Forge4Africa Proudly Joins Togo Tech Expo 2026 in Shaping the Future of Togo’s Digital Ecosystem
Forge4Africa was proud to be part of Togo Tech Expo 2026, a two-day technology and innovation event that brought together young people, entrepreneurs, innovators, technology professionals, institutions and other key actors in Togo's digital ecosystem.
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Held at the University of Lomé – UniPod, the event was organized around a powerful theme: “Construisons le futur numérique du Togo” — “Let’s Build the Digital Future of Togo.”
For Forge4Africa, being part of this gathering was more than simply participating in another technology event. It was an opportunity to connect with people who are actively contributing to Togo's digital transformation and to witness the ideas, conversations and innovations shaping the country's future.
A Future Already Being Built
One of the strongest takeaways from Togo Tech Expo 2026 was that the digital future of Togo is not something that belongs to tomorrow.
It is already being built today.
It is being built by young developers creating solutions, entrepreneurs building businesses, innovators solving local problems, institutions supporting digital transformation, and communities embracing new technologies.
For Forge4Africa, this strongly reflects our belief that Africa's future must be shaped by Africans themselves—particularly by a generation equipped with the skills, knowledge and platforms to participate meaningfully in that future.
Data: Building the Foundation for African Innovation
Data emerged as one of the important subjects surrounding the discussions on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. As AI continues to transform industries around the world, the availability of relevant local data will become increasingly important. African countries need to develop the capacity to collect, structure and responsibly use data that reflects their own realities. Without this, there is a risk that technologies designed for African communities will continue to be built primarily around data and contexts that do not fully represent them. For Forge4Africa, this reinforces the importance of developing not only technology skills among young Africans, but also an understanding of data, digital systems and responsible innovation.
Digitalisation as the Foundation for Growth
Digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technologies. It is about creating systems that make businesses, institutions and services more efficient and connected. The digitalisation of businesses and public services can generate valuable data, improve access to services and create new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
This is particularly important for young Africans, who are increasingly becoming creators and users of digital solutions. At Forge4Africa, we believe that giving young people the right skills and exposure can help them move from being consumers of technology to becoming builders of solutions.
Artificial Intelligence and Africa’s Opportunities
Artificial intelligence was another major area of interest during the event.
AI presents enormous opportunities for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and entrepreneurship.
But unlocking these opportunities requires more than simply adopting AI tools. Young Africans need to understand how these technologies work, how to use them responsibly, and most importantly, how to apply them to problems within their own communities.
The question is therefore not only:
“How can Africa use AI?”
It is also:
“What can Africans build with AI to solve African problems?”
This is the kind of mindset that Forge4Africa seeks to encourage through its work in technology, innovation and youth development.
Digital Transformation Must Come With Trust
Another important lesson from the discussions was the need to place data protection and cybersecurity at the center of digital transformation.
As more businesses, institutions and individuals move their activities online, trust becomes increasingly important. People need to know that their personal information is protected. Businesses need secure systems. Young people need to understand responsible digital citizenship. Digital transformation cannot be sustainable if people do not trust the systems being created. As technology continues to advance, security, privacy and responsible use of technology must advance alongside it.
The Role of Young People
Perhaps the most important message we took from Togo Tech Expo 2026 is the importance of young people in the country's digital future.
Young Africans should not only be prepared to look for jobs in the digital economy.
They should also be encouraged to create businesses, develop solutions, identify opportunities, lead initiatives and contribute to the conversations shaping their communities.
Education remains important, but education alone is not enough. Young people need practical skills, mentorship, networks, exposure and opportunities to apply what they have learned. At Forge4Africa, this is at the heart of what we are building.
Why Partnerships and Ecosystem Events Matter
Forge4Africa believes that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by one organization alone. Events such as Togo Tech Expo create spaces where different actors within the ecosystem can meet, exchange ideas, discover opportunities and build relationships.
Our participation allowed us to engage with other organizations, innovators, entrepreneurs and young people who share an interest in technology and sustainable development.
These connections are important because the future of Africa will require collaboration across communities, institutions, businesses and young innovators.
Forge4Africa’s Commitment
We are grateful to have been part of Togo Tech Expo 2026 and proud to have contributed, alongside other stakeholders, to a conversation about the future of technology and innovation in Togo.
Our participation reinforces our commitment to building platforms that empower young Africans with the skills, mindset, networks and opportunities they need to innovate, lead and contribute to sustainable development.
The digital future of Togo is being built today.
And Forge4Africa is proud to be part of that journey.
We extend our appreciation to the organizers, the University of Lomé – UniPod, the participating organizations, speakers, entrepreneurs, innovators and young people who contributed to making Togo Tech Expo 2026 a meaningful gathering for Togo’s technology ecosystem.
