A new platform launching in Nairobi on 11 May 2026 will showcase young African entrepreneurs to global decision-makers during the Africa-France Summit “Africa Forward.” The initiative, named Nova Garage, runs parallel to the official summit programme and is designed to place entrepreneurs at the centre of Africa-France economic dialogue.
The summit, hosted in Kenya’s capital, focuses on innovation and growth in bilateral partnerships, aligning with the agendas of both French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto. Nova Garage is led by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, in partnership with Concerto and Nuvision. It will select 15 entrepreneurs under the age of 35 through a pan-African application process. These entrepreneurs will present solutions in sectors including energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance to a jury comprising investors, corporate leaders, and international policymakers.
Nairobi’s selection as the host city reflects its status as a continental tech hub, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah.” The city hosts over 400 active tech startups and attracted nearly $1 billion in investment last year, driven by strengths in cleantech and fintech. This environment underscores the platform’s focus on scalable, innovative responses to local and regional challenges.
Beyond the summit, Nova Garage aims to establish a sustained network connecting African entrepreneurs with companies and investors across continents. The initiative also serves as the public launch of the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, a framework intended to support African states as sovereign actors in technological development, rather than solely as recipients of foreign technology.
Applications are open to African entrepreneurs under 35 until 23 April 2026 via novagarage.africa. Selected participants will gain a rare opportunity to engage directly with an influential international audience in Nairobi this May. The platform represents a shift in Africa-France dialogue, moving beyond public policy to engage directly with those building the continent’s economic future.
