The Benin Digital & Innovation Week is set to take place in Cotonou from November 16-20, 2026. The event, organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Innovation, aims to bring together experts in cybersecurity, actors in innovation ecosystems, and the general public to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital technology in Africa. The event will feature a series of meetings, exhibitions, and activities that showcase the latest technological innovations and digital solutions.
The event will kick off with the Cyber Africa Forum on November 16, which will focus on cybersecurity and digital trust issues. These issues have become essential for ensuring the security of online services, data protection, and the digital sovereignty of states. The forum will bring together experts and professionals to discuss the latest trends and solutions in cybersecurity and digital trust.
From November 18-20, the Sofitel Cotonou Marina will host the AfriLabs Annual Gathering, a meeting of African innovation hubs. For the first time, this gathering will take place in a French-speaking country, providing an opportunity for English-speaking and French-speaking ecosystems to strengthen their exchanges and foster new collaborations.
In addition to the professional meetings, the Benin Digital & Innovation Week will also feature the Village de l'Innovation, an exhibition space open to the public on the esplanade of the Palais des Congrès. The village will showcase digital and technological solutions applicable to various sectors of daily life, including identity and administrative services, robotics, maker culture, and recycling solutions.
The Village de l'Innovation will also feature a "Place du Citoyen" where the National Agency for Identification of Persons (Anip) will present services related to identity and administrative procedures. Visitors will also be able to explore a museum showcasing Benin's cultural heritage through immersive virtual reality experiences.
The event will also highlight innovations in the fields of health, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, as well as screenings of Beninese film productions. Access to the Village de l'Innovation will be free, subject to online registration, which will provide a QR code ticket for entry. Electric shuttles will also be available to facilitate visitor transportation.
According to Mahuna Akplogan, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, the goal of the event is to prioritize concrete demonstrations rather than theoretical presentations. The event aims to position Cotonou as a hub for African innovation and cooperation, showcasing the latest technological solutions and innovations that can improve daily life, simplify administrative procedures, and promote economic growth.
Key points
- The Benin Digital & Innovation Week will feature the Cyber Africa Forum, AfriLabs Annual Gathering, and the Village de l'Innovation, bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and the public to discuss technological innovations and digital transformations in Africa.
