The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially opened the Call for Session Proposals for the African Union Innovation Festival 2026 (AU InnoFest’26), inviting innovators, youth organizations, technology experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academia, development partners, and ecosystem builders to contribute to one of Africa’s premier innovation and digital transformation events. Scheduled to take place from 29–30 September 2026 at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AU InnoFest’26 will convene innovators, policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and young entrepreneurs from across Africa to explore solutions that will shape the continent’s digital future.
Under the theme “Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty,” the festival aims to strengthen youth-led innovation ecosystems while advancing Africa’s ambitions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, technological innovation, and digital sovereignty.
If you have a compelling session idea that can inspire meaningful dialogue, foster collaboration, or promote innovative solutions, this is your opportunity to help shape the official conference agenda.
About AU InnoFest’26
The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest) is the African Union’s flagship platform dedicated to youth innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and digital transformation across Africa.
The event serves as a meeting point for:
- Young innovators
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Development organizations
- Government institutions
- Civil society
- Private sector leaders
- Innovation hubs
- Academia
- International partners
Through interactive sessions, networking opportunities, policy discussions, exhibitions, and collaborative engagements, AU InnoFest seeks to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation agenda while empowering young Africans to become leaders of technological innovation.
Theme of AU InnoFest’26
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme:
“Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty.”
The theme reflects Africa’s growing commitment to:
- Artificial Intelligence innovation
- Digital transformation
- Youth empowerment
- Home-grown technological solutions
- Digital inclusion
- Policy development
- Responsible AI
- Innovation ecosystems
- Skills development
- Cross-sector collaboration
Festival Objective
The primary objective of AU InnoFest’26 is to strengthen vibrant youth-led ecosystems that advance Africa’s AI capabilities and digital sovereignty through:
- Innovation
- Policy engagement
- Strategic partnerships
- Capacity building
- Digital skills development
- Knowledge sharing
- Collaborative action
The festival recognizes that Africa’s digital future depends on empowering young innovators to create locally relevant technological solutions while influencing policies that promote sustainable digital growth across the continent.
Why Submit a Session Proposal?
Selected session organizers will have the opportunity to:
- Contribute to the official AU InnoFest’26 programme.
- Share innovative ideas with a continental audience.
- Showcase successful projects and initiatives.
- Lead discussions on emerging digital trends.
- Connect with policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners.
- Influence conversations on Africa’s AI and digital transformation agenda.
- Expand professional networks across Africa.
- Increase visibility for their organization and initiatives.
Who Should Submit a Proposal?
The African Union welcomes session proposals from a broad range of stakeholders involved in innovation and digital development.
Potential applicants include:
- Youth organizations
- Innovation hubs
- Startup founders
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Technology companies
- Civil society organizations
- Government agencies
- Development partners
- Entrepreneurs
- Artificial Intelligence experts
- Digital transformation specialists
- Policy professionals
- Community leaders
- Regional organizations
What Makes a Strong Session Proposal?
Successful proposals should align with the overall objectives of AU InnoFest’26 by encouraging meaningful discussions around:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital sovereignty
- Innovation ecosystems
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Digital inclusion
- Technology policy
- Skills development
- Emerging technologies
- Digital governance
- Cross-sector partnerships
- Startup ecosystems
- Future workforce development
Proposals should demonstrate clear relevance to the conference theme while offering practical insights and opportunities for audience engagement.
Important Information Before You Apply
Applicants should carefully prepare all required information before beginning the submission process.
You must have the following details ready:
- Full names of all proposed speakers
- Professional titles or designations
- Email addresses of speakers
- Moderator information
- Panelist details
Having this information available before starting the application will help ensure a smooth submission process.
Data Protection and Privacy
The African Union Commission places significant importance on protecting applicants’ personal information.
Information collected through the Call for Session Proposals will be used solely for:
- Reviewing submissions
- Evaluating proposals
- Managing the selection process
- Administering AU InnoFest’26
Personal information collected may include:
- Names
- Contact information
- Professional affiliations
- Speaker biographies
Access to this information will be restricted to:
- Authorized members of the AU InnoFest’26 organizing team
- Approved programme review partners involved in the evaluation process
If a proposal is selected, certain information may be published in:
- Official conference programmes
- Promotional materials
- Event communications
- Speaker profiles
- Conference schedules
The African Union Commission confirms that personal information will not be shared with third parties for commercial purposes.
Applicant Responsibilities
By submitting a proposal, applicants confirm that:
- They have obtained consent from every proposed speaker.
- All submitted information is accurate.
- They agree to the African Union Commission processing the submitted information for the purposes of AU InnoFest’26.
Applicants are encouraged to verify all information before submission to avoid delays during the review process.
Why AU InnoFest Matters
Africa is entering a transformative period where Artificial Intelligence, digital innovation, and technological sovereignty are becoming central to economic development.
AU InnoFest provides an important platform for:
- Encouraging youth leadership.
- Promoting African innovation.
- Strengthening digital ecosystems.
- Influencing policy development.
- Supporting entrepreneurship.
- Building partnerships across sectors.
- Showcasing African technological solutions.
- Advancing digital inclusion.
The festival serves as a catalyst for collaboration between governments, innovators, researchers, investors, and young entrepreneurs working toward a digitally empowered Africa.
How to Apply
Interested individuals and organizations should submit their session proposals through the official AU InnoFest’26 application form HERE
Before submitting your proposal, ensure that you:
- Develop a session idea that aligns with the theme “Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty.”
- Identify and confirm your panelists, speakers, and moderators.
- Obtain the consent of all proposed speakers before sharing their personal information.
- Prepare the required information, including:
- Names of speakers
- Professional titles/designations
- Email addresses
- Session description
- Complete the official application form with accurate and complete information.
- Review your submission carefully before final submission.
DEADLINE: 11th August, 2026
Event Details
Event: African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26)
Dates: 29–30 September 2026
Venue: African Union Commission Headquarters
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Theme: Vibrant Youth Ecosystems for AI and Digital Sovereignty
Conclusion
The African Union Innovation Festival (AU InnoFest’26) offers innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, youth organizations, and digital ecosystem builders a unique opportunity to shape Africa’s conversations around Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and technological sovereignty. By submitting a session proposal, applicants can contribute directly to one of the continent’s most influential innovation platforms while sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and inspiring solutions that advance Africa’s digital future. If your organization has expertise, innovative ideas, or successful initiatives that can help strengthen youth-led AI and digital ecosystems, now is the time to prepare a compelling session proposal and become part of AU InnoFest’26.
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