Digital Agenda for Tanzania Initiative (DA4TI) was privileged to receive support from our partner, NetHope, to participate in the ICT4D Conference 2026 held in Nairobi.

DA4TI was represented at the conference by Senior Researcher Bonface Witaba during the event organised by Catholic Relief Services in partnership with organizations including NetHope, Gates Foundation and KICTANet.

The biennial conference marked a return to Kenya’s capital and East Africa’s leading technology hub for the first time since 2016. Held from May 20 to 22, 2026, the three-day gathering brought together stakeholders from across the Internet governance, policy, humanitarian, development, and technology sectors to explore the future of digital transformation through panel discussions, workshops, round tables, and hands-on learning sessions.

The conference featured close to 80 sessions and attracted hundreds of participants from around the world, both physically and virtually. Discussions focused on the growing role of technology in addressing global development challenges and shaping inclusive digital futures.

One of the key highlights of the conference emerged from the opening keynote delivered by a senior official from Kenya’s ICT Ministry, who underscored Kenya’s deliberate efforts to position itself, and Nairobi in particular, as a leading African centre for technology, innovation, and emerging digital industries. The remarks emphasized Africa’s role in the next industrial revolution and the growing importance of Information and Communication Technology as the backbone of modern economies across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance, manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, and governance.

The conference further highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a major strategic advantage, noting the continent’s growing influence in the global digital economy. Kenya’s success in mobile money innovation and the rise of Nairobi’s “Silicon Savannah” ecosystem were cited as examples of how African-led innovation continues to shape global conversations on technology and financial inclusion.

Kenya’s ongoing investments in Artificial Intelligence, digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, cloud and data systems, innovation hubs, startup ecosystems, and digital skills development were also underscored. Significant attention was given to the importance of ethical technology governance, data protection, regulatory clarity, and inclusive digital transformation as countries prepare for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.

The Conference sessions were structured around three major thematic tracks focusing on data governance, sustainable development, and the future of digital ecosystems. Conversations explored the changing data landscape and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in humanitarian and development work, while also examining concerns around privacy, interoperability, ethics, and responsible data use.

Other sessions examined how digital technologies can support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through climate resilience, stronger food systems, improved healthcare delivery, and more effective emergency response mechanisms.

Discussions also explored how funding shifts, youth leadership, and expanding digital public infrastructure are reshaping localisation efforts and contributing to more inclusive and sustainable digital futures.

Overall, the conference reinforced the growing importance of technology, collaborative governance, and inclusive innovation in driving sustainable development and strengthening resilience across communities globally.

DA4TI expresses its sincere appreciation to NetHope for supporting participation at the conference. The organization looks forward to applying lessons and practical strategies gained from the event in its ongoing programmes, while also strengthening collaboration with nonprofit and technology partners engaged during the conference.