Useful links: Nominate a Speaker | Sponsors | Travel Guide | FAQs
We welcome nominations for dynamic speakers whose work aligns with the “Business Beyond Borders” theme.
Submit your speaker nominations by 15 January 2026.
The ELISA Business Summit is an annual Pan-African gathering of entrepreneurs, operators, and ecosystem leaders focused on building and scaling businesses across African markets. It brings together founders, investors, and institutional partners to engage on execution, market access and enterprise capability.
2026 AGENDA Keynotes · Panels · Masterclasses · Live Pitch · Celebration Dinner
WED, MAR 18th: Pre-Summit Arrival
7am-7pm
Registration & Badge Collection
4-5:30pm | Gobelo Farm Tour
This is an optional activity for early arrival delegates
7-9pm
Dinner for registered attendees of the ELISA Business Summit
THUR, MAR 19th: ELISA Business Summit
7am-7pm
Registration & Badge Collection
7-9am | Registration & Welcoming Breakfast
Warm welcome, breakfast & networking among delegates
9-9:30am | Opening Ceremony
Welcome Remarks: ELISA Business Network
Keynote Address: Business Beyond Borders - Africa's New Frontier for Growth
9:30-10:30am | Morning Plenary Session
Crossing Borders in African Markets - Challenges & Opportunities
A high level discussion on the opportunities and realities of cross-border expansion under AfCFTA
10:30-11am | Networking Break
Build new business connections over light refreshments
11am-1pm | Parallel Sessions (choose your track)
Executive Forum Track - For Established Entrepreneurs
· 11am-Noon: Sales Strategies, Pricing, Revenue Models & Expansion Opportunities
· Noon-1pm: Building Global Supply Chains
Masterclass Track - For Emerging Entrepreneurs
· 11am-11:45am: Business Models & Value Propositions
· 11:45am-12:30pm: Customer Segmentation, Targeting & Market Validation
· 12:30-1pm: Marketing, Branding, Competitive Analysis & The African Edge
1-2:15pm | Networking Lunch
Buffet lunch and conversation tables hosted by coaches, investors and partners
2:15-3:15pm Afternoon Plenary Session
Financing Growth Across Borders – Capital, Risk & Opportunity
Insights into accessing capital and structuring funding for regional and global expansion.
3:15-4:15pm | Concurrent Sessions (choose your track)
Policy & Leadership Track
Policy Harmonization and the AfCFTA Advantage
· How trade policies and frameworks are shaping market access
Masterclass Track - For Emerging Entrepreneurs
Financial Readiness for Growth: Planning, Funding & Investor Strategy
4:15-4:45pm | Coffee & Connections
Networking and media interviews
4:45-5:15pm | Beyond Borders Live Pitch (main stage)
Participants showcase their businesses or ideas in 4-minute live pitches, highlighting how they transcend borders. A judging panel of investors and industry experts provides real-time feedback.
5:45-6pm | Wrap Up & Reflections
Closing remarks and key takeaways from the day
7-10pm | Enterprise Leaders Dinner
· Dress code is elegant African attire or formal African attire
A distinguished evening recognising Africa’s emerging enterprise leaders and the 2026 ELISA Business Scholars. This dinner convenes entrepreneurs, investors, and partners from across the continent and the diaspora to strengthen collaboration and celebrate shared progress.