AFRICON 2026

Leadership, Investment & Entrepreneurship Summit, Awards & PAWLC Convention

9–11 November 2026 · Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Endorsed by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

About AFRICON

Africa at a defining moment

AFRICON is a high-level Pan-African platform that brings together leaders from government, business, investment, entrepreneurship and civil society to shape Africa's economic and development priorities for the coming decade. Through the Summit, Awards and PAWLC Convention, AFRICON combines high-level dialogue, investment and business engagement, leadership recognition and strategic convening to advance inclusive growth, regional cooperation and Africa-led solutions.

9–11 November 2026 Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Save AFRICON 2026 to your calendar

9–11 November 2026 · Dar es Salaam

Google Calendar Outlook

“The same spirit that united us in the struggle for Africa's freedom must now unite us to find common solutions to our common challenges.”
— H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

Guest of Honour: Hon. Judith Salvio Kapinga, Minister for Industry and Trade, Tanzania — representing H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan

Programme

The three pillars of AFRICON 2026

9–11 November 2026 · Dar es Salaam

AFRICON Leadership, Investment & Entrepreneurship Summit

A high-level Pan-African platform convening government, business, investment and civil society leaders to shape Africa's economic priorities for the coming decade.

10 November 2026 · Awards Gala

The Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership & Entrepreneurship Awards

Celebrating exceptional African leaders, entrepreneurs and institutions whose vision, innovation and commitment drive sustainable development and economic transformation.

11 November 2026 · By invitation

PAWLC Founding Convention

Building the architecture of women's strategic leadership for Africa's future — an exclusive convening of distinguished women leaders from across Africa and the Diaspora.

Key objectives

What AFRICON sets out to achieve

Promote strategic dialogue on leadership, governance, economic transformation and regional integration.
Accelerate intra-African trade, investment and industrialisation.
Facilitate investment partnerships through the AFRICON Investment Forum and Deal Room.
Promote entrepreneurship, innovation and MSME development as engines of inclusive economic growth.
Advance women's and youth leadership across Africa.

Strategic focus

Six integrated pillars

Leadership & Governance
Trade, Investment & Industrialisation
Entrepreneurship & MSME Development
Infrastructure, Energy, Mining & Digital Transformation
Women & Youth Leadership
Sustainable Development & Regional Cooperation

Agenda at a glance

9–11 November 2026

8 November 2026

Delegate arrivals & registration

9 November 2026 — Summit

Welcome ceremony
High-level dialogue sessions

10 November 2026

Investment Deal Room
The Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Pan-African Leadership & Entrepreneurship Awards Gala

11 November 2026

Pan-African Women Leaders Caucus Founding Convention
Leisure tours of Dar es Salaam's cultural and coastal attractions

Leadership agenda

Six strategic forums

Focused conversations move from Africa's outlook to practical leadership, investment and enterprise priorities.

Africa Outlook Forum
Ministerial Leadership Forum
Investment & Development Finance Forum
CEO Leadership Forum
Entrepreneurship & MSME Forum
Women & Youth Leadership Forum

Investment Deal Room

From conversation to transaction

An invitation-only platform connecting government decision makers, investment promotion agencies, development finance institutions, project owners, private investors, commercial banks and strategic partners through confidential, pre-arranged meetings focused on bankable projects.

Investment opportunities

Sectors represented at AFRICON

Agriculture & food systemsBlue economyCreative industriesICT & digital innovationInfrastructure & constructionIndustrialisation & manufacturingMiningRenewable energyTextiles & fashionTourism & hospitalityTransport & aviation

Why attend

Value for delegates

Access to decision makers
Access to investment opportunities
Engagement with government leaders
Connect with investors
Brand visibility
Executive networking
Thought leadership
Pan-African market exposure

Who attends

The room you will be in

Heads of State representatives
Government ministers
Diplomatic missions
Development finance institutions
Investment promotion agencies
Corporate leaders
Entrepreneurs
Women leaders
Youth leaders
Academia
Business associations

10 November 2026 · Awards Gala

The Samia Suluhu Hassan Entrepreneurship Honorary Awards 2026

The Samia Suluhu Hassan Entrepreneur Honorary Awards recognise outstanding Tanzanian entrepreneurs whose leadership, innovation, resilience and contribution to national development have helped advance Tanzania's economic growth, job creation, industrialisation and global competitiveness. The awards honour individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to building sustainable enterprises while contributing meaningfully to their communities and the nation's development agenda.

Tuzo za Heshima za Ujasiriamali za Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan

General eligibility criteria

Be Tanzanian citizens actively operating in Tanzania.
Have demonstrated significant contribution to economic development.
Have built a sustainable and impactful enterprise.
Demonstrate ethical leadership and business integrity.
Have contributed to employment creation and skills development.
Support innovation, inclusion, sustainability or community development.
Serve as role models for future generations of entrepreneurs.

Award categories

Each category recognises a male winner and a female winner.

Trade & Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year

Honouring entrepreneurs advancing domestic and international trade.

Market expansion
Regional or international trade success
Business growth and sustainability
Support for SMEs and supply chains
Contribution to economic competitiveness

Mining Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising excellence in mining, mineral processing and mineral value addition.

Responsible resource development
Innovation and operational excellence
Community development impact
Employment generation
Local beneficiation initiatives

Tourism & Hospitality Entrepreneur of the Year

Celebrating entrepreneurs enhancing Tanzania's tourism brand and visitor experience.

Tourism innovation
Destination promotion
Job creation
Sustainable tourism practices
International market development

Construction & Infrastructure Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising entrepreneurs contributing to Tanzania's infrastructure and urban development.

Infrastructure impact
Quality and innovation
Local economic participation
Skills development
Sustainable construction practices

ICT & Digital Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year

Honouring entrepreneurs leveraging technology to solve societal and business challenges.

Technology innovation
Digital transformation impact
Scalability
Job creation
Contribution to Tanzania's digital economy

Financial Services Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising leaders improving access to financial services and economic inclusion.

Financial innovation
Inclusion of underserved populations
Growth and sustainability
Economic empowerment
Contribution to financial sector development

Energy Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising entrepreneurs advancing energy access and sustainability.

Energy innovation
Renewable energy solutions
Community impact
Sustainable development contribution
Investment in energy infrastructure

Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year

Celebrating entrepreneurs in media, fashion, arts, entertainment and cultural industries.

Creative excellence
Industry leadership
Economic contribution
Youth empowerment
Global promotion of Tanzanian culture

Youth Entrepreneur of the Year (under 40)

Recognising young entrepreneurs building high-impact enterprises.

Innovation and entrepreneurship
Business growth
Leadership potential
Job creation
Community impact

Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognising entrepreneurs using business as a force for social change.

Measurable social impact
Sustainability
Community empowerment
Innovation
Alignment with national development priorities

Youth Leader of the Year (under 40)

Recognising an outstanding young Tanzanian leader demonstrating exceptional leadership, influence, innovation and commitment to national development through public service, governance, policymaking, diplomacy, civil society, advocacy, academia or community development.

Leadership and influence
Innovation
National development contribution
Community impact

Submit a nomination

$10,000

Sponsorship of delegate materials and kits.

Plan your visit

Travel to Dar es Salaam

Practical guidance for international delegates. Confirm current entry and travel requirements before departure.

Arrival

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), approximately 20–25 minutes by car from the venue.

Visa guidance

International delegates should confirm Tanzania entry requirements before travel. An eVisa is recommended where eligible; an ordinary single-entry visa is listed at US$50. Invitation-letter support is available through the AFRICON Secretariat.

Weather & attire

Dar es Salaam is typically warm in November, around 22–30°C. Business attire is recommended for summit sessions and the Awards Gala.

Local currency

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted for major travel and hospitality services.

Suggested accommodation

Tiffany Diamond Hotel

$80 single / $100 double per night

Breakfast and taxes included · booking code AFRICON2026

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam

$105 single / $130 double per night

Near the venue · booking code AFRICON2026

Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro

$220–$350 per night

Premium accommodation · booking code AFRICON2026

Get connected with us

Tanzania: +255 763 055 055 / +255 747 741 741

South Africa: +27 71 646 9286

Email: admin@leadingwomenofafrica.com

Summit enquiries: communications@africonmsisummit.com

Become part of AFRICON 2026.

Nominate a leader, register your delegation, or partner with us as a sponsor.