IEEE Africa Innovation Summit 2026 closes in Kampala with a call to turn ideas into impact
Innovators, researchers and industry leaders met in Kampala on 6–7 November for the IEEE Africa Innovation Summit, urging that African innovation move from research into practical solutions that serve humanity.
Youth and EnterpriseEducation and Skills
Kampala — The IEEE Africa Innovation Summit (AIS 2026) brought innovators, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners together on 6–7 November to explore how technology can drive Africa's transformation.
The two-day meeting was held under the theme "Engineering Sustainable Futures: Humanitarian Technology in Action." The African Coalition for Development (ACD) took part as a partner, represented by its Secretary General, Gedeon Baleke, who joined the programme as a panelist.
From innovation to impact
Day 1 focused on "From Innovation to Impact: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Smart Industry and Sustainable Transformation in Africa." Sessions stressed that ideas and research must become practical solutions, supported by enabling policies, investment and strategic partnerships.
Day 2 continued the conversation through knowledge exchange and networking.
Speakers and contributors included Dr Sudeendra Koushik, Carol Kagezi, Ahmed Hassan Yousef, Krunal Patel, Humphrey Muhindi, Sampathkumar Veeraraghavan, Henry Lutwama, Gedeon Baleke, Livia Nyaika, Lwanga Herbert, Dr Mayur Kumar Chhipa, Alnabhani Nurein, Vincent Olema, Dr Roland Niwareeba, F. K. Lwanga and Maganda Evans Tabingwa.
Four key messages
The summit closed on four messages:
- Innovate with Purpose
- Turn Ideas into Impact
- Collaborate for Progress
- Innovate for Humanity
Organisers described Africa as rich in talent, creativity, energy, passion and innovative potential, with an immense capacity to develop homegrown innovations that address local and global challenges and transform lives.
"Africa does not lack ideas or talent. What we need now is the bridge between the laboratory and the community, built on sound policy, patient investment and partnerships that last."
Gedeon Baleke, Secretary General of the African Coalition for Development, made the remarks following the summit.
The work continues
AIS 2026 has concluded, but organisers say the work goes on: turning conversations into collaborations, ideas into solutions and innovations into meaningful impact.
The summit was supported by IEEE Region 8 (Europe, Middle East and Africa), the IEEE Uganda Section, IEEE Humanitarian Technologies, the IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society (TEMS), the National ICT Innovation Hub, the African Coalition for Development and Brahmam Innovations.
Disclosure: Pan African News Media is the media arm of the African Coalition for Development.
