The UK Africa Tech Corridor Event
Connect . Build . Scale
The UK-Africa tech corridor is live. CXI ’26 is where deals get done, markets open up, and the right people find each other.
Date
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Hours
11:00 -18:00 Summit
18:00 - 21:30 Afterparty
Location
Birmingham, United Kingdom
400+
Expected Attendees
4
Breakout Tracks
8
Huddle Topics
15
Corridor Honours
One corridor.
One day.
One room.
CXI ’26 is a high-signal summit for tech founders, engineers, operators, and investors building across the UK and Africa.
Not a standard conference. No filler panels, no generic networking. Every session, huddle, and conversation is designed around one question: how do you actually build and scale along the UK-Africa corridor?
Show up ready to meet people who are doing the work and leave with the connections that move things forward.
WHO'S IN THE ROOM
Built for people doing the work
Founders
Building startups with a foot in both markets raising, scaling, and navigating two ecosystems at once
Engineers
African engineers in the UK shipping products and infrastructure for users across the corridor.
Operators
Cross-border operators managing teams, markets, and growth from a UK base.
Investors
Angels, VCs, and diaspora-backed vehicles actively deploying into the corridor.
Why
Birmingham?
A growing tech scene, one of the UK’s most diverse cities, and easy to reach from anywhere in the UK. The right city for this conversation.
Primary Audience
Africans (predominantly Nigerians) in tech and entrepreneurs operating along the UK–Africa corridor founders, operators, engineers and investors.
Secondary Audience
Venture capital firms, corporate sponsors, ecosystem enablers and innovation hubs seeking direct access to one of the world’s most active tech corridors.
Sponsor Value
Organisations seeking brand alignment, deal flow, and strategic positioning within the UK–Africa tech ecosystem — a specific, high-value audience.
Why
Birmingham?
A growing tech scene, one of the UK’s most diverse cities, and easy to reach from anywhere in the UK. The right city for this conversation.
Breakout Tracks
Four tracks. Pick yours.
Whether you’re building, raising, growing, or figuring out your next move there’s a room for you.
Build
For engineers and technical operators shipping products across the corridor. Architecture, scale, and building teams that work across borders.
Raise
How money moves along the UK-Africa corridor and how you access it. Angels, VCs, diaspora capital, and what investors are actually looking for right now.
Expand
For anyone taking a product or business into a new market. Distribution, localisation, and what real traction looks like across the corridor.
Lead
For operators, career professionals, and senior practitioners navigating growth managing teams, building influence, and making moves along the corridor.
Award Categories
Afterparty
needs
structured
energy
Designed moments that keep people engaged and connected, not just a room with music. Every activity is on-brand and facilitated.
3-minute timed rounds, host-facilitated. Attendees rotate tables and make targeted introductions. Host calls time and keeps energy high throughout.
No slides. Founders pitch to the crowd in 60 seconds. Audience votes by applause. Winner takes a prize bragging rights and a post-event feature.
Interest-based stickers or QR matching. Attendees flag what they’re building, what they need and what they offer. Sparks the right conversations organically
A physical board: sticky notes under three prompts What I’m Building / What I Need / What I Know. Attendees add and respond throughout the evening
Curated Afrobeats / Naija playlist with an MC who keeps energy intentional, calls out corridor milestones and bridges moments between activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connect X Ignite?
Connect X Ignite is TN Naija’s flagship annual event bringing together founders, tech professionals, innovators, creatives, and community leaders for a full day of conversations, networking, panels, and celebration. This is the third edition, and it is bigger than ever.
Is this only for TN Naija members?
Not at all. Everyone is welcome. Friends, family, co-workers, curious minds, allies, builders, Nigerian, non-Nigerian, everyone is invited. Whether you are in tech or simply want to meet people doing amazing things, come through.
What is the theme for 2026?
Connect. Build. Scale. Unlocking Opportunities Across Borders.
The theme speaks to what we are doing as a community: building beyond borders, scaling ambitions, and creating real opportunities for collaboration between the UK and the rest of the world.
What exactly is happening at this event?
A whole lot. Expect: keynote sessions, expert panels and breakout rooms, a startup showcase, an exhibitor zone, networking, jollof, drinks and snacks, and an Afrobeats after-party to close the day out. Full day. Full energy.
How long is the event?
It is a full-day experience starting at 11 AM and ending with the after-party. Come early. Stay late. Bring your full self and a full charge.
I run a community or organisation. Can we collaborate or cross-promote?
Absolutely. We are actively exploring partnerships and cross-promotion opportunities. Reach out to us directly and let’s talk.
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets are available at www.tnnaija.com/connect
Get yours early, as availability is limited.
What ticket options are available?
There are three options to suit you:
Standard (solo): for the individual attendee; Couple: bring your plus one and save; Group of 5: roll deep and save more. Head to tnnaija.com/connect for current pricing.
Can I come with friends or family?
Yes. Please do. Bring your friend, partner, or crew. The couple and group of 5 ticket options make it easy to come together.
Are tickets refundable?
Please check the ticket purchase page at tnnaija.com/connect for the latest refund and transfer policy details.
Where is the event taking place?
Connect X Ignite 2026 is back at The Eastside Rooms, Birmingham. Same incredible venue, bigger energy.
Why Birmingham?
We were at The Eastside Rooms last year and loved it, so we are back. TN Naija is a UK-wide community, and Birmingham has shown up for us. If you have not made the trip yet, this is your year.
Is there parking at the venue?
The Eastside Rooms does not have its own car park, but the Millennium Point Multi-Storey Car Park (B4 7AP) is right across the road. Public transport is encouraged where possible as the venue is sustainability-focused. If you are driving, note that the venue is inside Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle is affected at brumbreathes.co.uk.
I am coming from outside Birmingham. Any tips?
Plan your trip with others from your city. Join or start a thread in your TN Naija city WhatsApp group and travel together. If you are driving and have space, offer a lift. If you are taking the train, sync up and turn the journey into a pre-party. Let’s make it easy and fun to get there together.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 11 AM. We recommend arriving on time to settle in, grab your badge, and start networking before the programme kicks off.
Will there be food?
Yes. Jollof, drinks, and snacks are part of the experience. You will not go hungry.
Is there an after-party?
Yes! The day closes with an Afrobeats after-party. Make plans to stay for it.
What should I bring?
Your ticket (digital is fine), a fully charged phone, business cards if you have them, and an open mind ready to connect.
Ready to be in the room?
Tickets are limited. Register now and secure your spot at CXI ’26.