FIRST FORUM IN 4 YEARS | LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE | FEBRUARY 25, 2026

THE INNOVATION FRONTIER

Convening Capital, Culture, and Community

Stanford Africa Business Forum 2026

Stanford GSB
February 25, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Innovation Frontier - Africa Business Forum
4
Years Since Last Forum
5+
Panel Sessions
20+
Industry Leaders
6
Networking Hours

Why This Forum Matters

After four years, we're bringing together the brightest minds in African business, technology, and innovation. This is your chance to be part of a historic conversation shaping the continent's future.

Capital

Connect with venture capitalists, angel investors, and financial leaders driving Africa's economic transformation. Explore fintech innovations and investment opportunities reshaping the continent's financial landscape.

Culture

Celebrate Africa's creative explosion in music, entertainment, fashion, and digital content. Discover how cultural entrepreneurs are building global brands and exporting African excellence to the world.

Community

Join a network of Stanford students, alumni, industry leaders, and changemakers committed to Africa's growth. Build relationships that transcend the event and create lasting impact.

Innovation

Dive deep into cutting-edge technology, AI applications, and startup ecosystems that are leapfrogging traditional development models and positioning Africa as a global innovation hub.

Policy

Engage with policymakers, development experts, and philanthropists shaping the governance frameworks that will enable sustainable growth and prosperity across the continent.

Opportunity

This is the first forum in 4 years. Don't miss this rare opportunity to be part of the conversation, make connections, and position yourself at the forefront of Africa's next chapter.

Event Agenda

A full afternoon of keynotes, panels, and networking designed to inspire action and forge connections.

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Registration & Networking
Oberndorf Event Center Lobby
Arrive early, grab refreshments, and start networking with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
Opening Remarks
Oberndorf Event Center
Welcome address from the Stanford Africa Business Club leadership team.
2:35 PM - 3:15 PM
Fireside Chat
Oberndorf Event Center
An intimate conversation with a distinguished leader in African business, exploring their journey, insights, and vision for the continent's future.
3:15 PM - 3:25 PM
Networking Break
Oberndorf Event Center
3:25 PM - 4:10 PM
Concurrent Panel Sessions
Multiple Locations
Panel A: Creative Sector (Oberndorf Event Center)
Music, Entertainment, Fashion, and Talent - How Africa's creative economy is going global

Panel B: Policy and Governance (Z301)
Technology, Development, and Philanthropy - Building enabling environments for growth
4:00 PM - 4:05 PM
Quick Break
4:05 PM - 4:50 PM
Investor Panel
Oberndorf Event Center
General Partners and fund founders share insights on investing in African businesses. Learn what investors look for, how they evaluate opportunities, and the future of capital deployment across the continent.
4:50 PM - 5:30 PM
Founder Stories: Building on the Continent
Oberndorf Event Center
Hear directly from founders who have built successful businesses on the continent. They'll share their journeys, decision-making frameworks, challenges overcome, and lessons learned building in Africa's unique business environment.
5:30 PM - 5:35 PM
Closing Remarks
Oberndorf Event Center
5:35 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
Community Court
Continue conversations, exchange contacts, and celebrate with food, drinks, and music. This is where deals are made and partnerships are born.

Featured Speakers

We're assembling an exceptional lineup of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Distinguished Speaker Lineup Confirmed

We're excited to announce that our speaker lineup has been finalized. Stay tuned for the official announcement featuring industry leaders, investors, and founders shaping Africa's business landscape.

Speaker profiles will be announced soon!

Secure Your Spot Today

This is the first Stanford Africa Business Forum in 4 years. Don't miss your chance to be part of this historic event. Limited spaces available.

Venue Information

Stanford Graduate School of Business

The event will be held at the prestigious Knight Management Center, one of the world's most innovative business school campuses.

Primary Venue

Oberndorf Event Center (3rd Floor)
Knight Management Center
655 Knight Way
Stanford, CA 94305

Parking

Underground parking available beneath the Knight Management Center. Permits required Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

WiFi

Free Stanford Visitor network available throughout the venue.

Get In Touch

Have questions? Want to sponsor or speak? We'd love to hear from you.

Event Inquiries

Lead Contact: Dumi Mphamba

dmphamba@stanford.edu

+1 (650) 713-6977

General Support

Secondary Contact: Teju Adeyinka

teju@stanford.edu

Leadership Team