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AfricaConferences & summits

16–17 Nov 2026

Cyber Africa Forum

Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa · Cotonou, Benin

Cyber Africa Forum venue
Dates
Mon, 16 November 2026 – Tue, 17 November 2026
Venue
Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa
Location
Cotonou, Benin
Organizer
Ciberobs Consulting (Franck Kié, General Commissioner)
Cost
paid
Scale
regional
Recurrence
annual
Format
On-site

Market intel

Moderate pricingmedium confidence

The 5th edition (June 2025, Cotonou) drew over 1,000 participants including 40+ public decision-makers and 100+ private-sector leaders, with key sponsors including VISA, MTN, Google, Kaspersky, Schneider Electric, and EDF.

  • Across five editions, CAF has accumulated 6,000+ participants from 50+ countries, 100+ partners/sponsors, and 500+ structured business meetings.
  • The 6th edition (November 2026) targets 1,500+ attendees and introduces new formats including a HackerLab and a 'Tech 4 Creatives' AI initiative.
Notable exhibitors
VISAMTNGoogleKasperskySchneider ElectricEDFDataprotectCybastion

AI-researched Wed, 2 September 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.

Why it matters

CAF is the leading pan-African forum where government ministers, national digital agency heads, and private-sector CISOs converge to shape continental cybersecurity policy and procurement decisions — making it a critical access point for cyber vendors and dual-use technology suppliers seeking African public-sector contracts.

  • With over 500 structured B2B meetings per edition and backing from the World Bank Group (IFC), Smart Africa, and multiple ministries, it offers unmatched deal-flow and partnership opportunities for SMEs and startups targeting African digital sovereignty programmes.
  • The event's growing scope — now covering AI, digital identity, satellite infrastructure, and data governance — broadens its relevance well beyond pure cybersecurity into adjacent dual-use and critical infrastructure domains.

About

The Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) is Africa's premier annual gathering dedicated to cybersecurity and digital transformation, bringing together senior public officials, business leaders, investors, startups, and international experts from across Africa and beyond.

  • Founded in 2021 by Franck Kié of Ciberobs Consulting, it serves as a high-level business and influence platform for the continent's digital decision-makers.
  • The sixth edition, themed 'Building Tomorrow's Digital Trust', takes place on 16–17 November 2026 at the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin, with support from Benin's Ministry of Economy and Finance and Ministry of Digital Transformation.
  • Programming includes ministerial sessions, panels, B2B meetings, startup pitches, and a HackerLab competition.

Topics

CyberAIDual-useC2 / Battle ManagementISR & Sensors

Who it's for

InstitutionsSMEsStartupsInvestors

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