“Africa for Change” Summit Set to Elevate Continental Innovators at ChangeNOW 2026
Africa’s boldest innovators, changemakers, and impact leaders will convene at “Africa for Change”, a dedicated programme within the ChangeNOW 2026 Summit, scheduled for the afternoon of 31 March 2026 at the historic Grand Palais in Paris. This initiative builds on the momentum of Africa Day — first launched in 2024 and again in 2025 — and has now grown into a comprehensive platform designed to connect African thought leaders with global partners to accelerate social and environmental solutions.
The “Africa for Change” programme offers a vibrant space for collaboration, dialogue, and action, bringing together delegations from more than 10 African countries. Participants will engage through a series of formats including interactive workshops, knowledge‑sharing sessions, working groups, and closing plenaries, all aimed at fostering connection and collective problem‑solving around the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Organisers describe the initiative as a growing hub of opportunity and exchange where leaders shaping Africa’s future can forge partnerships, share impactful initiatives, and highlight innovations that are driving sustainable and inclusive development across sectors. The programme is open to those actively engaged in impact work across the continent, with select sessions accessible by invitation for targeted stakeholder engagement.
“Africa for Change is more than a gathering, it is a celebration of Africa’s resilience and creativity,” said ChangeNOW organisers. The platform evolved from Africa Day events, which previously showcased promising African projects and initiatives illustrating homegrown approaches to global challenges.
Among past participants are visionary leaders such as Dr. Anino Emuwa (Managing Director, Avandis Consulting & 100 Davos Women), Princess Esther Kamatari (Ambassador of Burundi), Michael Kakande (Founder & Chairperson, Resilient40), H.E. Samira Ramadan Bawumia (Former Second Lady of Ghana & Chair of AFRIWOCC), and Merem Tahar (Special Youth Envoy for the UN Convention to Combat Desertification). Their involvement in prior editions underscores the calibre of voices the programme continues to amplify.
The “Africa for Change” segment aims to spotlight African innovations that contribute to environmental sustainability, economic inclusion, peace and governance, health equity, and community resilience — reinforcing the continent’s role as a global partner in shaping sustainable solutions for the 21st century.
About ChangeNOW:
ChangeNOW is a global platform and summit committed to driving social and environmental transformation. The 2026 edition brings together thousands of participants, including innovators, investors, policymakers, and civil society actors, to share insights, showcase scalable solutions, and forge partnerships that drive meaningful impact worldwide.
