Nairobi, Kenya is set to host a major milestone in the global market research industry as ESOMAR Congress Africa 2026 comes to the continent for the very first time. Scheduled to take place from 3–5 February 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi, Westlands, the event is themed “Africa in Focus: Turning Insights into Action.”
This move marks a significant recognition of Africa’s growing influence in the global data, insights, and research community. The ESOMAR Congress, long known for its international reach, will bring together hundreds of leading professionals, including research agencies, brands, NGOs, and technology providers, for three days of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A Platform for African Voices in Global Insights
By hosting the event in Africa, ESOMAR signals its commitment to making African perspectives central in conversations about the future of insights. The congress will feature discussions on emerging research methodologies, inclusive and sustainable data practices, and technological innovations being driven from and within African markets.
Attendees can expect keynotes from global experts, panels featuring regional leaders, and case studies that reflect Africa’s rich diversity and fast-evolving consumer landscape. The programme will also explore how insights are being used to shape policy, drive business transformation, and address pressing social challenges on the continent.
The call for speakers is currently open and will close on 15 August 2025. Organisers are encouraging practitioners, analysts, and leaders with relevant African case studies and methodologies to submit proposals. The final programme is expected to be released by end of September, and early-bird registration ends 15 December.
For researchers and businesses alike, this is a chance to showcase thought leadership and be part of shaping the continent’s insights narrative. Beyond the conference sessions, ESOMAR Africa 2026 will also offer structured and informal networking opportunities, from curated breakout groups to interactive meetups, designed to foster collaboration across borders and sectors.
There will also be exhibition and sponsorship opportunities for organisations looking to build visibility and connect with Africa’s expanding network of insight buyers and decision-makers. This congress is a platform to cement Africa’s role in the global knowledge economy. For many African countries navigating rapid digital adoption, rising youth populations, and shifting consumer behaviour, market insights are no longer optional, they are essential. With Nairobi emerging as one of the region’s leading innovation hubs, it provides a fitting backdrop for a conference that will help define how Africa gathers, interprets, and applies insights for development and growth.
