Connecting Across Borders: Connect & Ignite 2026 Set to Launch in Birmingham

TN Naija is launching Connect & Ignite 2026 (CXI’26), a one-day conference and evening social designed to accelerate collaboration between the UK and Africa’s tech ecosystems. The event, scheduled for Saturday, August 29th, 2026 in Birmingham, will focus on “Unlocking Opportunities Across Borders.”

The conference seeks to serve as the premier gathering place for professionals operating along this increasingly vital technology corridor – a single day designed to translate conversations into tangible deals, market access, and career advancement.

“The UK–Africa tech corridor is more than just geography; it’s a community where real connections happen, markets expand, and careers take off across borders,” explained Dele Bakare, Director of TN Naija. “CXI’26 will be the place where these interactions come to life.”

Who Should Attend?

The primary audience includes:

• African tech professionals (particularly Nigerians)
• Founders, engineers, and operators
• Investors focused on Africa-based ventures
• Representatives from venture capital firms, corporate sponsors, and innovation hubs

Organizers selected Birmingham as the venue to leverage its growing tech scene and diverse population.

What to Expect:

With over 400 attendees anticipated, CXI’26 will feature:

• A keynote address from a high-impact diaspora leader
• Structured huddle sessions covering topics like fundraising, talent acquisition, fintech regulation, and immigration
• The inaugural Corridor Honours awards recognizing excellence across the tech spectrum
• An interactive evening social with activities designed to foster meaningful connections – including speed networking, founder pitch walls, co-founder matching, and a community input forum

Get Involved:

Registration is now open at tnnaija.com/connect for those seeking to participate. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to align their brand with this growing tech corridor.