Can Africa’s Tech Sector Accelerate Economic Growth?

Hosted by the Financial Times ahead of the  Africa Summit 2026, this webinar will bring together experts to address the growing opportunity of tech development across the continent.

Africa’s tech ecosystem is emerging as a catalyst for growth, with digital transformation spreading across the continent’s finance, agriculture, health and manufacturing sectors. 

Much of this innovation is being embedded within existing systems — in banks, telecoms and public services — through the integration of AI, data analytics and automation into core operations. Examples include the deployment of AI tools to hundreds of African primary healthcare clinics, and startups developing technologies tailored to local realities, such as voice systems that recognise African accents. 

However, Africa’s tech industry remains concentrated and fragmented: Nigeria and South Africa account for 79 of the 130 companies in the FT’s ranking of fastest-growing African businesses, highlighting the challenge for smaller economies seeking continental scale. As tech hubs expand across Africa, how can they help to deliver measurable improvements in systems capacity and broader macroeconomic growth? 

What factors will determine whether AI adoption drives meaningful enterprise growth and productivity gains across African economies? 

What will it take for startups in smaller African economies to scale beyond local markets and achieve meaningful growth?

As demand for AI and digital services rises, how critical will investment in local data centres and cloud infrastructure be to scaling Africa’s tech ecosystem?

To what extent could AI systems trained on African languages and accents transform access to digital services and open new markets?  

Keep the momentum going at the

Africa Summit
21–22 October 2026 | In-Person & Digital
Now with a dedicated stage on Infrastructure & The Tech Economy

The FT Africa Summit 2026 will convene leading policymakers, business leaders, financiers and visionaries to explore how Africa can sustain momentum amid uncertainty. From reimagining trade and financing models to investing in infrastructure, skills and climate resilience, the discussions will focus on practical strategies for long-term competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Now in its 13th year, the Summit remains a vital platform for high-level debate on the continent’s economic and political trajectory, connecting ideas with action, and global investors with commercial partners.

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