FEBRUARY 25, 2026 | STANFORD GSB | LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

THE INNOVATION FRONTIER

Convening Capital, Culture, and Community

Stanford Africa Business Forum 2026

Stanford GSB
February 25, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
GET TICKETS NOW View Agenda
The Innovation Frontier - Africa Business Forum
5
Panel Sessions
15+
Industry Leaders
200+
Years Combined Experience
4
Hours of Content

The Innovation Frontier

Africa stands at a unique inflection point. Across the continent, new business models are emerging, technology is leapfrogging traditional infrastructure, and a generation of builders is reimagining what's possible. This forum brings together the investors, creators, and operators shaping this transformation - convening capital, culture, and community to explore the opportunities ahead.

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.

Outfits

There's no formal dress code to attend the forum, but if you have any African print outfit, we'd love to see you in it!

✨ Celebrate African culture through fashion ✨

Event Agenda

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

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Registration
Oberndorf Event Center Lobby
Check in, grab refreshments, and network before the program begins.
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
Opening Remarks
Oberndorf Event Center
Welcome from the Africa Business Forum Co-Chairs
2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
Fireside Chat: Africa, Talent, and the AI Revolution
Oberndorf Event Center
In conversation with OpenAI's Africa Lead Emmanuel Lubanzadio, moderated by Hope Moussi
2:45 PM - 3:20 PM
From Promise to Proof: What Must Be True for Africa's Venture Ecosystem to Deliver
Oberndorf Event Center
Venture investors offer a realistic assessment of returns and discuss what attracted them to the continent. The central question: what needs to change - the VC approach or the business models themselves? Featuring Arjuna Costa and Maurizio Caio. Moderated by Emmanuel Egyam.
3:30 PM - 4:05 PM
Building on the Frontier: Perspectives from Operators and Architects
Oberndorf Event Center
Learn how to form teams, execute strategies, and manage the psychology of building. Successful entrepreneurs share tactical advice on finances, customer acquisition, and handling the discouragement that comes with building something new. Featuring Nneile Nkholise, Noureddine Tayebi, and Tawanda Sibanda. Moderated by Nicole Mbithe.
4:10 PM - 4:45 PM
Culture in Context: Taking African Stories, Platforms, and Audiences Global
Oberndorf Event Center
Explore how to globalize African culture, reframe narratives, and leverage technology for storytelling. Featuring Ijeoma Ejimadu, Osoranna Mojekwu, and John-Allan Namu. Moderated by Arinze Obiezue.
4:50 PM - 5:25 PM
Tech Futures: Infrastructure, AI, and the Next Chapter for Africa
Oberndorf Event Center
Discuss building technology infrastructure, the future of work and education, and strategies for navigating government partnerships. The conversation includes AI deployment approaches and how to address consumer pricing challenges in African markets. Featuring Fred Swaniker. Moderated by Dumi Mphamba.
5:25 PM - 5:35 PM
Closing Remarks
Oberndorf Event Center
Final thoughts from the Africa Business Forum Co-Chairs
5:35 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
Oberndorf Event Center
Continue conversations with speakers and attendees over refreshments and music.
View Detailed Agenda

Secure Your Spot Today

Join us for an afternoon with Africa's leading investors, founders, and innovators. Limited spaces available.

GET TICKETS NOW Contact Us

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

Need help on the day of the event? Have questions?

Email the GSB Africa Business Club Leadership Team

gsb_africabusinessclub_leadership@lists.stanford.edu