The city of Tunis is set to host the 3rd edition of BIGTECH Africa, a premier tech and investment conference, on October 13-14, 2026. Organized by TPM Events under the auspices of the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, the event is expected to draw over 4,000 participants, including 100 speakers and delegations from more than 20 countries. This year's edition aligns with Tunisia's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2026-2030, which prioritizes human-centricity and data sovereignty.
BIGTECH Africa aims to transform the country's AI strategy into concrete partnerships, projects, and investments. The event will feature a new format, with two days of keynotes, panels, and workshops, and a focus on quality over quantity. Participants will be able to engage in targeted networking and matchmaking, with dedicated spaces for investors, international buyers, and startup founders. The program will be structured around three pillars: Africa and international cooperation, business and technology, and investment and startups.
The conference will tackle pressing issues such as AI sovereignty, technological cooperation between India and Africa, fintech, cybersecurity, and smart cities. Speakers from African and international institutions, enterprises, and universities will share their insights and experiences. The event will also feature the Tunisian Excellence Awards, which include the Tunisian Women in Tech of the Year and Tunisian AI Awards.
Investment will be a key focus of the conference, with a goal of connecting international investors with Tunisian startups and opening up opportunities for continental startups. Several investment funds and investors from various regions are expected to attend. NartaQ, a global investment partner, will facilitate connections between startups and investors through its AI-powered platform.
BIGTECH Africa 2026 will also feature a strong international presence, with delegations and innovation ecosystems from countries such as Italy and Palestine participating in panels, workshops, and a dedicated pavilion. The event remains committed to its South-South approach, fostering cooperation between Africa, the Gulf, Asia, and the diaspora, with Europe as a partner rather than a sole focus.
Beyond the conference program, BIGTECH Africa will offer various networking opportunities, including a B2B lounge, business roundtables, and a networking evening on October 13. The event will also provide digital certificates to attendees, issued by a dedicated partner. With the support of numerous partners, exhibitors, and sponsors, BIGTECH Africa 2026 aims to facilitate meaningful connections and projects that will shape the future of technological cooperation.
According to Skander Haddar, CEO of TPM Events, BIGTECH Africa is designed as a platform where participants can achieve specific objectives, such as investors meeting qualified startups or enterprises identifying technology partners. With Tunisia's national AI strategy in place, the event aims to make Tunis a hub for concrete connections and projects.
Key points
- BIGTECH Africa 2026 will focus on AI sovereignty, investment, and cooperation between Africa and international partners.
- The event will feature over 4,000 participants, 100 speakers, and delegations from more than 20 countries.
- The conference will tackle pressing issues such as fintech, cybersecurity, and smart cities, and provide opportunities for networking and matchmaking.
