Canada-Africa Innovation Festival

Save the date | May 29 - 30, 2026

At its core, CAIF exists to increase information density for African builders in Canada. Whether for an early-stage founder refining their idea, a scaling venture exploring new markets, or an ecosystem player shaping policy and access to capital, this is where the right people, insights, and opportunities converge.

From startup growth to policy support, every layer of the innovation ecosystem is represented.

The Canada-Africa Innovation Festival (CAIF) is a two-day experience designed by the African Impact Initiative to accelerate cross-border collaboration and unlock new opportunities between Canada and the African continent. Building on Canada’s renewed commitment to deeper partnerships with Africa, CAIF convenes technology leaders, founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders to move beyond conversation and into action for the continent.

Register Now

Showcase Page

What to Expect

There’s no shortage of what to explore at the Canada–Africa Innovation Festival, from powerful conversations and pitch competitions to big-stage moments, standout innovations, and a vibrant marketplace buzzing with energy. Explore each experience in more detail..

Panel Session

Where bold ideas meet real insight, hear from leaders shaping the future of Africa–Canada innovation

Pitch Competition

Watch the next generation of founders take the stage and pitch game changing ventures to top investors.

Innovation Spotlight

Discover breakthrough startups and technologies redefining what’s possible across Africa and beyond.

Vendor Showcase

Explore, connect, and shop from a curated lineup of brands and businesses driving culture and innovation forward.

Event Agenda

Day 1 Snapshot

Day 1 convenes a select group of senior leaders: top investors, policymakers, and industry executives for high-level, closed-door conversations designed to unlock real opportunities and partnerships. The outcomes of these sessions carry directly into Day 2, where attendees gain access to the insights, connections, and momentum shaped at the highest level.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Preliminary Networking
5:30 PM - 5:40 PM: Welcome Address
5:40 PM - 5:50 PM: Keynote #1
6:00 PM - 6:35 PM: Panel 1 & Panel Q&A
6:35 PM - 6:50 PM: Fireside chat
6:50 PM - 7:25 PM: Panel 2 & Panel Q&A
7:25 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner & Networking

Day 2: The Main Event

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast & Early Networking
9:40 AM - 9:47 AM: Keynote #1
9: 48 AM - 10:08 AM: Panel: Enhancing economic corpration (AFCFTA) + Empowering Youth through increased engagement
10:08 AM - 10:20 AM: Panel Q&A
10: 20 AM - 10:27 AM: Keynote #2
10:27 AM - 10: 57 AM: Panel: Remittances diaspora investments
10:57:00 AM - 11:07PM: Panel Q&A

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Pitch Competition 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Award + Picture 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Closing

11:07: AM - 11:15 AM: Mental break portion: either video
11:15 AM - 11:35 AM: Fundrasing Panel (tips)
11:35 AM - 11:45 AM: Panel Q&A
11:45 AM - 12:05 PM: Storytelling Panel (how to get your brand out there/telling the right stories)
12:05 PM - 12:15 PM: Panel Q&A
12:15 PM - 12:30 PM: Fireside Chat: Starting your startup
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Game section
1:00 PM - 1:20 PM: Product-Market Fit
1:20 PM - 1:30 PM: Panel Q&A
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch