Africa Soft Power (ASP) has announced that the fourth edition of its flagship summit will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 21–25, 2025, marking a new chapter for the influential gathering that unites leaders from Africa’s creative and tech industries with global delegates.
Previously hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, for three consecutive years, the summit’s move to Nairobi is being hailed as a strategic expansion.
“Kigali was an exceptional host for three years, helping us build strong foundations,” said Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Founder of the ASP Group. “Nairobi provides an opportunity to tap into a broader regional ecosystem while reinforcing the Pan-African vision at the heart of our mission.”
This year’s summit will be held under the theme: “Africa’s Growth Engine: Aligning the flow of money, innovation, and global opportunities.” The event’s programming will center around three core pillars:
- Creative & Innovative Industries Conference (CIIC)
- Remarkable African Women’s Leadership Conference (RAW)
- ASP Gala & Awards
Attendees can also expect a rich itinerary of networking and cultural events, including roundtables, breakout sessions, receptions, dinners, and local cultural excursions, all designed to promote collaboration and showcase Africa’s creative and commercial potential.
The RAW Conference, a key part of the summit, will continue its focus on women’s leadership and how gender equity intersects with wider discussions around Africa’s place in global progress and the power of the private sector to drive meaningful change.
Nairobi’s reputation as a tech and cultural powerhouse makes it a fitting location for the summit, aligning with ASP’s mission to amplify African voices in global conversations about climate change, AI, security, and leadership.
The Africa Soft Power Summit has rapidly gained traction as a platform for shaping the continent’s narrative and positioning its creative, tech, and cultural industries as drivers of economic growth and influence.
“Through the ASP Summit and our efforts to establish May as ‘Africa Month,’ we seek to tell an authentic and contemporary story of Africa,” said Balonwu.
“The summit offers organizations a unique opportunity to forge cross-continental and diaspora connections, while individuals gain access to changemakers and pioneers shaping the continent’s future.”
The 2024 edition of the summit attracted a diverse group of speakers and partners, including representatives from NBA Africa, MTN, L’Oréal Luxe, Meta, IFC, Africa Finance Corporation, TikTok, and many others.
Notable public figures included H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, Hon. Sandrine Umutoni, Rwandan Minister of State for Youth & Arts, and Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Secretary-General’s Representative to Rwanda.
ASP’s influence extended beyond the summit itself in 2024, with appearances by President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene at the Forward Africa Leaders Symposium, held alongside the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This year’s summit will also feature a special exhibition of the Climate Change Photo Essay Prize finalists. After debuting in Nairobi, the exhibition will tour internationally, with planned stops in London, New York, and other global cities.
Organizers invite those interested in sponsorship, speaking opportunities, or attendance to connect with them for more details.
