Keynotes

Hear from the visionaries, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping Africa's digital future.

OVERVIEW

Hear from the people shaping what's next.

Strategic insights, bold ideas and real-world experience from leaders across technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, government, academia and industry.

DigiFest-Africa 2026 Keynotes bring together some of Africa’s most influential voices in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, government, academia, and industry to explore the trends transforming the digital economy.

Designed to inspire and challenge conventional thinking, these thought-provoking sessions provide participants with strategic insights into emerging technologies, digital transformation, workforce evolution, entrepreneurship, and innovation across the continent. Each keynote sets the stage for deeper conversations throughout the festival, helping participants understand not only where technology is headed, but also how they can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, innovator, policymaker, educator, or technology professional, our keynote speakers will share practical lessons, real-world experiences, and bold ideas that will inspire you to think bigger, embrace innovation, and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation.

TECHNOLOGIES

Future

TRANSFORMATION

Digital

EVOLUTION

Workforce

IDEAS

Bold

WHY ATTEND?

See further. Think bigger.

The keynote programme is designed to help participants understand where technology, work and opportunity are heading — and how to position themselves for what comes next.

01

Gain strategic insights into future technologies.

02

Learn from globally recognised leaders and innovators.

03

Discover emerging opportunities within Africa's digital economy.

04

Understand workforce trends and career pathways.

05

Engage directly with keynote speakers.
SESSIONS

Eight conversations shaping Africa's digital future.

Explore keynotes spanning AI, agriculture, entrepreneurship, remote work, the gig economy, workplace well-being and the creative economy.

AI + Future of Work
KEYNOTE SESSION

The Algorithmic Workforce: How AI is Redefining What It Means to Be Employable

Explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the workplace and redefining employability. Participants will discover why AI fluency, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning are becoming the new currency for career success.

 

AI + Agriculture
KEYNOTE SESSION

The AI-Powered Farm: Transforming Agriculture Through Data, Intelligence and Innovation

Examines how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture through precision farming, digital advisory services, climate intelligence, and data-driven decision-making to improve productivity and resilience.

Innovation + Entrepreneurship
KEYNOTE SESSION

Building the Next Big Thing: Innovation, Scale and Growth in Africa

Inspires aspiring entrepreneurs through real-world stories of founders building scalable digital businesses that create jobs, solve societal challenges and contribute to Africa’s digital economy.

 

Emerging Technologies
KEYNOTE SESSION

Building the Intelligent Economy: How AI and Emerging Technologies are Shaping Africa's Digital Future

Explores the convergence of AI, Blockchain, IoT, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity and other emerging technologies in creating intelligent digital ecosystems and unlocking new opportunities for innovation and enterprise.

Workplace Well-being
KEYNOTE SESSION

Mind at Work: Mental Health & Well-being in the Modern Workplace

Addresses mental health challenges in today’s workplace, highlighting practical strategies for resilience, productivity, work-life balance and creating psychologically safe working environments.

Remote Work
KEYNOTE SESSION

Working Without Borders: How African Talent Can Win in the Global Remote Economy

Explores how African professionals can compete in international labor markets by developing globally relevant skills, building digital credibility, and accessing remote employment opportunities.

Gig Economy
KEYNOTE SESSION

Navigating Today's Gig Economy and Tomorrow's Workforce by Turning Skills into Income

Demonstrates how digital platforms, freelancing and flexible work are creating sustainable income opportunities while preparing participants for the evolving future of work.

Creative Economy
KEYNOTE SESSION

From Idea to Startup: Designing and Launching Ventures for the Digital Economy

Highlights how creators are leveraging digital platforms, emerging technologies and innovative business models to build successful careers and sustainable creative enterprises.

EXPLORE THE FULL PROGRAMME

Explore the full keynote programme and join the conversations shaping Africa's digital future.

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Join thousands of innovators, professionals, entrepreneurs and digital leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.

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Brian Mwithi

Remote work specialist, career positioning expert, and recruiter

Brian is a remote work specialist, career positioning expert, and recruiter with over five years of experience, who has helped more than 2,100 professionals successfully transition into global opportunities. He works closely with individuals to identify their strengths, align them with the demands of the evolving digital job market, and refine how they present themselves, particularly on LinkedIn, to attract high-quality international employers. His approach is centered on creating clarity, enabling professionals to move beyond local limitations and position themselves competitively on a global stage. By leveraging AI-driven tools and modern job search strategies, Brian enhances professional visibility and equips his clients with a distinct competitive edge in a rapidly changing landscape. He is known for prioritizing authentic alignment over generic advice, building tailored positioning strategies that lead to meaningful opportunities, long-term career growth, and lasting professional relationships.

Amos Kimani

Founder, TausiApp | From Gospel Artist to Beauty-Tech Innovator

Amos Kimani is a visionary entrepreneur who transformed his passion for music into a revolutionary beauty-tech platform, TausiApp, changing the beauty landscape in Kenya and beyond. Born in Kahawa West, Nairobi, on May 18, 1991, Amos grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of his neighborhood, fueled by a love for music and his mother's unwavering
support. Growing up in a modest household, Amos learned valuable lessons from his mother's resilience
and dedication at Gikomba Market, which laid the foundation for his own entrepreneurial spirit. He went on to join the acclaimed gospel group SOC, where he discovered his passion for music and the power of inspiring others — SOC became a household name, releasing popular hits and garnering awards. While on tour with SOC, the struggle to find reliable beauty service providers sparked the idea for TausiApp. Inspired by the ease of Uber, Amos founded TausiApp in 2019, leveraging
technology to connect clients with skilled beauticians. TausiApp now boasts over 32,000 clients and 6,000 service providers, transforming the beauty industry in Kenya by fostering a more
accessible, professional, and client-centered beauty industry, and empowering beauticians with tools, financial services, and opportunities to thrive.

Agnes Maina

HR Consultant, Global Recruiter, and Career Development Practitioner

Agnes Maina is an HR Consultant, Global Recruiter, and Career Development Practitioner with over five years of experience across human resources, recruitment, talent management, and people operations. She currently works as an HR Consultant with Corporate Staffing Services, supporting the Ajira Digital Program, where she brings hands-on experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, HR operations, and workforce development. As a recruiter and HR professional, Agnes offers a practical perspective on how talent is assessed, what makes professionals stand out to employers, and how African talent can better position itself for opportunities in an increasingly global and borderless labour market. She is passionate about digital employability, the future of work, and helping African professionals build the skills, confidence and professional presence needed to compete beyond traditional geographic boundaries. Through her career-development work, Agnes also supports professionals with CV development, LinkedIn optimisation, interview preparation and career coaching.

Tonio Kibz

Digital Media Creator, Broadcast host, Podcaster, and CEO of The Sandwich Podcast.

Tonio Kibz is a digital media creator, broadcast host, podcaster, and CEO of The Sandwich Podcast—
one of East Africa’s leading digital platforms. With a track record of driving youth culture, digital entertainment, and creative enterprise in East Africa, he specializes in building scalable media properties, navigating creator monetization, and transforming independent content into sustainable commercial ventures.

Andrew Ogango

Creative director & audio visual storyteller.

Hi, I’m Andrew Ogango. I’m the guy who will happily spend hours discussing lighting setups, visual framing, or finding the absolute best gear for a shoot. Although when it comes to titles some call me a creative, a photographer, a cinematographer, and an occasional musician, but officially, I’m a Nairobi based creative director and audio visual storyteller. I’m a huge tech enthusiast at heart, constantly exploring new software, emerging tools, and digital innovations to weave seamlessly into my production workflows. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing everything from high energy events to brand campaigns and documentaries across Kenya. More than anything, I’m passionate about helping people tell stories from how they see the world by using photography, videography, and digital media as their mediums, while creating ways that their business side is able to build a legitimate, sustainable career in the creative industry.

Shiphrah Wairima

Digital Media Creator, Broadcast host, Podcaster, and CEO of The Sandwich Podcast.

Shiphrah Wairima is a Cybersecurity & Responsible AI leader, advocate, and featured speaker. She serves as President of the Kenya Chapter at the Global Council for Responsible AI and leads
WomenTech Kenya, championing responsible AI development and increased women participation in tech across Africa. Her mission is to empower people, organizations, and communities to navigate the digital world safely, ethically, and affordably. Shiphrah works with non-technical leaders, SMEs, institutions, and underrepresented communities, translating cybersecurity and AI into practical, accessible guidance. She has supported 500+ individuals into tech and freelancing careers, delivered numerous trainings and workshops on cybersecurity, AI ethics, and digital safety, and helped organizations implement budget-conscious security strategies. Her work focuses on human-centered cybersecurity, responsible AI governance, affordable cyber hygiene, and talent empowerment through mentorship and training.

Bobby Owuor

Kenyan filmmaker, writer, director, and lifestyle content creator

Bobby Owuor is a Kenyan filmmaker, writer, director, and lifestyle content creator known for his cinematic storytelling and distinctive creative style. With a passion for turning everyday moments into compelling stories, Bobby blends filmmaking, fashion, culture, and lifestyle to create content that feels both authentic and cinematic. His ambition is simple: to put Kenyan storytelling on the global stage and become one of Africa’s most influential creative voices.

Barrack Bukusi

Podcast Founder & Host

Over ten years’ experience and success as both an entrepreneur and intrapreneur at the intersection of media, entertainment, and technology. A curator of several media products and content, I am the curator of three podcasts featured in Spotify’s 2023 Breakout Creator Podcasts. I have worked with multiple stakeholders across the creative economy and leveraged content strategically to secure favorable returns on investment, drive impactful outcomes, increase product visibility, spearhead successful fundraising campaigns, facilitate sales conversions, and foster the development of engaged communities. I also co-founded and host the Financially Incorrect Podcast, one of the top financial podcasts in East Africa.

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