The Year Ahead
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The Year Ahead

Fairmont the Norfolk, Nairobi
January 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (East Africa Time)
05
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05
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11
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21
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As we approach 2026, the tech world stands on the cusp of monumental change. AI is continuing to reach new heights, quantum computing is moving from labs to practical use, and cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. The Year Ahead 2026 isn't just another tech conference; it's a window into the future, where today's innovations become tomorrow's necessities.

 

The Year Ahead 2026 brings together the trailblazers and visionaries who are driving this technological transformation - those already implementing emerging technologies alongside the greatest minds advancing them. This event will be full of riveting keynotes and illuminating sessions that will see you engaging with both recognized global thought leaders and pioneering startups on the cutting edge wherever you'll be, right from the comfort of your seat.

Turning Innovation Into Business Growth

Conference Image
Conference Image

Topics & Themes

Attendees can anticipate dynamic discussions on both leading-edge technologies and how digital transformation will impact everything from business models, operations, products and services to leadership and culture. With a central theme of digital innovation shaping the future, pressing conversations will span across the following broad topics:

Emerging Tech Innovations

Emerging Tech Innovations

AI Revolution

AI Revolution

IoT and Edge Computing

IoT and Edge Computing

Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

Speakers

The Year Ahead is an annual event that offers an opportunity to explore and discuss the major trends and innovations shaping the technology landscape in the coming year. As a speaker, you will have the chance to share your vision, connect with industry leaders, and help define the key technologies and strategies that will drive progress in the tech world. Like the following speakers, you too can join us in looking forward to the advancements and opportunities that lie ahead for the global technology community.

CIO, Sarova Hotels & Resorts
CEO & Co-Founder, Everse Technology
Founder and CEO, TechMindset Africa Ltd
Fractional CIO/CTO, AI Startups & Impact Orgs
Manager - Robotics, Business Technology and Shared Services, Jubilee Insurance Company
CIO, Car and General PLC
Head of IT Infrastructure, Absa Bank Kenya Plc
Group Head of IT Security & Infrastracture, Platcorp Group
Agenda
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Opening Remarks
9:20 AM - 9:50 AM
Keynote
Beyond Pilots: From CIO Strategy to Enterprise Success
Deborah
Deborah Mutungi
CIO, Sarova Hotels & Resorts
9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Panel Discussion
Expert Debate: Breaking Banks: From Incumbents to Unicorns
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel Discussion
The AI Bubble: Fact, or Fiction?
Joan
Joan Mbesya
Founder and CEO, TechMindset Africa Ltd
moderator
Michael
Michael Michie
CEO & Co-Founder, Everse Technology
panelist
Timothy
Timothy Laku
Fractional CIO/CTO, AI Startups & Impact Orgs
panelist
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Coffee Break
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Multi Agent Systems: Turn Your Agent Into a Business Partner
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
Physical AI: When Robots & Humans Converge
Lydia
Lydia Gathoni
Manager - Robotics, Business Technology and Shared Services, Jubilee Insurance Company
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Fireside Chat
Who Owns the Future? Data, Platforms, & National Interest
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Panel Discussion
AI Infrastructure: Is Africa’s Architecture Future-Ready?
Gilbert
Gilbert Mutai
CIO, Car and General PLC
moderator
Eric
Eric Kimonye Kirimi
Head of IT Infrastructure, Absa Bank Kenya Plc
panelist
Francis
Francis Mwangi
Group Head of IT Security & Infrastracture, Platcorp Group
panelist
2:30 PM - 2:50 PM
Personalisation in the World of AI: Driving Revenue Growth Across the Customer Journey
2:50 PM - 3:20 PM
Panel Discussion
Lessons Learned and How Tech Leaders Will Tackle 2026 Differently
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM
Closing Remarks
Partners

African eDevelopment Resource Centre
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