Nairobi is set to strengthen its position as Africa’s leading innovation hub following the launch of Nova Garage, a new pan-African platform aimed at spotlighting the continent’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

The initiative, unveiled ahead of the Africa Forward Summit scheduled for May 11–12, 2026 in the capital, will bring together young innovators, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders to drive conversations around Africa’s digital future.

Spearheaded by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative in partnership with Concerto and Nuvision, Nova Garage is designed to provide a global stage for African entrepreneurs under the age of 35 to showcase their innovations and connect with international investors.

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Organizers say the platform will select 15 young innovators from across the continent, offering them visibility and an opportunity to present solutions addressing critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.

The launch comes at a time when Nairobi, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah” continues to attract significant global attention, with over 400 active startups and close to one billion dollars in venture capital secured in the past year alone.

Beyond showcasing innovation, Nova Garage is positioning Africa not just as a consumer market, but as a co-owner of future digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Through the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, the platform seeks to promote technological sovereignty and ensure African countries play a central role in shaping the global digital economy.

The initiative also underscores the importance of cross-continental partnerships, particularly between Africa and France, in unlocking investment, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and creating new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Applications are now open to eligible entrepreneurs and social enterprise founders across Africa, with organizers encouraging innovators with scalable solutions and working prototypes to apply before the April 23 deadline.

With its long-term vision extending beyond a single event, Nova Garage aims to become a sustained platform for growth, networking, and collaboration, further cementing Nairobi’s role at the heart of Africa’s innovation landscape.