The 5th African Startup Conference (ASC) is set to take place from December 5-7, 2026, at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Centre in Algiers. The event, themed "Deeptech: The Real Challenge," aims to strengthen Africa's position in developing cutting-edge technologies and consolidating its technological sovereignty. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funding for deeptech on the continent has grown significantly, from $86 million in 2015 to $1.2 billion in 2023.
The conference brings together stakeholders committed to building African technological sovereignty, with over 25,000 participants expected, including founders of African startups specializing in cutting-edge technologies and over 30 innovative companies operating in deeptech. More than 150 investors from venture capital funds and networks, 40 African ministerial delegations, 100 international experts in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, and five African technology hubs will also attend.
The event features four main axes: digital sovereignty and artificial intelligence, strategic resources and energy, health and human capital, and African female entrepreneurship in deeptech. The program includes high-level meetings, ministerial summits, and sessions designed to produce concrete results and operational recommendations. The conference also includes a device dedicated to connecting startups with investors, including a General Partners/Limited Partners (GP/LP) summit.
The GP/LP summit, a major event of the conference, brings together African and international fund managers and sovereign and institutional investors interested in the African market. The summit aims to improve investment mechanisms and conditions for African startups, with participation from the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Over 150 investors are expected to attend, and startups will have the opportunity to meet with them directly.
The conference offers startups a platform to showcase their innovations, meet experts, and establish direct contacts with investors who can support their growth. According to Minister of Economy of Knowledge, Startups, and Micro-enterprises Noureddine Ouadah, the event provides opportunities for startups to secure funding, citing the example of an Algerian startup that raised $5 million in funding during the previous edition.
The Algerian government has implemented measures to support startups, including an interministerial decree requiring Algerian companies with annual revenues of over 2 billion dinars to allocate at least 1% of their profits to research and development. The conference aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, with a focus on deeptech and investment opportunities.
The event is expected to facilitate partnerships, business opportunities, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, contributing to the emergence of a competitive and independent technological development model in Africa. With its focus on deeptech and investment opportunities, the conference aims to drive growth and innovation on the continent.
Key points
- The 2026 African Startup Conference expects over 25,000 participants, including founders of African startups, investors, and experts in emerging technologies.
