Nairobi is preparing to host one of Africa’s largest gatherings on data, technology, and space innovation as the 2026 Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo & Conference opens in June.
- Nairobi is preparing to host one of Africa’s largest gatherings on data, technology, and space innovation as the 2026 Global...
- The four-day event, scheduled for 2 to 5 June at the Edge Convention Centre, will bring together policymakers, scientists, investors,...
- Nairobi at the Centre of Global Innovation Kenya’s growing reputation as a technology hub played a major role in securing the...
- The event was created to raise awareness of the practical use of space technologies and satellite-derived data in everyday life.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI conference — everything you need to know is covered below.
The four-day event, scheduled for 2 to 5 June at the Edge Convention Centre, will bring together policymakers, scientists, investors, innovators, and development partners from more than 90 countries. Organisers say the summit aims to strengthen collaboration on how data, artificial intelligence, and space technologies can improve lives and support sustainable development worldwide.
The Government of Kenya is organising the conference through the Kenya Space Agency, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data. The event combines two major platforms, the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo & Conference, into a single international forum.
RelatedPosts
Nairobi at the Centre of Global Innovation
Kenya’s growing reputation as a technology hub played a major role in securing the event. Organisers describe Nairobi as a meeting point for conversations on innovation, digital governance, climate resilience, and emerging technologies.
According to conference details released by organisers, the summit will feature more than 100 sessions covering Earth observation, AI governance, food security, health systems, climate action, satellite technologies, and digital transformation. The programme will also include exhibitions, networking forums, technical demonstrations, and policy discussions.
The Kenya Space Expo & Conference has steadily expanded since its launch in 2022. The event was created to raise awareness of the practical use of space technologies and satellite-derived data in everyday life. Previous editions focused on how space science can support national development and social progress.
Focus on Africa’s Digital Future
Officials say the joint conference arrives at a time when governments are under pressure to improve data systems and strengthen technological capacity. The discussions are expected to examine how countries can use digital tools to respond to climate shocks, disease outbreaks, food insecurity, and economic pressures.
Kenya Space Agency Director General Brigadier Hillary Kipkosgey said the conference would help expand public understanding of space technologies and their value in development planning. Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, also described the gathering as an opportunity for Africa to influence global conversations on data governance and innovation.
International Partnerships and Investment
Organisers expect more than 1,500 participants, including representatives from governments, academia, civil society, multilateral agencies, and private companies. The summit will also provide a platform for startups and young innovators to showcase new ideas and attract investment opportunities.
The conference reflects Kenya’s broader ambition to position itself as a leader in Africa’s technology and innovation sector. With global attention turning toward AI, satellite intelligence, and digital infrastructure, Nairobi’s hosting of the event places the country at the centre of international discussions on the future of data and space collaboration.
Interested participants can register via https://events.pneumaav.com/2026GlobalDataFestival-KenyaSpaceExpoConference#/