African founders, technology professionals and investors working between the United Kingdom and Africa are set to gain a new platform to pitch businesses, connect with investors and explore new market opportunities as TN Naija announces Connect & Ignite 2026 (CXI’26). The one-day conference and evening social will take place on August 29 in Birmingham, bringing together more than 400 founders, engineers, operators, investors and technology professionals under the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Across Borders.”
Unlike traditional networking events that often end with exchanged contacts, organisers say CXI’26 is designed to turn conversations into real business opportunities. Participants will have the chance to pitch their companies, meet potential investors and partners, explore opportunities for entering new markets and connect with professionals who can help accelerate their businesses across the UK–Africa corridor. “The corridor is the community, where deals happen, markets are entered, and careers are built across borders,” said Dele Bakare, director of TN Naija.
The event will feature practical sessions covering some of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs and professionals operating across borders, including fundraising, engineering talent, fintech regulation and cross-border immigration. One of the major attractions will be a 60-second founder pitch wall, giving entrepreneurs a short but powerful opportunity to put their businesses in front of potential partners and investors. A “Find Your Co-Founder” activity will also help entrepreneurs and technology professionals discover people with complementary skills, while speed networking and community activities will encourage more direct connections.
Investors, venture capital firms, corporate sponsors, innovation hubs and other ecosystem players are also expected to attend. For investors, the conference offers an opportunity to discover founders building businesses connected to both African and UK markets, while companies can gain visibility within a growing technology community. Birmingham’s selection as the host city also reflects the organisers’ desire to highlight technology and business opportunities outside London, particularly within the UK’s diverse African professional community.
Beyond business pitches and networking, CXI’26 will feature Corridor Honours, a 90-minute awards session celebrating founders, investors, operators and community builders contributing to the UK–Africa technology ecosystem. The evening will continue with a structured social gathering focused on meaningful connections rather than conventional networking. With registration now open through TN Naija’s Connect & Ignite platform, the organisers hope the event will help turn relationships formed in the UK into investment, partnerships and new opportunities across African markets.
source: Business day
