By Ayo Susan
Speedlink has partnered with Harvoxx Tech Hub as a premium partner for AI FEST AFRICA 2026, bringing technology, education, innovation and industry stakeholders into a common platform in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
DEVELOPMENT:
The inaugural festival, themed “Redefining Africa’s Future Through AI” and tagged “One Continent. One AI Future,” will examine artificial intelligence’s implications for Africa’s economy, workforce and innovation ecosystem.
The programme is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, live AI demonstrations, practical learning sessions, an AI Innovation Expo, business sessions, networking and an AI Build Challenge focused on real-world African problems.
Harvoxx Tech Hub Co-Founder and Team Lead, Stewart Ezekiel Jnr, said: “One of the things we need more of in our ecosystem is collaboration. There are too many times when organisations are solving similar problems, serving similar communities and pursuing similar goals, yet operate independently.”
“Our collaboration with Speedlink is significant because it demonstrates what can happen when organisations decide to build together. AI FEST AFRICA is bigger than any single organisation. It is about creating a platform where people, ideas, businesses and opportunities can connect,” he added.
DATA:
The festival will target participants across technology, education, healthcare, financial services, business and entrepreneurship, while its Money in AI Zone will examine AI-powered businesses, digital products, services and careers.
SIGNIFICANCE:
For Nigeria’s emerging AI economy, the significance lies in moving the conversation from technology awareness towards talent development, commercial application and ecosystem connectivity.
Speaking for Speedlink, Miss Rokalke Igey Jemiema said: “For Speedlink, this collaboration is an opportunity to contribute to an ecosystem where talent, technology, education and industry connect meaningfully.”
She stated: “More importantly, it reflects Speedlink’s commitment to building people, connecting opportunities and contributing to a stronger technology ecosystem — one where emerging talents are not only trained, but connected to the communities, organisations and opportunities that can help them grow and contribute to Africa’s digital future.”
NEXT MOVE:
Attention should shift to participation, the solutions emerging from the AI Build Challenge, startup visibility at the Innovation Expo and whether industry connections translate into practical opportunities.
OUR LENS:
AI FEST AFRICA is positioning collaboration as infrastructure for digital-economy development. Miss Melody Friday, speaking for the Planning Team, said: “AI FEST AFRICA was designed to bring different parts of the technology ecosystem into one room. Having Speedlink collaborate with Harvoxx Tech Hub to host the event reflects that vision.”
The deeper development is therefore not simply another AI event, but an attempt to connect talent, capital, institutions, businesses and technology around practical African applications.
Ayo Susan is a journalist, covering business, infrastructure, insurance, technology, society and emerging developments with an emphasis on credible and engaging storytelling.
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