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 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
· 12:30-13:00: Marketing, Branding, Competitive Analysis & The African Edge
Financial Planning, Funding & Financing

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
Financial Planning, Funding & Financing
· Practical workshop on financial readiness and investor engagement

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 Reception & Dinner: Meet, mingle and celebrate leaders of emerging African companies at an event showcasing the incoming cohort of ELISA Business Scholars