Welcome to AKAC 2026
Africa is moving. Africa is improving. And in October 2026, Africa will gather in Mauritius for the most important productivity event of the year.
The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) 2026 is the continent’s premier platform for governments, businesses, researchers and practitioners to come together, share experiences and accelerate the adoption of Kaizen — the philosophy of continuous improvement — as a driver of productivity and sustainable development.
Hosted by the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) of Mauritius, AKAC 2026 will bring together delegates from across Africa and beyond for two days of high-level dialogue, practical workshops, inspiring keynotes and powerful networking.
CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE Event: Africa Kaizen Annual Conference 2026 Date: October 2026 |
About the Conference
Background
The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) is a flagship continental event dedicated to promoting Kaizen — the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement — as a transformative tool for productivity, quality and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
Established under the framework of the Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI), AKAC brings together national productivity organisations, government ministries, private sector leaders, development partners, academia and international experts each year to reflect on progress, share best practices and chart the way forward for productivity-led development on the continent.
Conference Objectives
• Advance the adoption of Kaizen and continuous improvement methodologies across African enterprises and public institutions
• Foster knowledge exchange between African and international productivity practitioners
• Highlight case studies and success stories that inspire replication and scaling
• Strengthen collaboration between national productivity organisations and regional bodies
• Support the alignment of productivity strategies with continental development frameworks such as Agenda 2063
Conference Theme 2026
Sustainable Kaizen for a Competitive and Connected Africa The theme for AKAC 2026 reflects the aspirations of African nations to leverage productivity and continuous improvement as pathways to inclusive and sustainable growth. |
Format
• Keynote addresses by high-level government officials and international thought leaders
• Thematic sessions on productivity, quality, innovation and digital transformation
• Practical workshops and Kaizen case study presentations
• Networking sessions and bilateral meetings
• AKAC Awards Ceremony recognising excellence in Kaizen implementation
About the Host Country — Mauritius
Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 km off the south-east coast of Africa. Known for its political stability, multicultural society and open economy, Mauritius has established itself as one of Africa’s most competitive and business-friendly destinations.
Why Mauritius?
Strategic Location A natural bridge between Africa and Asia, Mauritius offers excellent connectivity with regular flights to major African, Asian and European cities. Safe & Stable Mauritius ranks consistently among Africa’s top countries for political stability, rule of law and ease of doing business. World-Class Infrastructure Modern conference facilities, international-standard hotels and well-developed transport infrastructure ensure a seamless delegate experience. | Multicultural Hospitality A melting pot of African, Asian and European cultures, Mauritius offers warm hospitality, diverse cuisine and a rich cultural heritage. Tourism Destination With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Mauritius offers delegates a unique and memorable experience beyond the conference halls. Productivity Champion Mauritius, through the NPCC, has been at the forefront of Kaizen promotion and productivity improvement in Africa, making it the ideal host for this continental gathering. |
About the Host Organisation — NPCC
The National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) is Mauritius’ national body responsible for promoting productivity, quality and continuous improvement across all sectors of the economy. The NPCC has been a leading advocate for Kaizen in Africa and has collaborated extensively with regional and international organisations to drive the continent’s productivity agenda.
Conference Programme
AKAC 2026 will be a two-day conference featuring a rich and diverse programme designed to inspire, inform and connect participants from across Africa and the world. The full and detailed programme will be published closer to the conference date.
PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE Day 1: Opening Ceremony, Keynote Addresses, Thematic Sessions |
Session Formats
Keynote Speeches High-impact addresses by distinguished leaders, setting the tone for the conference and inspiring action. Panel Discussions Multi-stakeholder conversations exploring key themes with opportunities for audience engagement. | Practical Workshops Hands-on sessions where participants learn and practice Kaizen tools with expert facilitators. Case Presentations/Company Visits Real-world examples from African organisations demonstrating measurable productivity gains through Kaizen. |
Meet Our Speakers
AKAC 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, session moderators, panellists and workshop facilitators drawn from government, the private sector, international organisations and academia across Africa and beyond.
Speaker profiles will be published progressively as confirmations are received. Check back regularly for updates.
SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON The full speaker lineup for AKAC 2026 is currently being finalised. Speakers will be announced progressively from [Date TBC]. Follow our social media channels for the latest announcements. |
Categories of Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers are distinguished leaders whose insights and experiences will set the tone for the conference and inspire participants to think boldly about Africa’s productivity future. Keynote speakers include senior government officials, heads of international organisations and globally recognised thought leaders in productivity and Kaizen.
Session Moderators
Experienced facilitators will guide thematic sessions, panel discussions and workshops, ensuring rich, structured and engaging conversations that generate actionable insights for participants.
Panellists
Representing diverse sectors and geographies, panellists will bring varied perspectives on the conference themes, sharing experiences, evidence and recommendations for advancing Kaizen across Africa.
International Experts & African Practitioners
AKAC 2026 will feature a strong contingent of both international Kaizen and productivity experts and African practitioners who have successfully implemented continuous improvement initiatives in real-world African contexts. Their practical insights will be among the most valuable contributions to the conference.
Speaker Profile Template
Each confirmed speaker’s profile will include:
• Full name and title
• Organisation and country
• Session / role at the conference
• Professional biography
• Areas of expertise
• Professional photo
Organisations wishing to nominate a speaker or propose a session should contact the NPCC Secretariat at [email address TBC].
Register for AKAC 2026
We invite you to register for the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference 2026 and join hundreds of productivity leaders, policymakers, practitioners and innovators from across Africa and beyond in Mauritius this October.
Registration is open to all individuals and organisations with an interest in productivity, Kaizen, quality and continuous improvement. Early registration is strongly encouraged as places are limited.
Delegate Categories
Category | Includes | Fee |
Government / Public Sector | Ministry officials, public servants, heads of national productivity organisations | TBC |
Private Sector | Business leaders, company delegates, entrepreneurs, SME representatives | TBC |
International / Development Partner | UN agencies, development banks, multilateral organisations | TBC |
Academic / Researcher | University faculty, research institution representatives | TBC |
NPCC Partner Organisation | Organisations with existing partnership agreements with NPCC | TBC |
What Is Included in Registration?
• Access to all plenary sessions, keynotes, panel discussions and workshops
• Conference materials and delegate information pack
• Lunches and refreshment breaks on both conference days
• Access to the networking Gala Dinner
• Access to post-conference recordings and reports (digital)
Registration Process
• Complete the online registration form below
• Receive a confirmation email with your registration reference number
• Receive your delegate information pack [Date TBC] before the event
• Collect your delegate badge and materials upon arrival at the venue
REGISTER NOW [ Online Registration Form — Opening Soon] For group registrations (5+ delegates from the same organisation) or for queries about registration, please contact: secretariat email |
Who are Attending AKAC 2026?
Government & Public Sector • Ministers and senior government officials • Heads of national productivity and quality councils • Directors of planning and economic development ministries • Public service reform officers Private Sector & Entrepreneurs • Chief Executives and Senior Managers • SME owners and entrepreneurs • Quality and operations managers • HR and organisational development professionals | International & Development Organisations • UN agencies and development banks • Regional economic communities (AU, SADC, COMESA, etc.) • Bilateral and multilateral development partners Media & Civil Society • Journalists covering business and development • Civil society organisations working on economic empowerment |
Participating Countries
AKAC 2026 will bring together delegates from across the African continent and beyond. We anticipate representation from more than 30 countries, including members of the Africa Kaizen Initiative network and partner nations of the NPCC.
Conference
Venue
|
CONFERENCE VENUE — TO BE CONFIRMED The official venue
for AKAC 2026 will be announced shortly. The venue will offer
state-of-the-art conference facilities, plenary and breakout rooms, and is
conveniently located with easy access from major hotels and the international
airport. |
The AKAC 2026 venue has
been selected to provide delegates with a world-class conference experience,
combining professional infrastructure with the unique hospitality of Mauritius.
Venue Features
•
Main
plenary hall accommodating all delegates
•
Dedicated
breakout and workshop rooms
•
Exhibition
and networking spaces
•
Media
centre and press area
•
On-site
catering and refreshment stations
•
Accessible
facilities for delegates with special needs
•
On-site
business centre and Wi-Fi connectivity
Accommodation
The NPCC has identified
a selection of partner hotels in close proximity to the conference venue,
offering a range of accommodation options at preferential rates for AKAC 2026
delegates. Accommodation must be booked directly with the hotel or through
www.booking.com.
Partner Hotels
(To Be Confirmed)
•
Official
Conference Hotel: [Hotel Name TBC] — [Category TBC]
•
Partner
Hotel 1: [Hotel Name TBC] — [Category TBC]
•
Partner
Hotel 2: [Hotel Name TBC] — [Category TBC]
Transport
& Travel
Getting to
Mauritius
Mauritius is served by
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located approximately 48
km from Port Louis, the capital city. The airport receives direct flights from
major African, European and Asian hubs, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai,
Paris, London and several other cities.
Airport
Transfers
Delegates arriving at
the airport will be welcomed by NPCC representatives and will have access to
official conference shuttle services to partner hotels. Detailed transfer
schedules and booking instructions will be provided.
Local
Transport
Shuttle services
between partner hotels and the conference venue will be provided on both
conference days. Details will be communicated to registered delegates in
advance of the event.
Visa
Guidance
Mauritius operates a
visa-on-arrival system for citizens of many countries. Citizens of certain
countries may require a visa in advance. Delegates are advised to check their
visa requirements early and apply in advance where necessary.
•
Mauritius
offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of most African countries and many other
nations.
•
Delegates
requiring a visa in advance should apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel.
•
Official
invitation letters for visa purposes are available upon request from the
conference secretariat.
•
For visa
information, visit the Mauritius Immigration website or contact your nearest
Mauritius embassy or high commission.
|
NEED A VISA INVITATION LETTER? Registered
delegates who require an official invitation letter for visa application
purposes may request one by emailing the secretariat with their full name,
passport details, country of residence, and registration reference number. |
Our Partners & Sponsors
AKAC 2026 is made possible through the generous support of our partners and sponsors — organisations that share our commitment to advancing productivity, quality and continuous improvement across Africa.
We are proud to acknowledge the organisations that stand with us in making AKAC 2026 a continental milestone. Partner and sponsor logos, links and acknowledgements will be published on this page as partnerships are confirmed.
Partnership Categories
Level | Benefits Include | Visibility |
🌟 Platinum | Premium exhibition space, keynote acknowledgement, full delegate list, branded session | All channels + website homepage |
🥇 Gold | Exhibition space, session acknowledgement, delegate brochure inclusion, banner display | Website, brochure, event signage |
🥈 Silver | Logo on all materials, acknowledgement at opening and closing ceremonies | Website, brochure, signage |
🥉 Bronze | Logo on website and brochure, verbal acknowledgement at conference | Website and brochure |
🤝 Supporting Partner | Logo on website and programme, acknowledgement in conference materials | Website and programme |
BECOME A PARTNER OR SPONSOR If your organisation would like to partner with or sponsor AKAC 2026, please contact us to discuss available packages and customised arrangements. We welcome partnerships with organisations that share our mission of advancing productivity and continuous improvement across Africa. Contact: email |
Confirmed Partners & Sponsors
Partner and sponsor logos and acknowledgements will be displayed here as partnerships are confirmed. Check back for updates.]
Media Centre
Welcome to the official Media & News section of AKAC 2026. This page is your primary source for official press releases, announcements, media coverage and updates about the conference.
Latest News & Announcements
[News items, press releases and announcements will be posted here progressively from the conference launch date onwards. Check back regularly for the latest updates.]
Press Releases
Date | Title | Download |
[Date TBC] | AKAC 2026 Official Launch — Mauritius to Host Africa’s Premier Productivity Conference | [ Download PDF ] |
[Date TBC] | NPCC Announces Conference Theme and Key Speakers for AKAC 2026 | [ Coming Soon ] |
[Date TBC] | Registration Opens for Africa Kaizen Annual Conference 2026 | [ Coming Soon ] |
[Date TBC] | AKAC 2026 Final Programme Released | [ Coming Soon ] |
Media Coverage
[Media clippings, broadcast features, and online coverage of AKAC 2026 will be compiled and linked here throughout the campaign and post-event.]
Press Kit
A full press kit including official conference photos, key facts, biographies of principal speakers and background information on AKAC and the NPCC is available upon request.
Contact:
Photo & Video Gallery
This page will be the window into the energy, conversations and moments that define the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference 2026. Photos and videos will be updated in real time during the conference and will remain accessible for download and sharing after the event.
During the Conference — Live Updates
From opening ceremony to closing awards, our team will capture the key moments of AKAC 2026 and share them here in real time. Follow along remotely and experience the conference as it happens.
• Live photo stream — updated throughout both conference days
• Session highlights — key quotes, moments and insights from each session
• Behind the scenes — setup, networking moments and delegate experiences
Livestream & Virtual Access
WATCH LIVE — AKAC 2026 Selected plenary sessions and keynote addresses will be livestreamed and accessible to virtual participants. Livestream links will be published here and shared with registered virtual delegates before the event. [ Livestream links — [Date TBC] ] |
Post-Event Recordings
After the conference, recordings of plenary sessions, keynote speeches and selected workshops will be made available on this page and on the NPCC’s YouTube channel. These recordings serve as a lasting resource for productivity practitioners and Kaizen enthusiasts across Africa and beyond.
• Session recordings — available within [X] weeks of the conference
• Conference highlights video — a professionally produced summary of AKAC 2026
• Interview clips — short video interviews with key speakers and delegates
AKAC 2025 Gallery
Photos and videos from previous editions of AKAC will be displayed here to provide context and inspire prospective delegates. Gallery from AKAC 2025 coming soon.
Photo Usage Policy
All photos and videos taken at AKAC 2026 by the official conference photographers are the property of the NPCC. They may be used freely for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution. Media organisations wishing to use high-resolution images for publication should contact the NPCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about AKAC 2026 below. If your question is not addressed here, please contact us at the secretariat.
Registration & Participation
Q: Who can attend AKAC 2026?
A: AKAC 2026 is open to government officials, private sector professionals, representatives of international organisations, academics, researchers, students and media. Anyone with an interest in productivity, Kaizen and continuous improvement is welcome.
Q: How do I register?
A: You can register online via the Registration page on this website. Complete the online form, submit your details and you will receive a confirmation email with your registration reference number.
Q: Will the conference be available virtually?
A: Selected sessions will be livestreamed. Please check the Gallery / Lives page for livestream links. Full virtual participation packages will be confirmed closer to the event.
Q: How will I receive my delegate information pack?
A: Your delegate information pack will be emailed to you approximately [X] weeks before the conference. It includes the full programme, venue and hotel details, transport schedules, and all practical information you need.
Travel & Accommodation
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Mauritius?
A: Mauritius offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of many countries. However, some nationalities require a visa in advance. Please check with your nearest Mauritius embassy, high commission or the official Mauritius Immigration website to confirm your requirements.
Q: Can the secretariat provide an invitation letter for my visa application?
A: Yes. Registered delegates who require an official invitation letter for visa purposes may request one by emailing secretariat@akac2026.org with their full name, passport number, nationality, country of residence and registration reference.
Q: Are there recommended hotels for delegates?
A: Yes. The NPCC has negotiated preferential rates at a selection of partner hotels. Details will be provided in your delegate information pack and on the Venue & Logistics page of this website.
Q: Will there be airport transfers?
A: Yes. Official conference shuttle services will be available from the airport to partner hotels on designated arrival days. Transfer schedules will be shared with registered delegates in advance.
Q: What is the weather like in Mauritius in October?
A: October marks the beginning of the warm season in Mauritius. Temperatures are typically between 23°C and 28°C (73°F–82°F). Light summer clothing is appropriate, with a light layer for air-conditioned conference rooms.
Conference Content & Logistics
Q: What language will the conference be conducted in?
A: AKAC 2026 will be conducted primarily in English, with French interpretation available for selected sessions. Delegates requiring interpretation in other languages should notify the secretariat in advance.
Q: Will conference materials be available after the event?
A: Yes. Presentations, reports and session recordings (where permitted by speakers) will be made available to registered delegates after the conference. These will be shared digitally via email and the conference website.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Business or smart casual attire is recommended for both conference days. The Gala Networking Dinner on Day 1 is a formal occasion; delegates are encouraged to dress formally or in national dress.
Q: What should I do if I have a disability or special requirement?
A: Please notify the secretariat of any accessibility requirements, dietary restrictions or special needs at the time of registration so we can make appropriate arrangements. We are committed to ensuring AKAC 2026 is accessible and welcoming for all delegates.
Get in Touch
The AKAC 2026 Secretariat is here to assist you with all queries related to registration, travel, the conference programme, partnerships and media. We aim to respond to all enquiries within two working days.
CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT Organisation: National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) Address: 3rd Floor, The Catalyst Silicon Avenue, Cybercity Ebene 72201, Mauritius General Enquiries: Email Telephone: [Tel TBC] Website: www.npccmauritius.org Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:00 (Mauritius Time, UTC+4) | SPECIALIST CONTACTS Registration: email Media & Press: email Partnerships & Sponsorships: email Speakers & Programme: email Visa Letters (registered delegates only): email Technical / IT Support: email |
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with the latest news, speaker announcements, programme updates and highlights from AKAC 2026 by following the NPCC on our social media channels.
@NPCCMauritius | X (Twitter) @NPCCMauritius | @NPCCMauritius | YouTube NPCC Mauritius |
Feedback & Enquiry Form
A contact form will be available on this page for delegates to send enquiries directly to the Secretariat without leaving the website. In the meantime, please use the email addresses above.