AFRO-ASIAN ENTERPRENEURS CONFERENCE 2026
EAST AFRICAN EDITION
Kigali, Rwanda-Zanzibar, Tanzania
24-29 Nov 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Where Africa and Asia meet on purpose
Africa and Asia are already deeply connected through trade, investment, education, technology and culture. Yet for many entrepreneurs, access to that opportunity still depends on who you know and whether the right doors are open to you.
The Conference is a curated, invite-only gathering of high-potential entrepreneurs, SME founders and ecosystem leaders from two continents – converging in Kigali and Zanzibar, aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week.
DELEGATIONS ACROSS AFRICA & ASIA
50
International delegates
07
Countries represented
02
Host cities
06
Days of programming
THE OPPORTUNITY
The relationship exists.
The access does't.
Africa and Asia already share a significant economic relationship – but the opportunity remains unevenly accessed.
$1.5T
Africa’s total merchandise trade, 2024.
$189.5B
Africa’s merchandise export to Asia, 2024
3.3%
Africa’s share of global exports
The challenge isn’t a lack of trade – it’s a lack accessible relationships, market knowledge and pathways.
WHO WE ARE
FOUNDED
2024
PARENT ORGANISATION
The Mediapreneur Network – established 2020, Nigeria
MODEL
Non-profit subsidiary focused on digital education, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment。
GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS
Africa-Asia corridor, with active presence in Nigeria, Tanzania and India
REACH
2,300+ reached directly 49,000+ digitally
Active presence
MISSION & VISION
MISSION
To promote bilateral collaboration and build cross-border business development by empowering and connecting young entrepreneurs in Africa & Asia with businesses and opportunities.
VISION
The largest Afro-Asian ecosystem where young people co-create sustainable solutions, drive innovation, and foster equitable economic growth.
REGISTRATION
HOST DESTINATIONS
Why Rwanda & Zanzibar2
RWANDA - KIGALI
Investment & innovation hub
Where entrepreneurs plug directly into an active investment ecosystem and business-connection network.
$2.62B
registered investment across 799 projects (2025)
T A N Z A N I A — Z A N Z I B A R
Trade & regional gateway
The larger trade, tourism and regional gateway, where the conference and the wider ecosystem culminate
70%+
of intra-EAC trade held by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda
Both countries sit within the East African Community’s common market — built around the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.
THE EXPERIENCE
Four pillars, one journey
01
Founders Business & Impact Mixer
Kigali. Delegates connect through speed networking and explore cross-border opportunities.
02
Afro-Asian Entrepreneurs Conference
Zanzibar. Keynotes, panels and the flagship Pitch Arena, where capital meets ambition.
03
Impact Awards & Gala Night
Recognising young people championing global solutions, before sponsors and media.
04
Founders Tour & Staycation
Zanzibar. Delegates explore the island in a curated, relationship-building setting
PROGRAMME · PART ONE
Rwanda . Days 1–3
DAY 1
Impact Awards & Gala Night
- Delegate arrivals and check-in
- Welcome Dinner & Founders' Reception, 7:00– 9:30 PM
DAY 2
Founders Mixer
- Speed networking and cross-border deal exploration
- Open to all delegates plus 50 Rwanda-based founders
DAY 3
Impact Hub & Departure
- Delegation visit to Impact Hub Kigali, morning to noon
- Evening departure to Zanzibar
PROGRAMME · PART TWO
Zanzibar . Days 4–6
DAY 1
Conference & Gala
- Keynotes and panels, 10:00 AM–1:30 PM
- The Pitch Arena, 2:00–3:30 PM
- Impact Awards & Gala Night, 8:00 PM
DAY 2
The Zanzibar Tour
- Curated cultural tour across key landmarks
- Relationship-building for international founders
DAY 3
Departure
- Delegate check-out and farewell
- Post-event follow-up initiated
EXPERIENCE DESIGN - MOODBOARD
Exhibition Arena
Branded exhibition stands where partners and founders showcase products, services and market offers to delegates across both continents.
EXPERIENCE DESIGN - MOODBOARD
The Stage
A focused main stage for keynotes, panels and the Pitch Arena — clean sightlines, strong lighting and a backdrop built for media capture
EXPERIENCE DESIGN - MOODBOARD
Award & Gala Hall
A banquet-style hall for the Impact Awards and Gala Night — round tables, warm uplighting and a stage dressed for photography and press.
EXPERIENCE DESIGN - MOODBOARD
Informal Networking
Relaxed lounge and terrace settings where the real deals happen — standing tables, soft seating and space for unhurried conversation.
WHAT IT COST
Your Investment - International Delegates
This is a paid conference and delegates packages vary based on your location and travel requirements.
International Delegate
Investment
$350
What it includes :
- Conference Access
- Gala and Award Nights
- Youth Connect Africa Summit
- Tourism Experience in Rwanda and Tanzania
- Airport Pickup & Local Transfers
Need accommodation or a complete travel package?
Contact our official team for a personalised package based on your location and requirements.
Registration Closes on 10th November 2026.
WHAT IT COST
Your Investment - International Delegates
This is a paid conference and delegates packages vary based on your location and travel requirements.
Early bird
Regular
$850
Book before 31 October 2026 — limited allocation
I N T E R N A T I O NAL
Regular
$950
From 1 November 2026 — full multi-country experience
The International Delegate package is fully hosted on the ground across two countries:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transfers
- Programme access
- Zanzibar experience
Applications open 1 Sep 2026
PAST EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
