Students unite global voices at milestone Warwick Africa Summit
The University of Warwick welcomed the tenth Warwick Africa Summit on 28 February – 1 March, a landmark student-led gathering that brought together influential voices from across Africa and its global communities to share ideas, inspire action, and shape conversations about the continent’s future.
Now established as a flagship student initiative, the summit explored the theme, “Mti ukiwa umeungana hauvunjiki” – Swahili for “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable” – highlighting the power of unity across sectors including human development, innovation, governance and culture.
Dami Adegbiji, President of Warwick Africa Summit, said: “Warwick Africa Summit is centred on redefining the narrative around Africa by highlighting innovation and collaboration. Our 2026 theme reminds us of the strength in unity, that when we come together – across disciplines, industries, and borders – we are stronger.
“This year's summit hosted meaningful conversations and talks through every panel, breakout session and keynote speech. It brought inspiring voices from across the continent and the diaspora into conversation with students and professionals, demonstrating African excellence while exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the continent's future.”
Over two days, the Summit brought together African leaders, students and academics to share perspectives, showcase expertise, and highlight achievements across sectors. The summit’s role as a student-led platform for connecting voices, sharing knowledge, and supporting ongoing engagement with the continent's development was reinforced and solidified over the weekend.
This year's programme featured internationally recognised leaders and change-makers including our keynote speakers: Nozipho Tshabalala, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin and Fola Komolafe MBE, alongside cultural and creative industry figures such as Dr King SMADE, Oyinkansola Adebayo, Leon Ayo, Mimi Fawaz and more. Breakout sessions were also led by Hayley Mulenda, Tolu Ogunmefun, TwinsDntBeg, 90sBabyshow and more.
The Summit has previously welcomed high-profile figures such as Aliko Dangote, Amina J. Mohammed and Yemi Osinbajo, reinforcing its growing international reach and reputation.
Professor Michael Scott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Warwick, said: “As the Warwick Africa Summit reached its tenth edition, it was an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievement of the students who continue to lead it. Over the past decade, they have built a platform that brings together influential voices from across Africa and beyond.
“This year’s Summit underscored the importance of unity – not only as a theme, but as a shared commitment. The conversations over the two days demonstrated the strength of African excellence and the value of creating space for open dialogue, connection and collective action. I was also delighted that the summit hosted a special event on campus dedicated to celebrating African cultures, as part of our institution-wide One World Warwick March 2026 International celebrations.”
The Summit continues the University’s commitment to inclusive education and research by supporting the development of Africa’s next generation of thinkers and public intellectuals, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities for students and scholars. By deepening our understanding of our partners' priorities and development needs, Warwick is creating new avenues for joint working based on principles of mutually beneficial engagement.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
04 March 2026