Young entrepreneurs, innovators, and aspiring founders across Africa will converge at the Accra International Conference Centre on February 4, 2026, for the maiden edition of the NextUp Breakfast Meeting, a forum aimed at positioning Africa’s youth at the forefront of global economic growth.
Scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the event is being powered by Drive to Inspire Africa (DTI-A) under the theme “Leveraging Technology, Driving Creativity and Innovation to Scale Ventures in Africa.”
Organisers say the initiative is grounded in the belief that Africa’s youthful population is uniquely placed at the intersection of rapid technological advancement and vast creative potential, making them key drivers of the continent’s future leadership and economic transformation.
The NextUp Breakfast Meeting will bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are already shaping Africa’s growth, offering young professionals, students, and aspiring founders aged 18 to 35 direct access to conversations influencing cross-border trade, innovation, and venture expansion.
The forum will also explore how Africa’s creative economy is leveraging technology to reach global markets while preserving cultural authenticity, highlighting the balance between innovation and identity in a competitive global space.
Beyond policy and theory, organisers say attendees will hear candid, real-world insights from founders on raising capital, building sustainable innovations, and navigating the challenges of scaling ventures in Africa’s evolving business landscape.
Discussion Format
Panel 1: The Digital Economy & Emerging Tech
The Digital Economy and Emerging Tech panel will examine how technologies like artificial intelligence, digital payment systems, and Web3 are driving cross-border trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation among Africa’s youth. Panellists will discuss the transformation of education, the creation of inclusive and secure digital ecosystems, and the opportunities and challenges these technologies present for scaling businesses and strengthening Africa’s digital economy.
Panel 2: The Creative Economy
The Culture, Technology, and Creativity panel will bring together founders and creators to discuss how technology is transforming music, art, fashion, and other creative industries. Panellists will explore strategies for reaching global audiences, monetising work, maintaining cultural authenticity, and scaling creative impact, while highlighting the value of collaboration in the digital age.
Fireside Chat
The fireside chat with Anthony Dzamefe of Caveman Watches offers an unfiltered discussion on fundraising, sustainable innovation, and scaling ventures. Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders will gain practical insights into navigating Africa’s startup ecosystem, understanding investor expectations, and learning from real-world founder experiences.
Registration is free.
https://drivetoinspireafrica.org/next-up-a-dti-a-breakfast-meeting/
