
Key Takeaways
Introduction
With Africa’s digital economy projected to double from $22.67 billion in 2024 to $45.76 billion by 2029, the momentum for tech innovation has never been stronger. In 2024 alone, startups secured $3.2 billion in funding, highlighting the continent’s rapid transformation. As a result, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year, packed with unmissable tech events where industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs will drive the next wave of digital growth. From AI breakthroughs and fintech innovations to blockchain advancements and digital finance, these gatherings will feature high-impact discussions, cutting-edge showcases, and game-changing networking opportunities across Africa’s biggest tech hubs.
Here, you’ll find the 13 top tech conferences and startup events in Africa in 2025, highlighting key themes, industry trends, and opportunities for growth and collaboration. Keep reading to discover the must-attend events.
Outline:
E-Business International Summit EBIS DAKAR 2025
Africa Money & DeFi Summit (West Africa)
With Africa’s population comprising over 400 million young people aged 15-35, the continent’s travel landscape is evolving rapidly. This digitally savvy generation is fueling demand for AI-driven experiences, mobile-first platforms, and innovative booking solutions that cater to their tech-first lifestyle. Web in Travel (WiT) Africa 2025, taking place on March 12-13 at Innovation City in Cape Town, will bring together key players to explore these shifts and uncover new opportunities in the travel tech space.
WiT Africa was first introduced as a virtual event in 2021 to connect Africa with Asia and facilitate knowledge-sharing across regions. In 2024, it transitioned into a physical event, reinforcing global industry connections and highlighting the latest trends in travel technology, distribution, and marketing. The upcoming edition promises to build on this success, offering deeper insights into how demographic and technological shifts influence the travel industry.
The event will feature a next-generation leaders roundtable on March 12, providing a dedicated space for emerging industry voices to discuss key trends and opportunities in travel tech. The WiT main stage on March 13 will bring together industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore key shifts shaping the travel landscape. Discussions will dive into generational changes, AI advancements, and new distribution models, highlighting their impact on Also, the content is too long almost 4000 words?
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Hosted at Innovation City in Cape Town, a premier hub for digital startups and corporates, this event offers cutting-edge insights, unparalleled networking opportunities, and a front-row seat to the future of African travel. It is a must-attend event for travel, tech, and digital marketing professionals.
Tech Unite Africa is returning for its fourth edition from March 26 to 27, 2025, at the Muson Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria. This event remains a major platform for tech startups, investors, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and explore new business opportunities.
At the heart of Tech Unite Africa is the Pitch Competition, a key highlight that gives startups a chance to present their ideas to investors, mentors, and industry experts. It’s not just about securing funding—it’s about gaining visibility, receiving valuable feedback, and making connections that can accelerate business growth. Startups participating in this competition also benefit from workshops and networking sessions that provide practical guidance on scaling their ventures.
Another key highlight of Tech Unite Africa is the TUA TIRA Awards, which celebrate individuals and companies making a tangible impact in technology and innovation. In an industry that thrives on breakthroughs, these awards serve as a platform to recognize the visionaries, problem-solvers, and businesses pushing boundaries and shaping Africa’s digital future.
The 2024 edition of Tech Unite Africa saw groundbreaking advancements in multiple tech sectors. AI-powered healthcare solutions were a major focus, with companies showcasing platforms designed to improve patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. Fintech innovations also took center stage, with leading companies presenting payment technologies tailored for businesses and individuals across Africa. The event also highlighted cybersecurity advancements, addressing the growing need for stronger digital protections and sustainable technology initiatives, where companies introduced eco-friendly innovations to reduce carbon footprints.
As Africa’s tech industry continues to expand, Tech Unite Africa 2025 will build on these conversations, bringing together the brightest minds to explore the next wave of digital
Despite ongoing discussions about diversity in technology, the number of women in tech and engineering roles is declining. Studies reveal that only 23% of tech positions across Africa are held by women, and alarming trends suggest that many are considering leaving the industry due to limited opportunities for advancement. With AI reshaping the job market and the digital skills gap widening, ensuring gender inclusion is more critical than ever.
The Women in Tech Africa Summit 2025, which will take place on March 12 at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, Kenya, aims to tackle these challenges head-on. This year’s event will highlight the barriers women face and showcase actionable solutions to drive gender equality in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.
This year’s theme centers around leveraging technology to create lasting change, not just in the workplace but across industries where digital transformation is taking shape. From AI-powered solutions in healthcare to tech-driven advancements in finance and education, the discussions will explore how women can lead in shaping Africa’s tech future. The event will also address how organizations can implement policies that foster inclusivity, mentorship, and career growth for women in the sector.
Beyond the talks and panels, the summit offers hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities to equip attendees with the skills and connections needed to thrive. Whether it’s learning about tech leadership, mastering digital tools, or gaining insights from top industry executives, Women in Tech Africa 2025 is about more than conversations—it’s about taking tangible steps toward change.
Fintech is transforming Africa’s financial sector and is expected to reach $65 billion by 2030, growing at 32% annually. As digital payments and mobile banking expand, FinTech Summit Africa 2025, set for June 25 to 26 in Sandton, Johannesburg, will bring together key players to explore the latest innovations.
Under the theme “Innovating for Inclusive Growth: The Future of FinTech in Africa,” this year’s summit will explore how technology is revolutionizing banking, payments, lending, and insurance. Discussions will focus on AI-driven financial services, cross-border payments, digital banking, and blockchain solutions. As Africa’s economies go digital, fintech is unlocking financial access for millions previously excluded from formal banking.
FinTech Summit Africa 2024 showcased how fintech is reshaping industries. Morocco’s rail operator, ONCF, issued an £80 million green bond to support rail electrification, demonstrating fintech’s role in funding sustainable infrastructure. Lendable mobilized $678 million from institutional investors, proving how financial technology is driving investment across Africa. Meanwhile, the Tanga Uwasa Water Bond in Tanzania became the continent’s first sub-national utility bond, highlighting fintech’s impact on social and environmental projects.
Building on last year’s success, FinTech Summit Africa 2025 will feature the FinTech Startup & Investor Ecosystem, a platform for startups to connect with venture capitalists and financial institutions seeking the next big innovation. With over 300 attendees, 40 speakers, and representation from 54 countries, this is a key opportunity for networking, collaboration, and funding.
As Africa embraces the digital age, data, and technology are reshaping industries, governance, and daily life. DataFest Africa 2025, happening from June 3 to 5 at The Maslow, Sandton, will bring together thought leaders, data professionals, and innovators to explore how Africa can harness data for transformation.
Under the theme "Harnessing Data & Technology for Africa’s Transformation," this year’s event will feature insightful discussions, hands-on workshops, and a deep dive into AI innovation. A major highlight of the 2025 edition will be the pre-conference workshops on June 3, where participants will explore AI-powered innovation, building scalable data-driven products, and unlocking new opportunities through data collaboration. Impact AI, a special session, will provide insights into human-centered AI design, MLOps, and real-world AI applications.
The main conference, which will be held June 4–5, will offer keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry leaders. Attendees will gain insights into data privacy, AI advancements, financial data applications, and the future of digital governance. The festival-style experience makes learning engaging, with interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Over the years, previous editions of DataFest Africa have showcased how data-driven healthcare can save lives, highlighted the importance of strong data policies, and emphasized the role of AI in shaping Africa’s future. In 2024, discussions focused on digital governance, ethical AI, and the need for cross-sector collaboration in leveraging data for social good.
With keynote speakers, industry panels, and over 250 expected attendees, DataFest Africa 2025 promises to be unmissable for data scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.
Real estate in Africa is changing fast, with technology transforming how properties are built, managed, and sold. The ARCE 2025 PropTech Conference, happening June 18 to 20, 2025, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra, Ghana, will explore how digital solutions are making real estate more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. From smart buildings and AI-driven property management to blockchain transactions, PropTech is redefining how people interact with real estate.
Now in its fifth edition, ARCE has become a leading platform for showcasing PropTech advancements. Last year’s conference featured breakthroughs in smart buildings, data-driven property insights, and sustainable urban development, reinforcing how technology is unlocking new opportunities in the sector. Previous events have also played a key role in fostering strategic partnerships and attracting global investment.
The 2025 edition will feature over 100 expert speakers, panel discussions, and startup acceleration programs aimed at driving Africa’s real estate growth. Key themes include sustainable urbanization, AI-powered real estate analytics, digital property transactions, and FinTech-driven housing solutions. The event will also provide unmatched networking opportunities, connecting attendees with potential partners, investors, and policymakers to discuss the future of PropTech in Africa.
Whether you’re exploring new digital tools, seeking to understand market trends, or looking to join Africa’s growing PropTech movement, this event will provide the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the future of real estate.
The E-Business International Summit (EBIS) 2025, set for June 27 to 28 in Dakar, will bring together experts in e-commerce, digital marketing, and business innovation to explore the future of Africa’s digital economy. In its third edition, EBIS continues to serve as a key platform for industry leaders to share insights, foster collaboration, and drive digital transformation.
Since its inception, EBIS has successfully connected entrepreneurs, policymakers, and tech innovators, fostering partnerships that have propelled businesses forward. Past editions have highlighted critical challenges such as digital payment integration, startup funding, and regulatory frameworks while showcasing solutions tailored to Africa’s unique market. The summit has also provided a launchpad for emerging startups, giving them visibility among investors and industry leaders.
This year’s event will focus on three key areas: enhancing e-commerce through technology, supporting digital entrepreneurship with financing and training, and leveraging new marketing strategies. Sessions will cover topics such as AI and blockchain in e-commerce, seamless cross-border payments, and methods for scaling online businesses. Attendees will gain practical knowledge through workshops and panel discussions while networking with key players shaping the industry.
As a traveling summit, EBIS selects a different African city each year, with Dakar setting the stage for 2025. The event will highlight emerging digital trends and provide a platform for startups and businesses to showcase their innovations. With Africa’s digital economy expanding by 40% annually, EBIS 2025 presents a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the continent’s technological advancement.
Lagos Startup Week (LSW) has established itself as one of Nigeria’s most influential gatherings for the startup ecosystem. Each year, it serves as a launchpad for disruptive ideas, connecting founders, investors, policymakers, and tech leaders in a dynamic space designed to drive innovation. From 8th to 13th July 2025, LSW will return with the theme “Building for the Next Decade,” setting the stage for discussions on the future of entrepreneurship and technology in Africa.
For the past nine years, LSW has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s startup ecosystem. In 2024, the event highlighted global collaboration, with U.S. officials emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Africa’s digital transformation. The summit has also been instrumental in fostering gender diversity in tech, with 43% of attendees in 2023 being women—a trend organizers aim to continue. Moreover, LSW has been a platform where some of Africa’s fastest-growing startups first gained visibility, reinforcing its impact on the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The 2025 edition will build on this legacy, offering a space for founders to showcase innovative products, demo emerging technologies, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. From AI-driven solutions to fintech innovations, LSW will spotlight the trends defining Africa’s digital future. Attendees can expect insightful keynote speeches, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking opportunities designed to accelerate their ventures.
GITEX Nigeria 2025 is set to debut as the country’s largest and most influential tech and startup event. Taking place from September 1 to 4, 2025, across two major cities—Abuja and Lagos—this event will connect government leaders, global tech executives, and entrepreneurs to explore the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The first half of the event, happening on September 1 to 2 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will host the GITEX Nigeria Government Leadership and AI Summit. This summit will focus on national digital transformation efforts, AI adoption, and public sector innovation. Attendees can expect discussions on AI infrastructure, digital skills development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and policy frameworks that will position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa’s AI revolution. The event will feature 500-plus government officials, investors, and over 40 globally renowned speakers, making it a key platform for shaping Nigeria’s digital policies and initiatives.
From September 3 to 4, the event moves to Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Lagos, the heartbeat of Nigeria’s tech-driven economy. It will host the GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival, a high-energy platform showcasing over 1,000 curated startups, 300 plus investors, and 20,000 plus visitors. This segment will highlight opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, AI, and telecoms—sectors driving the country’s projected $11.43 billion telecom market by 2029. The festival will be a launchpad for emerging startups, offering networking opportunities, investment matchmaking, and insights into global tech trends.
With its dual-city format, GITEX Nigeria 2025 is more than an event—it’s a movement to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy, attract global investors, and shape the future of tech in West Africa. If you are a government official, investor, tech entrepreneur, or startup founder, this is the place to be for game-changing partnerships and innovations.
Africa’s fintech and crypto industries are driving innovation and financial inclusion across the continent. Against this backdrop, the Africa Money & DeFi Summit (West Africa) returns on September 24 to 25, 2025, in Nairobi, bringing together key players shaping the future of digital finance. From fintech leaders and blockchain innovators to investors and regulators, the summit offers a platform to explore trends, forge partnerships, and unlock new opportunities in decentralized finance, payments, Web3, and beyond.
The event attracts diverse participants, including digital lenders, mobile money operators, insurtech firms, and crypto platforms. Discussions will center on pressing topics such as cross-border payments, financial accessibility, digital identity, and the role of blockchain in Africa’s economic landscape. Startups will also have a chance to connect with investors seeking to fund the next wave of African fintech disruptors.
Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the Africa Money & DeFi Summit (West Africa) has become a key gathering for fintech and crypto stakeholders, driving conversations that shape the industry. The 2025 edition will feature expert-led discussions, startup showcases, and strategic networking, ensuring participants gain valuable insights and connections. As Africa’s digital economy continues to evolve, this summit remains a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the financial technology space.
Techne Alexandria has witnessed remarkable growth, attracting a diverse audience across the Mediterranean and beyond. For instance, the 2022 summit drew over 30,000 attendees, including 400 speakers, 1,000 startups, 180 exhibitors, and 200 investors from more than 70 countries. This impressive turnout underscores its reputation as a leading platform for fostering innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
The 10th-anniversary edition, set for September 29 to October 6, 2025, promises an immersive experience spanning six days of thought-provoking discussions, hands-on workshops, and exclusive networking sessions. Attendees will engage in industry showcases, investor matchmaking, and expert-led panels that explore key topics such as artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, smart cities, and the future of mobility. These discussions will highlight emerging trends, investment opportunities, and industry challenges.
Beyond its role as a networking hub, the summit provides a dynamic environment where ideas evolve into tangible strategies. With a strong focus on innovation and digital transformation, Techne Alexandria catalyzes collaborations, equipping startups with the knowledge and connections they need to scale.
AI Expo Africa, the continent’s largest AI and automation trade show, returns for its 8th edition from October 29 to 31, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. This premier business-focused event connects enterprise buyers, global suppliers, investors, and innovators, offering a platform to explore AI-driven solutions transforming industries across Africa.
The 2025 edition introduces new and expanded features, including the inaugural UN ITU AI4Good Impact Africa Summit, which will explore AI’s role in addressing global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attendees will discuss AI adoption in government, ethical AI practices, AI-driven economic growth, and the future of automation across various sectors.
Over three days, the event will feature 72 talks and panels, 12 CPD-accredited workshops, and 24 private vendor briefings, covering key topics such as AI in healthcare, finance, education, agriculture, and cybersecurity. The expo floor will showcase 100-plus vendors, an AI startup zone with investor matchmaking, and dedicated pavilions, including Women in AI, R&D, and Gen AI Zones.
With a growing AI community of over 50,000 professionals, AI Expo Africa continues to be a driving force in Africa’s AI and automation landscape. The 2024 edition saw 2,314 delegates, 1,009 companies, and 95 exhibitors, reinforcing its reputation as the region’s top AI networking and business hub. This event is the ultimate gathering for corporate leaders, startup founders, investors, and policymakers looking to forge connections, drive collaborations, and influence the future of AI across the continent.
The Africa Tech Festival has been a key meeting point for technology and telecom leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers shaping Africa’s digital future for nearly thirty years. In 2025, the festival returns to Cape Town from 11th to 13th November, offering a dynamic space for discussions, exhibitions, and networking that drive real impact across the continent.
The festival covers finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing industries and highlights how technology is transforming business and society. You can expect insightful keynotes, panel discussions, and opportunities to engage with like-minded people in tech.
The 2024 event attracted over 15,000 attendees, 500+ speakers, and 300+ exhibitors, reinforcing its reputation as a key driver of Africa’s digital future. As the festival continues to grow, it remains a vital hub for collaboration, investment, and groundbreaking ideas shaping the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Africa’s tech and startup ecosystem is set for a year of impactful conversations, cutting-edge innovations, and strategic collaborations in 2025. These events provide entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders a platform to exchange ideas, explore new markets, and drive the continent’s digital transformation. From networking with key decision-makers to discovering the latest tech advancements, these gatherings open doors to new possibilities and long-term growth.