Inside the Africa Soft Power Summit 2026: D’banj, Rita Dominic, and the Cultural Conversations Shaping the Continent

When you step into a space where Africa’s creative and cultural leaders are charting the continent’s future, the energy is undeniable. From May 20-23, Nairobi, Kenya played host to the 2026 Africa Soft Power Summit, and what unfolded over those four days was more than panels and presentations—it was a masterclass in how African culture, from music to film to fashion, is reshaping global narratives.

The summit delivered substance over spectacle. TechCabal CEO Tomiwa Aladekomo brought clarity to the conversation about women in leadership during “From Presence to Participation: African Women and the Economics of Access,” emphasizing that real change requires structural transformation, not just talk. Meanwhile, Nigerian cinema icon Rita Dominic commanded the room during “The Female Economy: Africa’s Most Undervalued Growth Engine,” reflecting on Nollywood’s journey from the DVD era to streaming dominance. Her words cut deep: “Visibility will get you hired, but ownership will get you paid.” That’s the kind of wisdom that sticks.

Then came D’banj’s moment. The Afrobeats pioneer spoke about something essential—how African music has learned to embrace itself fully, and how that self-love now radiates through the sound, the stories, and the global confidence of African artists. He closed his session with a performance of “Fall in Love,” and the entire audience rose to their feet. The “Creators As Economic Power” panel also pushed a critical question: are we truly consuming our own creative content, or are we packaging our identity solely for export? That tension between local authenticity and global reach continues to define the industry’s evolution. The summit also featured a gala night with African fashion designers showcasing their work on the runway, while renowned theater producer Bolanle Austen-Peters received the Architect of the Future Award to roaring applause.

Beyond the conference halls, Nairobi itself left an impression—a city that pulses with the same energy as Lagos, complete with its own rhythm and warmth. From feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre to spotting rhinos at Nairobi National Park right within city limits, the experience reinforced why Kenya is synonymous with safari culture. The Africa Soft Power Summit proved that when African creatives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries gather with intention, the conversations don’t just inspire—they mobilize. This wasn’t about vision boards and motivational quotes. It was about building, owning, and elevating what we create.

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