Africa Technology Expo (ATE) is shifting firmly toward enterprise deal-making as it prepares for its 2026 edition, setting an ambitious target of $890 million in transactions and partnerships.
- +Tech Expo targets $890m deals with enterprise push
The Lagos-based event, now in its fourth year, is moving beyond its roots as a hardware showcase into a platform focused on structured business outcomes.
The Lagos-based event, now in its fourth year, is moving beyond its roots as a hardware showcase into a platform focused on structured business outcomes. Organisers say the change reflects rising demand for deeper, more organised engagement across Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
Scheduled for June 26- 27 at the National Theatre in Lagos, the expo will run for two days for the first time. The expanded format is designed to give investors, technology providers and corporate buyers more time to negotiate and close deals.
Nnaemeka Clinton, chief executive officer of Africa Technology Expo, said the new direction aligns with how Africa’s tech ecosystem is evolving.
“The expansion reflects the increasing complexity and scale of the ecosystem. We are building a platform that goes beyond showcasing products to enabling real partnerships that can shape the continent’s future,” he said.
ATE has recorded about $198 million in deals, partnerships and investment discussions across its previous editions. The new $890 million target marks a sharp increase, signalling stronger confidence among organisers and participants.
A major addition this year is an AI-powered Enterprise Matchmaking App. The tool will connect participants based on their business interests, sectors and investment goals, with the aim of improving the quality of meetings and speeding up deal-making.
The event will also introduce a new exhibition segment called ‘The Hardware Frontier,’ focused on robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart infrastructure. Organisers say this reflects growing interest in physical technology systems as governments and businesses invest more in digital infrastructure.
To address knowledge gaps, ATE will host sector-specific masterclasses led by local and international experts. These sessions are expected to help companies better understand how to scale enterprise technology solutions across African markets.
Another new feature is the Doing Business in Africa (DBIA) Tour, a three-day pre-event programme organised in partnership with Itana. The tour will give foreign investors insight into regulatory systems and business environments before the main conference begins.
The 2026 edition is attracting stronger corporate backing, highlighting its enterprise focus. Key participants include Layer3, alongside Breet, while partners such as MTN, ZOHO, Maxitech, BorderlessPay and Nobus Cloud are also involved.
The evolution of ATE reflects broader changes across Africa’s technology sector. Investments in cloud services, connectivity and enterprise software are rising, creating demand for platforms that can link capital to scalable solutions.
Some observers now compare the expo’s ambition to global technology gatherings like the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, though ATE is positioning itself as a distinctly African platform focused on commercial outcomes.
Organisers believe the two-day structure will allow for deeper engagement, giving room for negotiations, technical discussions and investor meetings within a more organised setting.
Despite the strong outlook, questions remain over whether the event can meet its $890 million target. Success will depend on how effectively the new format, tools and partnerships translate into actual deals.
For now, ATE is betting that a more structured, enterprise-driven approach can turn Africa’s growing tech momentum into measurable business results.
