The Senegalese capital, Dakar, will host MAKE AFRICA 2026, a gathering of Africa's technological ecosystem, from November 23-28, 2026. The event, themed "Technology, Innovation, and Sovereignty," aims to bring together over 1,000 participants from FabLabs, makerspaces, universities, research centers, businesses, and public institutions. Organized in collaboration with the Francophone Network of FabLabs in West Africa, Make Africa, and Bloolab, the event seeks to create a platform for exchange and networking among stakeholders in digital fabrication and innovation.
The event's program includes conferences, discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on Africa's capabilities in design, technological fabrication, and innovation, as well as the conditions necessary for developing greater technological autonomy. The conference will also feature an exhibition space for makers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public institutions to connect and showcase their initiatives. According to the organizers, the goal is to strengthen collaborations and highlight the initiatives developed on the continent.
A press conference was held on September 17 to officially present the event's vision, ambitions, and program. The conference provided an opportunity to unveil the main axes of the event, the expected communities and delegations, and the anticipated outcomes. The event is expected to contribute to the growth of Africa's digital fabrication and innovation ecosystem.
MAKE AFRICA 2026 will take place at the Green Energy Training Center (GETC) in Sodida, Dakar. The event is part of a broader effort to strengthen exchanges between African technological communities and promote innovation that is more grounded in the continent's realities and needs. By hosting this event, the organizers aim to make Dakar a hub for African innovation and digital fabrication.
The event's focus on technological sovereignty is particularly relevant in the context of Africa's growing technological landscape. As the continent continues to develop its digital economy, issues of technological autonomy and innovation have become increasingly important. MAKE AFRICA 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss these issues and explore ways to promote greater technological self-reliance.
The event's organizers believe that MAKE AFRICA 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for participants to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives that can drive Africa's technological growth. By bringing together makers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public institutions, the event aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that can help drive Africa's development.
As the event approaches, stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration that MAKE AFRICA 2026 will provide. With its focus on innovation, technological sovereignty, and digital fabrication, the event is expected to be a significant milestone in Africa's technological journey.
Key points
- MAKE AFRICA 2026 aims to bring together over 1,000 participants from across Africa's technological ecosystem.
- The event will focus on issues of technological sovereignty, innovation, and digital fabrication.
- The event is expected to contribute to the growth of Africa's digital fabrication and innovation ecosystem.
