East Africa–Nordics: Innovation, Trade & Investment Summit 2026

25–26 February 2026 | JNICC, Dar es Salaam

Hosted by Innovation for Development (I4D)

In collaboration with Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) and Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA)
Registration Closed · Watch Live

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About the Summit

The East Africa–Nordics Innovation, Trade & Investment Summit 2026 brings together ministers, investors, development finance institutions, embassies, and innovators to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Nordic region. This ministerial-level summit focuses on investment opportunities, innovation ecosystems, digital economy transformation, and economic diplomacy to create sustainable partnerships and drive inclusive growth across both regions.

Strategic Partners

Summit Structure

1

Day One

High-Level Investment & Policy Dialogue

Focus on investment opportunities, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and policy frameworks that enable cross-border capital flows and economic cooperation between East Africa and the Nordic region.

2

Day Two

Innovation, Youth & Investment Conversion

Showcasing youth- and women-led innovations, connecting entrepreneurs with investors, and translating policy commitments into tangible investment outcomes. This day bridges the innovation ecosystem with capital deployment.

This two-day structure strategically links policy dialogue, capital mobilization, and innovation ecosystems to create actionable outcomes and sustainable partnerships.

Summit Focus Areas

🏭

Investment & SEZs

Special Economic Zones and investment opportunities

💻

Digital Infrastructure

Digital Public Infrastructure and transformation

💡

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Startup ecosystems and youth innovation

🌍

Economic Diplomacy

Market access and trade partnerships

Who Is Coming

🏛️

Ministers & Government Leaders

Policy makers and senior officials

💼

Investors & DFIs

Development Finance Institutions

🌐

Embassies & Development Partners

International cooperation agencies

🏢

Private Sector & Corporates

Business leaders and executives

🚀

Innovators & Startups

Entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders

👥

Youth Leaders

Next generation innovators

Featured Speakers

Summit Programme

Official Programme Overview – 25–26 February 2026

Official Opening & High-Level Investment Dialogue

Date: 25 February 2026  |  Venue: JNICC – Ruaha Hall

Time Session Lead / Speakers
08:00 – 09:00 Registration & Strategic Networking Secretariat
09:00 – 09:45 Formal Opening & Institutional Remarks I4D · ICT Commission · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · TISEZA
09:45 – 10:15 Official Opening Address – Deputy Minister, Planning & Investment Guest of Honour
10:15 – 10:25 Official Photo Session Protocol
10:25 – 10:35 Digital Capital Innovation Presentation (MyAIDA) Godfrey Shirima
10:35 – 11:10 Panel 1: Digital Transformation & Investment Readiness Public Sector · Innovation Leaders · Stanbic Incubator
11:10 – 11:15 Strategic Partner Address Grant Thornton Tanzania
11:15 – 11:45 Panel 2: Mobilising Capital for Industrial Growth PPP Centre · Corporate & Investment Banking · Private Equity · MCIT
11:45 – 12:10 Panel 3: Regional Integration & Cross-Border Investment Dialogue Regional & International Trade Representatives
12:10 – 12:15 Closing Remarks Event Chair
12:15 – 14:00 Structured B2B Matching & Investment Lounge Activation All Delegates · Banks · SEZ · Investors · Development Partners

Youth & Innovators Afternoon Programme (Pipeline Activation Session)

  • 14:00 – 14:10 · Opening & Framing: From Dialogue to Execution – I4D
  • 14:10 – 14:40 · Digital & Policy Opportunities at Ministry Level – MCIT
  • 14:40 – 15:20 · SEZ Access & Export Readiness Pathways – TISEZA
  • 15:20 – 15:50 · From Incubation to Bankability – Stanbic Business Incubator
  • 15:50 – 17:00 · Structured Engagement Tables & Direct Institutional Consultations

Innovators Showcase

1061 innovators across agribusiness, digital economy, health, climate, and manufacturing — with over 65% at MVP, early operations, or growth stage, and nearly 60% legally registered, highlighting strong readiness for investment and partnerships.

1061

Total Innovators

65%

At MVP+ Stage

60%

Legally Registered

5

Key Sectors

🌾

Agribusiness

💻

Digital Economy

🏥

Health

🌍

Climate

🏭

Manufacturing

Watch Live

Day One

Official Opening & Investment Dialogue

Day Two

Innovation, Youth & Investment Conversion

Live streaming available on both days. Click to watch.

Contact Us

For all inquiries, please contact

info@africanordic.org

East Africa–Nordics Summit 2026

Strengthening partnerships between Africa and the Nordic region through innovation, trade, and investment.

Event Details

  • 📅 25–26 February 2026
  • 📍 JNICC, Dar es Salaam
  • 🎟️ By Invitation Only
  • 📺 Live Streaming Available

© 2026 East Africa–Nordics Summit. Hosted by Innovation for Development (I4D)