NextBillion - A WDI Publication

By now, your year is properly underway, plans are being made, diaries are filling up, and attention is turning to the moments that will define 2026. The Africa Soft Power Summit, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 20th to 22nd, 2026, is one of those moments. Africa Soft Power Summit 2026.

Secure your place The Africa Soft Power Summit returns to Nairobi in May, with early bird ticket discounts available. Each year, the Summit brings together a carefully curated mix of decision-makers, creators, investors, policymakers, business, and cultural leaders.

The real value lies in the rooms, the connections, and the conversations that extend well beyond the event itself. Attendance is already taking shape, and we encourage you to secure your place early.

Join us for the ICT4D Conference 2026 in vibrant Nairobi, Kenya, where global leaders, practitioners, and innovators will gather to explore the future of digital transformation.

Can’t make the trip? No problem — you can connect and participate from anywhere in the world online.

Data Theme: Charting the Future of Data in Development and Humanitarian Response

Explore the rapidly shifting data landscape – from AI’s potential and pitfalls to challenges associated with responsible data sharing, interoperability, and the power dynamics in data collection and use.

Impact Theme: Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals in a Fragile World

Delve into how we can continue to leverage digital transformation to achieve sustainable outcomes, advance climate resilience, strengthen food systems, promote global health, and improve emergency response.

Future Theme: Shaping Tomorrow – Building Equitable and Sustainable Digital Futures

Unpack how funding shifts, the expansion of digital public infrastructure, and youth leadership are redefining localisation and shaping more inclusive digital futures.

Hands-On Theme: Practical Demonstrations & Interactive Learning

Learn by doing: engage with hands-on demos, skill-building workshops, and collaborative spaces designed for real-world problem solving.

In a time of disruption and rapid change across our sector, digital transformation remains one of the most powerful levers we have to scale impact and drive meaningful progress. But we won’t unlock its full potential by working in isolation. That’s why the 2026 ICT4D Conference is set to be more vital—and more visionary—than ever before.

I’m thrilled that we’ll once again convene the brightest minds and boldest changemakers in digital development to learn, collaborate, and reimagine how technology, data, and innovation can help us tackle the world’s most pressing challenges—from climate resilience to equitable access to services.

This year, we’re going bigger and broader. Our partnership with TechChange will bring a dynamic hybrid experience to life, expanding the reach of the conference far beyond the physical venue. Whether joining in person or remotely, participants will be part of an inclusive, interactive, and globally connected event designed to spark transformative ideas and foster high-impact networking.

Join us as we shape the future of digital development—together.

Nora Lindström – Senior Director of Digital Programming at Catholic Relief Services