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AFRICA IN THE AGE OF DISRUPTION

Venue: Cambridge Union

Date: 22-23 of May 2026

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Africa
In The Age of

Disruption

This year’s convening speaks to a continent at the centre of global disruption, where shifting alliances, technological acceleration, and economic and demographic changes serve as catalysts for reinvention.
In this Age of Disruption, African nations are actively shaping new strategic pathways in a rapidly evolving world.
We invite you to attend, engage, connect, and reflect on Africa’s decisive role in defining the global future.

Geopolitics and Global Realignment

Africa’s global partnerships are evolving as BRICS
expands, Western alliances recalibrate, and new
strategic actors enter the landscape.

Economic Futures & Industrial Transformation 

Amid debt pressures, trade tariffs, currency instability,and fractured supply chains, African economies are redesigning models for resilience.

AI, Technology & Digital Sovereignty

Africa stands at the frontier of a new digital era where data
governance, cybersecurity, and AI ethics will determine agency.

Civic Resilience and Governance

As populations grow younger and civic expectations rise, statesface new pressures to govern effectively.

Energy Security and Climate Resilience

Exploring how Africa can strengthen energy security while building resilience in a changing climate.

Culture, Narratives & Soft Power

Africa’s creative industries—music, film, fashion, literature, games, and digital storytelling—are reshaping global culture and redefining the continent’s influence.

This Year's Speakers

This year, the Cambridge Africa Together Conference will welcome an exceptional line-up of leaders and changemakers form across the continent, including heads of state, senior policymakers, business leaders, and influential public voices. 

Hosted at the University of Cambridge, ATC continues to serve as a platform for rigorous dialogue and forward-thinking exchange. Under the theme Africa in the Age of Disruption, ATC 2026 will bring together some of the most consequential voices shaping Africa's political, economic, and cultural future.

What to Expect

A glimpse into the experiences awaiting you at the conference

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Keynote Addresses

Hear from visionary leaders and industry experts shaping Africa’s future. These talks highlight innovation, leadership, and opportunities across the continent, giving attendees inspiration and insights to take back to their own work and communities.

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Panels

Engage in dynamic conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Panels cover diverse topics, from business and technology to culture and social impact, creating space for dialogue and perspective-sharing.

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Workshops

Participate in interactive sessions designed to provide hands-on learning, skill-building, and practical tools for personal and professional development. Workshops are tailored to foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration among attendees.

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Networking Mixer

Connect with like-minded peers, alumni, and industry professionals in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Mixers are the perfect place to exchange ideas, build lasting relationships, and discover potential collaborations.

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Gala Dinner

Celebrate the vibrancy of African culture at an elegant evening event. Enjoy fine dining, cultural performances, and the chance to engage with keynote speakers, sponsors, and VIP guests in a memorable setting.

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After Party

End the day on a high note with music, entertainment, and informal networking. The after party offers a fun, energetic atmosphere to relax, celebrate, and strengthen connections made throughout the conference.

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Official Airline Partner:
Ethiopian Airlines

We are proud to welcome Ethiopian Airlines as the Official Airline Partner of the Cambridge Africa Together Conference 2026.​

As Africa's leading airline, Ethiopian Airlines will support delegates travelling to Cambridge for this year's conference, taking place on 22-23 May 2026 at the Cambridge Union. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening connections across the continent and the diaspora, while making it easier for participants from around the world to join this important conversation. 

Conference delegates will be able to access discounted flight tickets for travel to the event. ​

Previous Sponsors

ACCOMMODATIONS

For accommodation, consider the University Arms Hotel—the city’s premier historic and luxurious lodging, located in the heart of Cambridge. We also recommend Premier Inn, the Hilton, as well as the various Cambridge Colleges and their accommodation offerings.

Details regarding discounted rates and booking instructions will be shared with you as soon as they are finalised, but we encourage you to begin exploring accommodation options early to ensure availability during your visit.

A New Essay Series for 2026

For this year’s conference, we are proud to present a three-part essay series by Martin Wagah, reflecting on our theme Africa in the Age of Disruption. The series examines how Africa’s past, present, and future are framed through competing timelines of development, technology, and global change.

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© 2026 African Society of Cambridge University

© 2026 African Society of Cambridge University

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