Writing the Next Chapter:
Africa–Estonia Collaboration
26 May 2026
Tallinn, Estonia
Radisson Collection Hotel Conference Centre
As the Africa Business Forum 2026 shifts from introducing Estonian and African markets to deepening established relationships, it aims to shape the next phase of collaboration. The Forum explores how trusted partnerships, joint innovation, and co-creation can turn shared ambition into shared prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.
By bringing together business leaders, policymakers and innovators from Africa and Estonia, the Forum fosters trust-based collaboration — aligning ambitions, leveraging complementary strengths, and turning shared intent into tangible outcomes.
This fourth edition features a highly practical programme with interactive sessions, workshops, and real-world case studies. The programme highlights e-services and digital innovation, alongside Greentech, and EdTech, while also exploring priority sectors such as food, defence, and critical minerals. In short: we’ve met, we’ve worked together — now it’s time to build something deeper.
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THE FORUM IN A NUTSHELL
- Practical breakout sessions across three tracks: digital foundations, innovation for growth, and co-creation in practice
- High-level dialogue and keynotes focused on moving beyond transactional cooperation toward long-term collaboration
- Company showcases highlighting real-world market experience and lessons learned
- Business EXPO area featuring African embassies and leading Estonian ecosystem organisations
- A dedicated networking space for one-on-one meetings
WHO WILL BE THERE?
- Estonian companies interested in African markets
- African startups and companies looking for business partnerships
- Policymakers and government representatives from Estonia, Europe and the African nations
- Experts and thought leaders
- International financial institutions
- Business support organisations, industry associations, and ecosystem builders
- Investors, incubators and accelerators focusing on digital innovation and green technologies
Key topics
From dialogue to delivery
The Forum moves beyond market-entry mindset toward market building: from short-term projects to long-term business partnerships, and from exporting solutions to co-creating commercially viable offerings. The guiding question is: how do we build long-term value together?
Digital Foundations, Real Impact
Strong digital foundations enable growth across multiple industries, but the conversation goes beyond technology alone. Alongside e-services, Greentech, and EdTech, the programme addresses strategic sectors where Africa–Estonia cooperation holds concrete potential, including food systems, defence, and critical minerals.
Collaboration in Practice
Real-world company stories and field-based lessons demonstrate how cross-border collaboration is already delivering results. The focus is practical: what works, what scales, and how to move from pilots to sustainable partnerships.
From Insights to Action
This is not a sit-back-and-listen conference. Two dedicated blocks of breakout sessions invite participants into learning labs, workshops, co-creation labs, and roundtables designed for active exchange. Expect candid conversations, peer learning, and practical problem-solving – with space to test ideas and explore joint initiatives.
Leadership for Shared Prosperity
High-level dialogue, including keynote interventions and a fireside conversation on women as leaders of change, connects practical collaboration with long-term economic vision. The focus is clear: moving from transactions to trust, and from short-term projects to lasting shared prosperity.
08:30 – 09:30
Registration and coffee
09:30
Opening remarks
09:35 – 09:40
Welcome speech
09:40 – 10:10
VIP panel
10:15 – 11:15
Breakout sessions
10:15 – 11:15
Breakout sessions
11:15 – 11:45
Coffee break
11:45 – 12:45
Breakout sessions
12:45 – 14:00
Lunch
14:00 – 14:05
Welcome back
14:05 – 14:45
Women as leaders of change
Fireside chat
14:45 – 15:00
Collaboration in Action: Lessons from the Field
Company success stories
15:00 – 15:30
Coffee break
15:30 – 16:50
From Transactions to Trust: Co-Creating Shared Prosperity
Keynote speeches
16:50 – 17:00
Final remarks
17:00 – 18:00
Networking and social programme
Schedule may evolve as we finalize sessions.
Expo Area
We are excited to welcome you to the Expo area at Africa Business Forum 2026 – a dynamic space designed for meaningful exchanges, market insights, and targeted networking. The Expo brings together representatives of African embassies as its central feature, alongside leading Estonian industry bodies, associations, and clusters.
The Expo area highlights the diverse business landscapes across participating African nations providing insight into their priority sectors, industry initiatives, and partnership pathways. For international participants, it also provides direct access to Estonian ecosystem organisations active in key sectors.
Whether you are exploring new markets, seeking partners or deepening your understanding of business environments, we invite you to visit the Expo area!
The Expo runs concurrently with the event, from 9:00 to 18:00.
Registration
There is no registration fee for the Africa Business Forum.
Travel and accommodation costs are to be covered by the participants.
In case you need an official letter of invitation for the visa application, please indicate it on the registration form and the organisers will contact you in due course.
Each member of the delegation is required to complete an individual registration.
All registrations are subject to final confirmation by the organisers.
The registration will open soon.
Practical information
VENUE
Africa Business Forum 2025 takes place at Radisson Collection Hotel Tallinn Conference centre at 3 Rävala Street, 10143 Tallinn.
The hotel is located in the city centre, and is easily reached by public transport or taxis.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS AND ACCOMMODATION
The most comfortable way to reach Tallinn is by plane, as the airport is very close to the city centre. There are also good train, ferry and bus connections from neighbouring countries.
We have arranged special rates for the participants in select hotels in Tallinn for the period of 25-29th of May 2025. The rates are subject to availability. In case you require accommodation at other/extended dates, please e-mail the hotels directly.
Please follow the instructions below when requesting booking.
5* Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn
(Business Forum venue)
3 Rävala Street, 10143, Tallinn
Dates: 25–29.05.2025
Room type: Collection class room
Daily rate: 190 € single use / 210 € double use
Rate includes: buffet breakfast, entrance to spa & relaxation area and VAT.
Payment: on spot.
Password: ABF25
Reservation method: Reservations can be made by e-mail reservations.tallinn@radissoncollection.com referring to password ABF25.
Cancellation: Hotel rooms can be cancelled free of charge until 24 hours before arrival.
Rate is valid until 09.05.2025, but the rooms remain upon availability.
12 Lembitu Street, 10114, Tallinn
Dates: 25–29.05.2025
Room type: Superior class room
Daily rate: 160 € single use / 185 € double use
Rate includes: Buffet breakfast, entrance to Relaxation Area, and VAT.
Password: ABF25
Reservation method: Reservations can be made by e-mail reservations.duco@accor.com referring to password ABF25.
Cancellation: Hotel rooms can be cancelled free of charge until 24 hours before arrival.
Rate is valid until 28.04.2025, but the rooms remain upon availability.
28 Juhkentali Street, 10132, Tallinn
Dates: 25–29.05.2025
Room type: Superior class room
Daily rate: 80 € single use / 90 € double use
Rate includes: Buffet breakfast and VAT.
Password: ABF25
Reservation method: Reservations can be made by e-mail reservations.duco@accor.com referring to password ABF25.
Cancellation: Hotel rooms can be cancelled free of charge until 24 hours before arrival.
Rate is valid until 01.05.2025, but the rooms remain upon availability.
About Us
Africa Business Forum is organised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In case of any enquiries, please contact the organisers at africabusinessforum2026tallinn@mfa.ee.
Visit Tallinn
Spring is an ideal time to visit Estonia and its medieval capital city Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why not extend your stay for a few days and enjoy Tallinn and its surrounding areas?
For more information, please visit the following sites:
Archive
ABF 2025: UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL FOR A DIGITAL AND GREEN FUTURE
More info HERE.
Panel discussion recordings can be found here: Ministerial Panel, Beyond Buzzwords, Powering Africa’s Green Future, Unlocking New Partnerships.
ABF 2024: BUILDING PATHWAYS TO PARTNERSHIPS
The second edition took a look at the founding pillars and regulatory context of the digital societies. In 2024, the three main focus areas were digital societies, green technologies and startup ecosystems.
More info HERE.
Panel discussion recordings can be found here: Ministerial Panel on Digital Innovation, Digital Societies, Greentech, Startup Ecosystems.
ABF 2023: INNOVATING WITH EMERGING EUROPE
Africa Business Forum 2023 focused on the theme of innovating with emerging Europe and drew together over 200 participants from 25 countries.
More info HERE.