectors, including energy, security, and civic technology. Participants will include Chief AI Officers (CAIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and executives from major tech firms.
The exhibition will showcase the largest selection of AI innovations in East Africa, featuring leading firms like Mastercard and technology enablers such as ASUS and Cisco. Mastercard’s involvement highlights its commitment to utilizing AI for enhancing digital payments and bolstering financial inclusion in Africa, projecting a potential growth in the AI sector to $16.5 billion by 2030.
The event will also serve as a nexus for the region’s tech investment, with Kenya identified as a leading destination for venture capital. The expo will connect over 100 investors managing assets exceeding $50 billion.
In addition, AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA will offer workshops and forums focusing on practical applications of AI, including cybersecurity and AI readiness programs. These sessions aim to equip business leaders and tech executives with the tools to implement AI strategies effectively.
A notable feature will be the ITU-led AI Readiness Roundtable and Hackathon, gathering stakeholders to foster shared AI standards and co-create an open AI knowledge base.
With diverse programming aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities in the AI space, AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA promises to be a transformative event for East Africa’s digital economy.
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