HELP CENTRE / AFTiFEST 2026

Questions meet
clear answers.

Everything you need to know about the festival, tickets, startups, creators, travel, access and the AfroFutureTech iFest experience.

01 / KNOW

General information

The essential facts about the AFTiFest movement, dates, programme, audience and access.

What is AfroFutureTech iFest?

AfroFutureTech iFest is Africa’s premier technology, innovation and digital-culture festival. It brings together startups, creators, investors, global brands, policymakers and communities to help shape the continent’s future—and its contribution to the world.

It is more than a conference: AFTiFest is a multi-experience ecosystem combining technology, culture, entertainment, investment and education.

When and where does AFTiFest 2026 take place?

AFTiFest runs 3–6 December 2026 across Lagos, Nigeria. The Elegushi Beach ecosystem is the core festival campus, supported by official forums, screenings, hospitality and partner activations at additional Lagos venues. A complete venue map will be published on the Plan Your Visit page after locations are confirmed.

When will the full schedule and speaker lineup be announced?

The programme and speaker lineup will be released in phases. Follow the official AFTiFest channels and check the Festival Programme for confirmed announcements.

What are the official social handles and hashtag?

Use the official hashtag #iFest2026.

How many people are expected at AFTiFest 2026?

AFTiFest projects more than 127,000 visits across four festival days. Digital broadcasts and on-demand content are planned to extend selected experiences to a much wider global audience.

Do I need to be 18 or older to attend?

General festival programming and all AfterDark experiences are intended for adults, and valid identification may be required. The separately ticketed Kids Tech Universe welcomes children and teens aged 6–17 under its guardian, ticketing and safeguarding requirements. Always check the age rule attached to the selected programme or venue.

02 / BOOK

Ticket information

Registration, pass categories, badge collection, virtual access, groups and booking conditions.

Current booking process: The website prepares a ticket request. Your place is confirmed only after the authorised team issues confirmation and any required payment is completed. Review the Ticket & Entry Terms.

How do I register and get a ticket?

Choose a pass on the official Tickets page and submit your request. Early Bird pricing is currently scheduled to end on 30 September 2026. A request becomes a confirmed ticket only after written confirmation and completion of the required payment. For registration questions, email info@aftifest.com.

What ticket categories are available?

Published festival-pass routes include:

  • General Admission — daytime access across the 15 pillars.
  • Creators Ticket — 3C Studio, AI training and creator-development benefits.
  • VIP Experience — priority entry, VIP lounges and red-carpet access.
  • Investor / Deal Room Pass — curated deal rooms and private meetings.
  • AfterDark Full Pass — official evening experiences.
  • Premium All-Inclusive — festival, AfterDark, awards and investor access.

Single-day, three-day, Awards Dinner, group and Kids Tech Universe options are also published on the ticketing page. A founder or startup route may be packaged with selected Creatathon, Startup Hub or investor programming once confirmed.

Will any festival areas offer free access?

Selected community zones or outdoor areas may be accessible without charge. Premium sessions, workshops, ticketed entertainment and controlled-capacity experiences require the appropriate pass. Final free-zone details will be announced before the event.

Can I attend virtually?

Digital access is planned for selected sessions, panels and performances. A virtual-pass option will be added to the official ticketing page after broadcast rights, session availability and pricing are confirmed.

How will I receive my badge?

Registered attendees will receive check-in and badge-collection instructions by email before the festival. Bring the confirmation and any identification requested. Primary venue registration desks are expected to operate from 3 December, with exact locations and opening hours communicated in advance.

What is not included in a standard ticket?

Hotel accommodation, airfare, ground transportation, parking, off-site events and meals are not included unless the selected package expressly says otherwise. Private deal rooms, VIP lounges, classes, Awards Dinner, AfterDark events and some satellite functions may require separate access or reservation.

Are tickets refundable or transferable?

AFTiFest tickets are intended to be non-refundable. A formal transfer to another named attendee may be permitted until the deadline stated in the final seller terms; badge sharing is never permitted. The conditions presented before payment govern each purchase. Contact info@aftifest.com to request a transfer.

Are group, corporate or sponsored-employee packages available?

Yes. Group rates are planned for purchases of ten or more tickets, and corporate packages can include employee passes or table hospitality. Review the Groups & Tables section, use the Employer Sponsorship guide, or contact info@aftifest.com for bulk pricing.

If a promo code fails, can I receive the difference later?

Promo codes must be valid and applied before payment is completed. Retrospective price adjustments are not available. If a code fails, contact info@aftifest.com before completing the transaction.

03 / BUILD

Startups & brands

Routes for founders, exhibitors, investors, sponsors, communities and ambitious brands.

How can a startup participate in AFTiFest?

Startup pathways include the Creatathon innovation sprint, exhibition booths, Startup and Investment Hub programming, and curated pitch sessions with investors. Explore the Exhibitor Overview or email info@aftifest.com with your company profile.

Is funding available for startups?

Selected startups may receive access to investor meetings, structured pitch sessions and potential funding conversations through the Startup and Investment Hub. Creatathon winners are also expected to receive funding, exposure or partner-supported prizes. Participation never guarantees investment.

What is the Creatathon?

The Creatathon is a national youth SaaS acceleration programme culminating in a 48-hour iFest build sprint. Teams move through applications, regional preparation, finalist training, product development and pitches. Final eligibility, challenge briefs, judging criteria, prizes and award terms will be confirmed in the official participant rules.

How can a brand or company sponsor AFTiFest?

Partnership routes include title, strategic, experience and official-category opportunities. Benefits can combine visibility, product showcase, hospitality, content and direct ecosystem engagement. Visit Become a Sponsor to request the official prospectus, or email info@aftifest.com.

Can brands activate on-site?

Yes. Opportunities can include custom activations, exhibition space, AI Revenue Labs, the iFest Café and Deal Room, stages and immersive experience zones. Routes range from emerging-business booths to large-scale experiential installations, subject to availability and venue approval.

How can my community or organisation partner with AFTiFest?

Community partnerships are open to universities, technology hubs, NGOs, professional networks and mission-aligned institutions. Email info@aftifest.com with the subject line Community Partnership Inquiry and describe your audience, contribution and intended outcome.

04 / CREATE

Creators & media

Speaking, accreditation, content production, photography and the festival’s cultural programme.

How can I apply to speak at AFTiFest?

Speaker applications and curated invitations will be announced through the official website and social channels. The programme welcomes relevant industry leaders, innovators, creators and community voices. Watch the Get Involved directory for the application window.

How can media organisations cover AFTiFest?

Journalists, bloggers, photographers, production teams and creators can submit the Media Credential Application. Include your publication or channel, audience, recent work and proposed coverage. Approved access can include designated media zones and relevant 3C Studio facilities.

What is the 3C Studio?

The 3C Studio—Content Creator Connect—is AFTiFest’s official content hub: a live production environment for interviews, podcasts, livestreams and creator collaborations across all four festival days.

What is the attendee photo and video policy?

Personal cameras and smartphones are permitted for personal, non-commercial capture where the session or venue does not prohibit recording. Attendees must not occupy press areas, obstruct sightlines, or use tripods, selfie sticks and external rigs without approval.

Commercial photography and professional video require approved credentials. Non-accredited livestreaming is prohibited during keynotes and premium sessions. Failure to follow the policy or staff directions may result in removal from the session or venue.

What entertainment experiences are included?

The programme includes live music, comedy, AfterDark experiences, esports and gaming, the Fashion-Tech Runway, Kids Tech Universe and curated cultural events. Access depends on the selected pass, age rule, venue capacity and whether the experience is separately ticketed.

What are the AfterDark Experiences?

AfterDark Experiences are curated evening programmes for networking, celebration and cultural immersion, including nightlife activations, live performances and selected gatherings at official Lagos partner venues. They are adult experiences and may require a dedicated pass or invitation.

05 / ARRIVE

Travel & venue

Accommodation, airport planning, transport, venue navigation and refreshments.

Will there be hotel recommendations?

AFTiFest plans to publish specially negotiated accommodation rates after the official housing arrangements are confirmed. Book only through links on the Plan Your Visit page or official AFTiFest communications to reduce the risk of third-party housing scams.

How far is the airport from the festival?

Journey time from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) to the Elegushi Beach area varies substantially with Lagos traffic. A typical planning estimate is 45–60 minutes in lighter conditions, but attendees should allow extra time—especially during peak periods.

What transportation options will be available?

Mobility-partner services, parking guidance, airport transfers and venue-navigation information will be published before the event. International attendees should also review the Travel & Visas guide and the Getting Around Lagos information.

Will food and refreshments be available on-site?

Yes. Food and refreshment vendors are planned across festival zones throughout the four days. The iFest Café is also a networking and deal-flow experience. Operating hours, vendor locations and dietary information will be published closer to the event.

06 / CARE

Safety & accessibility

Security, medical support, inclusive access, youth programmes, opportunities and social impact.

Is AFTiFest safe to attend?

AFTiFest will implement professional security, crowd management and emergency protocols across official venues in line with applicable Lagos State and federal requirements. A complete Safety & Guidelines document and prohibited-item information will be published before the event. Always follow onsite security and emergency instructions.

Will medical services be available?

Professional first-aid and emergency-response support is planned across official festival venues. Medical points and emergency routes will be marked on final venue information. In an emergency, notify the nearest steward or security team immediately.

Is AFTiFest accessible for attendees with disabilities?

AFTiFest is committed to accessible participation. Mobility routes, designated viewing areas and available support services will be published on the Accessibility page. Email info@aftifest.com early with specific requirements.

Will sign-language interpreters be available?

Sign-language interpretation and related accessibility support may be arranged upon advance request for selected sessions. Send the dates, sessions and support required to info@aftifest.com as early as possible so the team can confirm availability.

How does AFTiFest support young people and students?

Youth pathways include the AfroFutureTech Academy, Kids Tech Universe, mentorship programmes and innovation challenges for students and young founders. Student-pass and scholarship announcements will be published through official AFTiFest channels.

Can I volunteer or work with AFTiFest?

Yes. The Volunteer & Ambassador Programme includes content amplification, ticket referrals, sponsor scouting, campus mobilisation and creator roles across Nigeria, selected African markets and diaspora communities. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and role fit; placement, training, reporting and conduct requirements are confirmed before activation.

What is OCAT—Social Impact and SDG Activation?

OCAT is AFTiFest’s social-impact initiative focused on digital inclusion, youth empowerment, sustainability and community development. It connects festival activity to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals and supports measurable positive outcomes for participating communities.

Couldn’t find it?

Email info@aftifest.com, visit Contact & Visitor Support, or call +234 909 050 0088.