Global technology firms, policymakers, fintech players and cloud infrastructure providers are set to converge in Nairobi next week for the inaugural AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA 2026, amid growing debate over Africa’s control of artificial intelligence infrastructure, data and talent.
The event, organised by GITEX organiser inD in partnership with Kenya’s Office of the Special Envoy on Technology, will open with a high-level summit at the Sarit Expo Centre on May 19 before moving to a three-day expo and conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from May 20–21.
The conference comes at a time when East Africa’s artificial intelligence conversation is shifting from technology adoption to ownership, with governments and businesses increasingly focused on who controls the infrastructure, datasets and governance models powering the region’s digital future.
Industry leaders attending the summit say the region is entering a critical phase of digital transformation driven by AI, fintech, cloud computing and cybersecurity investments.
Redington, a global technology solutions provider valued at $11.8 billion, is among the headline exhibitors expected at the event.
Sayantan Dev, Global Head of Software Solutions Group at Redington, said East Africa has an opportunity to use AI to address practical challenges across healthcare, agriculture, financial inclusion and public services.
“AI in East Africa is not just about automation; it is about acceleration,” he said, adding that the region’s youthful population could help drive a transition from consuming imported technologies to developing homegrown AI solutions.
Fintech innovation is also expected to dominate discussions, with companies exploring how AI can strengthen digital commerce and financial inclusion.
Global payments company Mastercard will showcase its AI-powered products, including fraud detection and digital commerce technologies.
Shehryar Ali, Mastercard’s Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, said the company was focused on building secure and inclusive digital payment systems across Africa.
“We are co-creating a secure, interoperable infrastructure that is driven by our global expertise and local knowledge,” he said.
The event will also examine how AI is reshaping urban systems and public infrastructure across Africa.
ZKTeco is expected to unveil biometric access control systems, AI-powered surveillance solutions and smart vehicle inspection technologies targeting East Africa’s growing smart city ambitions.
According to Mostafa Kamel, Director at ZKTeco East Africa, organisations are increasingly seeking integrated systems that combine security, workforce management and operations into a single digital platform.
A major focus of the summit will be Africa’s role in global AI governance.
A plenary session titled “Global Voice: Africa’s Seat at the AI Governance Table” will explore how African governments can influence global discussions on AI regulation, data governance and technology access.
Speakers will include Mactar Seck and Bitange Ndemo.
Another panel, “Digital Sovereignty for the AI Age: Control Without Isolation,” will debate whether Kenya and other African economies should prioritise infrastructure ownership, regulation or data control in shaping their digital sovereignty strategies.
Participants will include Snehar Shah, Frank Moreno Garcia and Dennis Volemi.
Organisers say the event aims to position Kenya as a gateway for global technology firms entering Africa while also creating a platform for African innovation to scale internationally.
As investment into AI and cloud infrastructure accelerates across East Africa, the summit is expected to highlight how the region can translate growing digital ambitions into policy, investment and locally developed innovation.
