First African Social Media Influencers Summit

7 - 8 May 2026. Ethiopia hosted the first African Social Media Influencers Summit in Addis Ababa,
bringing together 181 influencers with a combined following of 471 million people to promote African tourism, culture and storytelling.

The summit attracted 61 top influencers from 30 African countries, who joined 120 Ethiopian influencers in a major digital campaign aimed at showcasing Ethiopia and Africa through African voices.

Organized under the theme “Influence for a Better Africa,” the summit focused on how digital platforms and social media could be used to promote African development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and Pan-African cooperation. Organizers described the event as a platform for collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing among Africa’s leading digital voices.

A major focus of the conference was reshaping global perceptions of Africa by promoting authentic African narratives and countering stereotypes, misinformation, and negative portrayals of the continent. Speakers and participants emphasized the role of influencers as digital ambassadors who could use storytelling and online engagement to highlight Africa’s culture, achievements, tourism, innovation, and economic opportunities. 

The summit also explored topics such as digital diplomacy, emerging technologies, content creation, and the growing creator economy, while encouraging influencers to use their platforms to contribute to Africa’s transformation and prosperity.

"ASMIS2026 is the Birth of a New Storytelling Era" CEO of AGA Tech Enterprise, Gemeda Olana.