CANADA - AFRICA
INNOVATION FESTIVAL
May 29 - 30, 2026 • Toronto, Canada
PRESENTED BY:
The Canada–Africa Innovation Festival (CAIF) is where builders, investors, operators, and policymakers converge - to shape the future of African innovation, trade and investment.
Born from the foundation of Africa Day 2025, a landmark convening that brought together government leaders, investors and ecosystem players on both sides - CAIF builds on that momentum, by moving things from dialogue to implementation. Anchored on intentional co-creation with public & private sector partners, it has been shaped by numerous consultations & thousands of voices from communities we serve.
CAIF is where capital meets builders, partnerships unlock markets, and bold ideas move from concept to reality. A platform for real outcomes - it connects key players building innovation, trade & investment bridges between Africa and Canada; with the relationships & resources they need to act, expand, and win. Join us to be in the room, where critical collaborations shaping the future of Canada-Africa innovation will be built.
CAIF IMPACT SO FAR
1020+
Delegates Present
235+
Investors & Orgs Present
200+
Businesses Represented
50+
Countries Represented
THE CAIF EXPERIENCE
There’s no shortage of what to explore at the Canada–Africa Innovation Festival; from significant funding up for grabs through the pitch competitions, to action-oriented sessions, game-changing innovations, and a vibrant marketplace. You can explore each experience below.
Canada-Africa Solution Sessions
Where bold ideas become reality. Participants will shape solutions, through interactive convos with leaders present.
Canada- Africa Investment Zone
Where capital meets builders. Participants will pitch and access funding, from leading investors and programs.
Canada-Africa Innovation Spotlights
Where the future is built. Participants will interact with the best innovations, from Africa to the world.
Canada-Africa Trade Marketplace
Where partnerships unlock markets. Participants will engage with leading organizations building Canada-Africa bridges.
CAIF THEMATIC AREAS
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*This session is by Invitation ONLY and requires prior approval to attend.
The Gathering on Day 1 convenes key senior leaders, including leading investors, policymakers, industry executives and founders: for a high-level, closed-door discussion, to co-create impactful solutions and build strategic partnerships.The outcomes of this session feed directly into Day 2, where attendees engage actively with the leaders, and gain access to the insights and opportunities available to support them.
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Day 2 is where the Canada-Africa Innovation Festival comes to life, by bringing together a vibrant mix of founders, investors, community leaders and ecosystem players for CAIF’s high-energy, immersive experience.
Expect action-oriented discussions tied to our thematic areas, along with meaningful connections and critical resources, to help you move from dialogue to execution. From the CAIF Pitch Competition, to the Canada-Africa Investment Zone and Trade Marketplace - participants will turn the momentum from Day 1 into real, tangible outcomes.
CAIF 2026 CONVENERS
African Impact Initiative empowers Africa’s visionaries and diaspora to build sustainable, world-shaping solutions by equipping founders with the resources, networks, and opportunities to turn bold ideas into lasting impact.
Organizer: AFRICAN IMPACT INITIATIVE
MEDA is an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty. They connect growing agribusinesses like farms and food processors with the tools, financing, and market access they need to thrive.
Strategic Partner: MEDA
2025 SPEAKERS
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Chido Mpemba
AFRICAN UNION ADVISOR TO THE CHAIRPERSON
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Cheryl Urban
ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER, AFRICA @ GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA
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Akin Alaga
CHIEF INVESTMENT & OPERATING OFFICER @ GRAND CHALLENGES CANADA
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Dr. Dorothy Nyambi
PRESIDENT & CEO @ MEDA
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Roick Humuza Gisa
HEAD OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, RWANDA @ UN
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Diane Dusaidi
LEAD, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & TRANSITIONS @ MASTERCARD FOUNDATION
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Ndidi Nwuneli
PRESIDENT & CEO @ ONE CAMPAIGN
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Efosa Obano
FOUNDER @ AFRICAN IMPACT INITIATIVE & BLACK FOUNDERS NETWORK
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Titi Akinsanmi
GLOBAL POLICY LEAD @ GOOGLE
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Tapfuma Musewe
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR @ AFRIFURSA
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Alfred Burgesson
SENIOR ADVISOR TO MINISTER OF AI & DIGITAL INNOVATION
2025 PARTNERS
STEMite Zone is a Canadian charity empowering West African secondary students to solve real problems through programs like Problem Lab, building the next generation of innovators and changemakers.