The YEAR OF RETURN AFRICA 2026
YORA Summit & EXPO 2026
Fueling the Future: Unlocking Africa’s Entrepreneurial Potential
Africa's fastest growing network for
4.7 Review
AFRICA’S FASTEST GROWING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION SUMMIT & EXPO
Attendees
Speakers
Countries
Companies
Deal Flow
WHAT IS
The YORA Summit?
The First Year Of Return was a campaign pioneered by the president of Ghana in 2019 as a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad to reconnect, heal and rebuild the homeland.
Africa is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and vibrant young minds. The Year of Return, Africa Summit & EXPO 2026, aims to empowering African youth & businesses through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-building initiatives.
You will connect with the industry’s top innovators, gain expert-level insights from dynamic stage sessions, and explore an exhibition hall filled with opportunities to accelerate your career.
YORA Summit & EXPO Kenya, 2026 is a three-day event including YORA Awards taking place from 12th – 17th Nairobi | Kilifi, Kenya
Themes That Will Paint YORA
YORA Summit, Expo & Awards 2026, we focus on three powerful themes that capture Africa’s future. Each theme combines high-level dialogue, masterclasses, deal-making, and global partnerships, driving both inspiration and action.
NexGen Africa
Empowering the next generation of African founders, builders, and global operators.
Focus:
- Market access for 5,000+ African startups & SMEs
- 50 global trade missions annually
- Mobilizing $50M+ in capital & investment pathways
- Network of 20,000 entrepreneurs, investors & mentors
- Launch of the YORA Youth Fund
- Scaling Gen-Z ventures in entertainment & sports
Tech Diplomacy, AI & Cybersecurity
Positioning Africa as a serious global actor in digital sovereignty and emerging technologies.
Focus:
- Tech diplomacy roundtables with global institutions
- Training 1,000+ cybersecurity specialists
- AI, smart infrastructure & policy dialogues
- Deal Room pipeline targeting $100M+ in investable solutions
Creative Business
(Film, Media, Sports)
Transforming Africa’s creative economy into a globally competitive industry.
Focus:
- Film & arts collaboration with regional creators
- YORA Awards recognition for filmmakers & creatives
- Sports diplomacy connecting African leagues to global brands
- Masterclasses in production, financing & distribution
- Long-term vision for Creative Hubs & Residencies, starting in Kilifi
Main Program Highlights
Billion Dollar foundations
AI & Maximizing ROI
Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Industry
Access to Africa Markets
Upcoming African Unicorns
Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Film and Theater Industry
Real Estate and Smart Cities
Scaling & Funding Blue Economy
2026 Speakers at YORA Summit & EXPO
They presented actionable insights, data-driven knowledge and innovative ideas on trade, ecommerce, real estate, creative economy and more.
Empowering African Startups
FOSTERING INNOVATION
PROMOTING COLLABORATION
STARTUP ECOSYSTEM
Who You Will Run Into
1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors
Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more
Who You Will Run Into
1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors
Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more
ONE PASS. THREE GAME-CHANGING DAYS.
GET ACCESS TO:
(Lion's Den)
Exhibitions
Roam freely through the Lion’s Den – the exhibition area where groundbreaking innovations and startups are showcased. Witness the pride and strength of Africa’s entrepreneurship.
(Your Majesty)
Wisdom
Join the Elephant’s Wisdom Circle for exclusive access to panel discussions and keynotes exploring the latest trends and insights. Gain a panoramic view of the entrepreneurial landscape.
(Elevate)
Networking
Elevate yourself at the Giraffe’s Lounge, a networking area where attendees connect with industry giants and thought leaders. Forge alliances that leave an indelible mark.
(Sprints)
Side Events
Sprint into adventure and experience the event from a unique vantage point with numerous side events and exclusive activities. Get a holistic view of Africa’s transformative journey.
YORA Awards 2026
Celebrating Excellence and Impact
🌟 16th – 17th Oct in Kilifi, Kenya
End the YORA by honoring outstanding individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the development of the African continent.
*LIMITED CAPACITY. Open to YORA attendees only. List will be verified to check ticket purchases.
*Entry Submission Ends on September 20, 2026
Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.
Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery
Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST
Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.
Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery
Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST
BUY TICKETS
Your ticket is the key to all YORA has to offer – marketplace, stage, and networking events.
Regular
GENERAL
SALE PRICE
FULL PRICE
ONLY FOR GENERAL ACCESS
Identified as attandee
Entry to all the conferences
Entry to the exhibition hall
Your logo on badge (black & white)
2-Day exhibition
35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As
Official Networking Event
Invitation to the YORA Awards
Deal Room Access
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
YORA 2026 Ticket Bundle available on next step
VIP
EXECUTIVE
SALE PRICE
FULL PRICE
ONLY FOR EXECUTIVE ACCESS
Identified as Executive
Entry to all the conferences
Entry to the exhibition hall
Your logo on badge (black & white)
2-Day exhibition
35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As
Official Networking Event
Invitation to the YORA Awards
Deal Room Access
Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge
YORA 2026 Ticket Bundle available on next step
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each Executive Pass admits one participant only. Additional team members will need separate passes.
Yes! YORA Summit 2026 will feature exclusive networking sessions throughout the event, including:
✔️ Investor & Speaker Networking Lounge
✔️ VIP Cocktails & Private Deal Rooms
✔️ Official YORA Awards Celebration
Details will be announced closer to the event!
Our tickets are already discounted for early bird buyers, and we also provide bundle discounts at checkout. No additional discounts are available beyond these offers.
YORA Summit connects Africa’s entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators under one roof. Popular attendee backgrounds include:
✔️ Startup Founders & Scale-ups
✔️ Corporate Executives & Industry Leaders
✔️ Angel Investors & Venture Capitalists
✔️ Government Officials & Policymakers
✔️ Creative Industry Leaders & Tech Innovators
Yes! Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can request an official invitation letter via our Attendee or Exhibitor Portal. This document will help with your visa application, but we strongly recommend checking your country’s visa requirements before applying.
To upgrade to a YORA 2026 Ticket Bundle, select your desired ticket and click “Buy Now” at checkout. The bundle option will appear before payment.
As per our terms & conditions, refunds are not available. However, you may transfer your ticket to someone else.
Yes! You may reassign your ticket up to 48 hours before the event through our portals:
- Attendee Portal
- Company Portal
- Exhibitor & Sponsor Portal
📍 Venue: To be updated by Feb 1st
🔹 General Pass – Ideal for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals looking to network, attend keynote sessions, and gain insights from top industry experts.
🔹 Executive Pass – Designed for corporate executives, investors, and high-level decision-makers. Includes premium networking access, exclusive business lounges, and brand visibility opportunities.
🎟️ Secure Your Spot Now! 🚀
Yes! We are always looking for industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. If you’d like to nominate a speaker or apply, please fill out our Speaker Application Form.
Yes! We accept crypto payments via USDT with a 7.5% processing fee. If you're interested in paying with crypto, please email us at payments@yorasummit.com for details.
📩 Still have questions? Contact us at: support@yorasummit.com 🚀