The stage is set, Nairobi is ready! Africa’s business and sports power players gather for YORA 2026 Summit

The stage is set, the atmosphere is electric and Nairobi is ready as Africa’s business leaders, investors, innovators and sports industry stakeholders converge for the highly anticipated Year of Return of Africa (YORA) 2026 Summit and Exhibition.

The two-day continental gathering, scheduled for October 13-14 at Broadwalk Mall, Westlands, Nairobi, brings together influencers committed to unlocking Africa’s business potential, strengthening international partnerships and transforming promising ideas into sustainable businesses.

Under the theme “Driving the Future: Unlocking Africa’s Business Potential”, the summit will explore investment, technology, entrepreneurship, creative industries, media, entertainment and growing business opportunities within African sport.

Distinguished speakers include David Mullings, Chairman and CEO of Blue Mahoe Capital; Sudi Wandabusi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Film Commission; Charles Ellison, founder of B|E Strategy; and Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, president of the Emmppek Group.

Jide-Ojo Jide Olusola, Founder and CEO of 247SportsNetwork Limited, Publishers of Sports247.ng, and Media Assistant to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka.

With over three decades of media experience, Jide-Ojo is expected to contribute valuable insights during the sports business segment on October 14, particularly on the transformation of African sports talent into sustainable media properties, business opportunities and investment-driven ventures.

Discussions will examine how African sports organizations can move beyond talent discovery to ownership of leagues, broadcast rights, digital platforms, sponsorship assets and intellectual property.

For Nairobi, the summit reinforces the city’s position as a destination for continental business engagement, while providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to forge meaningful connections.

Following the Nairobi programme, YORA activities are scheduled to continue in Kilifi, Kenya, from 16 to 17 October.

As the summit begins, one message resonates across the continent: Africa must not only produce world-class talent, but also build and own companies that transform that talent into lasting prosperity.