Three days, session by session.
The full 2026 programme at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi: every keynote, panel, fireside chat and masterclass.
Three days. Three questions.
- 3days
- 31sessions
- 4keynotes
- 13panels
- 4fireside chats
- 2masterclasses
Day 1: Identity. Who tells Africa’s story?
Registration & Welcome
Opening
Opening Ceremony
Hall of Africa
The summit officially opens with the National Anthem performed by Ada, followed by a vibrant 45-minute performance by the Sarakasi Dancers that welcomes delegates to Kenya while celebrating Africa's rich cultural heritage, and a welcome video. The Master of Ceremony then delivers the welcome remarks and sets the tone for three days of Identity, Innovation and Impact.
Keynote
Opening Keynote: Africa's Brand as a Strategic Asset & Launch of the Africa Brand Index Baseline Report 2026
Hall of Africa
Africa possesses extraordinary economic potential, cultural wealth and human capital, yet much of its global image continues to be shaped by narratives created outside the continent. This opening keynote challenges delegates to see Africa not simply as a collection of 54 countries, but as one of the world's most valuable emerging brands whose reputation directly influences investment, trade, tourism, diplomacy and sustainable development. The keynote also officially unveils the Africa Brand Index Baseline Report 2026, the continent's first reputation intelligence framework designed from an African perspective. Unlike existing global indices that primarily measure economic performance or soft power, the Africa Brand Index evaluates how Africa is perceived and identifies the communication strategies required to strengthen that perception. The Index becomes the thread that ties the entire summit together. The Index is built around six strategic pillars: • Reputation & Trust — measuring credibility, governance, transparency and institutional confidence. • Investment Appeal — assessing Africa's attractiveness to investors, entrepreneurs and global businesses. • Tourism & Culture — evaluating how Africa's heritage, creativity and cultural assets influence destination appeal. • Media & Narrative — measuring who tells Africa's story, how it is portrayed globally and how African voices shape international discourse. • Innovation & Future Readiness — examining technology, entrepreneurship, education and Africa's readiness for the future economy. • Sustainability & Impact — evaluating how leadership, environmental stewardship and inclusive development contribute to Africa's long-term reputation. The Africa Brand Index will become an annual benchmark for governments, corporations and communication professionals, providing actionable insights to strengthen Africa's competitiveness and position the continent as a trusted destination for investment, innovation and opportunity.
Keynote
Keynote: The Africa Identity
Hall of Africa
A keynote address exploring the African identity — what it means to define who Africa is, and how a confident, authentic identity becomes the foundation for the continent's long-term reputation and global competitiveness.
Panel
Panel Discussion: Reputation, Trust & National Branding — Strengthening Governance, Transparency & Institutional Confidence
Hall of Africa
As nations increasingly compete for investment, talent, tourism and global influence, reputation has become one of their most valuable strategic assets. This panel explores how governments can move beyond destination marketing to build authentic nation brands that align policy, diplomacy, tourism, investment promotion and public communication. Through practical African examples, the speakers will examine how strategic communication influences international confidence, strengthens national identity and positions countries as competitive destinations for growth. Delegates will gain insights into how governments can intentionally shape perception through consistent storytelling, leadership and public trust. Moderator: Maina Chege
Networking & Coffee Break
Panel
Panel Discussion: Rebranding Africa Through Strategic Communication
Hall of Africa
Opening with a 10-minute session keynote by Dr. Ike Neliaku. Strategic communication has evolved from supporting organisations to shaping economies, influencing public policy and strengthening national competitiveness. Bringing together global and African communication leaders, this session explores how public relations can build trust, strengthen governance, improve investor confidence and position Africa as a credible global partner. The discussion will challenge leaders to move beyond managing reputation to intentionally creating long-term value for nations, institutions and communities through strategic communication.
Panel
Panel Discussion: African Stories, Our Most Valuable Asset — Building Identity Through Authentic Storytelling, Emotion, Culture & Impact
Hall of Africa
Africa's stories are among its most valuable assets, yet they have often been interpreted through external perspectives. This panel explores how indigenous storytelling traditions, oral history, culture and lived experiences can become powerful tools for building trust and reshaping Africa's global narrative. The discussion examines how authentic storytelling creates emotional connections, strengthens cultural identity and influences investment, tourism and public confidence. Delegates will discover why Africa's future brand must be rooted in authentic African voices rather than borrowed communication models. Moderator: Maina Chege
Networking Lunch
Fireside chat
Fireside Chat featuring Eliud Kipchoge
Hall of Africa
A fireside conversation with Eliud Kipchoge — on discipline, belief and what it takes to carry a nation's story onto the world stage.
Session
Praxis Spotlight Session: Communications Lessons from the Global South
Hall of Africa
A 40-minute panel — Praxis introduction and communications lessons from the Global South — followed by a 10-minute Africa Consultancy Performance Index segment (results and champions recognition). This showcase highlights outstanding Global South communication campaigns, innovative ideas and leadership initiatives that have successfully transformed perceptions, influenced policy and delivered measurable social and economic impact. Through real-world case studies, delegates will explore how strategic communication has helped organisations and institutions build trust, inspire confidence and contribute to Africa's development. The session reinforces that communication is not simply about visibility — it is about creating measurable value and lasting influence.
Session partner: Praxis
Panel
Panel Discussion: Media, Influence & Africa's Global Narrative
Hall of Africa
Media remains one of the most influential forces shaping how Africa is understood by the world. This session brings together leading journalists, editors and communication professionals to explore how African media can move beyond crisis-driven narratives and tell more balanced, opportunity-focused stories that reflect the continent's innovation, resilience and progress. The discussion will examine the evolving relationship between journalism, public relations and digital media in strengthening Africa's reputation and amplifying authentic African voices on the global stage. Moderator: Maina Chege
Session
Closing Plenary: Owning Africa's Story
Hall of Africa
The closing plenary brings together the key themes from Day One, reinforcing that Africa's greatest competitive advantage is its authentic identity and the stories it chooses to tell. The session reflects on how reputation, culture, leadership and communication intersect to shape perceptions of the continent and lays the foundation for Day Two, where the focus shifts to innovation, technology and trust as drivers of Africa's future brand. Delegates leave with a renewed understanding that redefining Africa begins by owning, protecting and amplifying its authentic story. By the end of Day One delegates will: • Understand why reputation is Africa's greatest strategic asset. • Explore how storytelling influences investment, diplomacy and public trust. • Learn how nations build competitive brands. • Examine the findings of the inaugural Africa Brand Index Baseline Report. • Identify opportunities for strengthening Africa's global reputation. Moderator: Maina Chege
The 2027 programme is taking shape.
Nairobi, June 2027. Be first to see the sessions, or bring one of your own.