Africa Borderless Creative Economy Summit 2026
Create. Connect. Commercialize.
About the Summit
A deal-first gathering built for action.
The Africa Borderless Creative Economy Summit 2026 brings together the continent’s most forward-thinking agencies, brands, freelancers, marketing teams, and technology partners to reimagine how Africa’s creative industry can scale - together.
Over two days of keynotes, data-led panels, strategy labs, awards, showcases, and partnership deal rooms, the summit will unpack how innovation, technology, collaboration, and talent mobility can turn Africa’s creativity into a multi-billion-dollar borderless economy.
AT A GLANCE
The scale and reach of the Summit.
500+
In-person Attendees
20+
Countries Represented
2,000+
Streaming Attendees
30+
Industry‑leading speakers
50+
Investors & funds
40+
Sessions & clinics
Summit Program
Program
Tracks and the two-day
agenda snapshot.
AI, Technology &
The Future of Creative Work
Operationalize AI across creative, media, and ops for real ROI.
Creative Effectiveness,
Design & Media Performance
Turn bold ideas into measurable Business outcomes across channels.
Data, Analytics &
Measurement for Growth
Build accountable growth with clean data and clear attribution.
The Creator &
Freelance Economy
Power sustainable independent careers and creator-led studios.
Communication, PR &
Brand Trust
Build credible brands in an era of activism and misinformation.
Commerce, Platforms &
Marketing Business
Where retail media, social commerce and fintech converge.
Cross-Border Collaboration &
Ecosystem Growth
Partner across markets to scale Africa's creative economy.
Summit Agenda
Two days of intensive learning, networking, and deal-making
Morning Sessions
Keynotes & Panels
Afternoon Sessions
Deal Rooms & Clinics
Day 1 – Creativity, Intelligence & Innovation
April 21, 2026
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Opening Address: Africa's Creative Decade — Uniting Talent, Technology & Trade
Keynote: The $100 Billion Opportunity — Africa's Borderless Creative Economy
Executive Panel: AI That Pays Back — From Hype to Hard Returns (Agencies + Brands + Tech Partners discuss real AI ROI)
Networking Coffee Break & Partner Demos
Track 1: AI, Technology & The Future of Creative Work
Session: From Prompt to Profit: Scaling AI in African Agencies & Brands
Track 2: Creative Effectiveness & Media Performance
Session: Creativity That Converts: Data-Driven Campaigns That Win
Track 4: Creator & Freelance Economy
Session: Freelancer to Founder — Building a Sustainable Creative Practice
Networking Lunch + Deal Rooms (Brands ↔ Agencies ↔ Freelancers ↔ Tech)
Track 3: Data, Analytics & Measurement for Growth
Session: Attribution After Cookies — Africa's Measurement Future
Track 5: Communication, PR & Brand Trust
Session: Crisis Ready: Managing Reputation in Real Time
Track 6: Commerce, Platforms & The Business of Marketing
Session: The Retail Media Revolution: Turning Audiences into Assets
Workshop: Designing Data Dashboards That Drive Business Decisions
Networking Break & Tech Showcase
Fireside Chat: Agency + Tech Partnerships That Drive Results
Panel: Creative Effectiveness in the Age of AI & Attention
Matchmaking Hour & Creative Exchange Lounge
Networking Mixer: "Africa Creates" Night (Live showcases & creative performances)
Who Should Join
Connect with diverse professionals shaping Africa's creative economy
Creative Industry Leaders
Artists, directors, producers, and creative visionaries driving innovation across Africa's entertainment and media landscape.
Tech & Platform Innovators
Technology entrepreneurs, platform builders, and digital innovators creating the infrastructure for creative commerce.
Policy Makers & Trade Stakeholders
Government officials, trade representatives, and policy experts shaping regulatory frameworks for creative industries.
Agencies & Service Providers
Marketing, creative, advertising, IT, and tech agencies providing specialized services to creative businesses.
Freelancers
Independent creative professionals, digital nomads, and gig economy participants building scalable creative careers.
Investors & Financial Institutions
VCs, angel investors, banks, and fintech companies providing capital and financial services to creative ventures.
Marketing & Creative Teams
In-house marketing departments and creative teams from brands and corporations seeking innovative partnerships.
Hubs & Ecosystem Builders
Innovation hubs, incubators, accelerators, and community builders fostering creative entrepreneurship across Africa.
Academia & Research
Researchers, academics, and educational institutions studying and teaching creative economy, digital transformation, and innovation.
Corporate & Brand Partners
Large corporations, multinational brands, and enterprise clients seeking to engage with Africa's creative talent and markets.
Why Attend
Crossboader Connections
Walk away with meaningful connections, matched partners, and real deals.
Connect with continental leaders
Investor connections, signed NDAs, and draft term sheets.
Cross-Border Enablement
How AfCFTA, PAPSS, and digital rails help you scale across Africa.
Hands-On Clinics
Solve payments, IP rights, residency, and AI tooling with experts at your side.
0+
Curated 1:1 investor meetings
0+
NDAs signed during Deal Rooms
$0M+
In term sheets & MoUs within 90 days
Dozens of freelancers & creators onboarded to cross-border systems
Our Speakers
Meet the speakers
Africa's top creators, innovators, and enablers.
Who's in the room
Special Features
Beyond the sessions
Experience Nairobi and make connections that last.
Creator Crawl
An evening tour of Nairobi's creative hotspots designed for networking and collaboration.
City Excursions
Curated cultural and innovation hub visits to immerse participants in Nairobi's vibrant ecosystem.
Investor Roundtables
Invite-only sessions connecting startups, creators, and investors for candid deal-making discussions.
Awards
Pan-African Creative Awards
Celebrating Africa's boldest agencies and creators.
Pan African
Agency of the Year
Honoring the agency pushing creative boundaries across markets.
Creative
Innovation Award
Recognizing breakthrough creative solutions and innovative approaches.
Digital Excellence
Award
Celebrating outstanding digital campaigns and tech integration.
Exhibition Opportunities
Showcase your brand at Africa's Borderless Creative Economy Summit.
Join leading agencies, startups, and creative innovators in the Exhibition Zone. Connect with investors and partners at Africa's most influential creative economy gathering.
Secure Your Spot
Join leading agencies, startups, and creative innovators in the Exhibition Zone. Share your work, connect with investors and partners, and stand out at Africa's most influential creative economy gathering.
Early Bird Pass
Only 100 slots available
Early Bird Offer Has Ended
General Admission
Most Popular Standard
VIP Delegate Pass
Exclusive Access
Student & Young Creatives
For students and young professionals
Virtual Access Pass
Join from anywhere
What's Included in Your Ticket
Full Summit Access
2-day access to all keynotes, panels, and workshops
Networking Opportunities
Connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow creatives
Digital Certificate
Certificate of participation for your professional portfolio
Exhibition Access
Explore innovative projects and connect with exhibitors
Post-Event Access
Digital recordings and speaker presentations
Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments during the summit
Welcome Kit
Exclusive summit materials and branded items
Business Opportunities
Access to deal rooms and partnership opportunities
Premium Ticket Benefits
VIP, Agency Growth, and International Delegate passes include additional perks like priority seating, exclusive networking events, premium lounges, and access to the PAAN Awards Gala.
Event Details
PAAN SUMMIT 2026
Ticket Options
Early Bird:
$65
General:
$95
VIP:
$220
Virtual:
$10
- Access to all sessions & workshops.
- Deal Rooms priority (Business/Investor pass).
- Networking events, including Creator Crawl
- Select recordings post‑event
Admit One
PAAN Summit 2026
Seat . TBA
Our Partners
Join leading agencies, startups, and creative innovators in the Exhibition Zone. Share your work, connect with investors and partners, and stand out at Africa's most influential creative economy gathering.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Trip
Smooth logistics, unforgettable Nairobi experience.
Venue Information
Final venue details will be announced soon. Expect world‑class facilities, breakout rooms for deal‑making, and easy access to Nairobi's creative hubs.
Sarit Centre, Nairobi
Event Dates
April 21-22, 2026
Travel Support
Need Assistance?
Our travel team is here to help with logistics, accommodation, and any questions you might have.
secretariat@paan.africaFrequently Asked Questions
Creators, freelancers, agencies, tech founders, investors, and policy makers.
We've secured special rates at partner hotels near the venue. Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. All partner hotels offer complimentary airport transfers and are within walking distance of the summit venue.
Most African citizens can enter Kenya visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. International visitors should check visa requirements based on their nationality. We can provide invitation letters to support visa applications if needed.
Nairobi has a reliable network of taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transport. We'll provide detailed transportation guides and can arrange group transfers from the airport to the venue for registered attendees.
Nairobi is generally safe for visitors, especially in Westands where our venue is located. We work with local security partners to ensure a safe environment. Basic safety precautions are recommended as in any major city.