A new bridge for African tech talent and investors spanning the UK and Africa arrives August 29 in Birmingham, where more than 400 attendees will gather for Connect & Ignite 2026, TN Naija’s flagship conference and evening social.
The event targets founders, engineers, operators, investors, and technology professionals working across the UK–Africa corridor. Its theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Across Borders,” signals a practical turn away from surface-level networking toward concrete deal-making.
Organizers built the day around measurable business results. A daytime program running from 11am to 6pm opens with a keynote and fireside chat on the UK–Africa technology corridor, followed by structured huddle sessions examining fundraising, engineering talent, fintech regulation, and cross-border immigration.
The evening portion introduces a 60-second founder pitch wall, where entrepreneurs present ideas directly to potential backers. A “Find Your Co-Founder” matching exercise pairs professionals seeking complementary skills. Timed speed-networking rounds and a community input wall round out the format.
Venture capital firms, corporate sponsors, innovation hubs, and ecosystem enablers rank among the expected participants. For investors, the platform offers direct access to founders building companies tied to both African and UK markets. Sponsorship packages remain available for organizations pursuing brand visibility and deal flow within the corridor.
Birmingham’s selection as host city reflects the organizers’ push to extend the corridor beyond London’s established networks. The choice highlights the city’s expanding technology scene and diverse population.
A 90-minute awards session called Corridor Honours will recognize founders, operators, investors, and community builders who have strengthened ties between African and UK tech ecosystems. The evening social continues with structured programming rather than an open reception, maintaining focus on meaningful connection.
Dele Bakare, director of TN Naija, framed the stakes directly: “The corridor is the community, where deals happen, markets are entered, and careers are built across borders.”
Registration remains open through TN Naija’s Connect & Ignite platform, with speaker and partnership opportunities still unfilled. The gathering positions relationships formed in Britain to translate into African market entry, while African businesses gain access to international capital, expertise, and partnerships.
