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 Republic 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 |
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.
Following the agreement between the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agenct (JICA) 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 national and continental development frameworks such as Agenda 2063
Conference Theme 2026
Sustainable Kaizen for a Competitive and Prosperous Africa
The theme for AKAC 2026 reflects the aspirations of African nations to leverage productivity and continuous improvement as pathways to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Format
• Keynote addresses by high-level government officials, industry captains 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 hospitable, 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.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
Dates: 26 – 27 October 2026
Venue: The Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Mauritius
Format: Hybrid
Additional Notes: Capacity Enhancement Programme for AKI members will be held on 28 – 29 October 2026 (onsite).
AKAC 2026 | Conference Programme
TIME (GMT+4) | PROGRAMME |
| DAY 1 – MONDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2026 |
09:00–10:00 | Registration and Networking for onsite participants |
10:00
| Online Streaming Starts (Webinar) https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QnojpPoGQeipvdTOwR1l2A |
10:00–10:30 | Official Opening Ceremony |
10:00–10:04 | • Welcome Address by Dr. Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director, NPCC Mauritius |
10:04–10:08 | • Remarks by Mr. George Murumba Principal Programme Officer-Project Coordination, AUDA-NEPAD |
10:08–10:12 | • Remarks by Mr. Arshad Duymun, Chairman, NPCC Mauritius |
10:12–10:18 | • Special Address by H.E. Mr. Kan Masahiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Mauritius |
10:18–10:30 | • Official Opening Address by Hon. Sayed Muhammad Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives |
10:30–10:45 | Group Photo and Coffee Break (group photo in plenary room in front of backdrop) |
| Hotel to remove chairs in front |
10:45–11:10 | • Keynote Address by Mr. Veemal Gungadin, CEO, Mauritius Telecom: “Human-Led, AI-Powered: Reimagining KAIZEN for the AI Age” |
11.10-11.15 | MC introduces Panel Discussion 1 |
11:15–12:15 | Panel Discussion 1: Sustainable Kaizen as Africa’s New Competitiveness Model |
| 45-minute moderated discussion + 15-minute audience Q&A |
| Moderator: Mr. Jovin Hurry, Core Team Member, Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability (NELIS) |
| Panellists • Ms. Maria Eugenia Lagier, Technical Director of Management Technologies, National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), Argentina |
12:15–13:15 | Panel Discussion 2: From Practice to Culture: Building Africa’s Continuous Improvement Ecosystem |
| 45-minute moderated discussion + 15-minute audience Q&A |
| Moderator: Ms.Asha Sumputh, International Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker in Africa |
| Panellists • Mr. Cougen Purseramen, Group Head of Industrial, Engineering and Logistic Clusters, IBL Ltd |
13:15–13.25 | Wrap-Up of Morning Session by MC |
13:25–14:25 | Networking Lunch: Special set up for lunch (MC to announce the lunch arrangements)- All guests to be seated/order drinks/hotel will channel to open buffet |
14.30-14.32 | MC introduces afternoon sessions |
14:32–14.45 | Announcement of Potential Centres of Excellence (COEs) 2026–2027 by Mr. Jemil Abdala, Member of the Cross Functional Working Group (CFWG) · Introduction to the AKI Centers of Excellence Initiative; · Background and objectives of the second batch designation; · Designation framework and implementation process · Next steps following the designation of the second batch of AKI-COEs |
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14:45–17.00 | Africa Kaizen Awards (AKA) 2026 Awarding Ceremony (JICA) |
| • Moderator: Mr. Getahun Tadesse Mekonen, Examination Committee (EC) Member |
| • Introduction of awarding system, evaluation criteria and EC members by Prof. Higuchi Yuki |
| • Entrants and Outstanding / Excellent Award winners: (1) micro and small-scale organizations, (2) medium-scale organizations and large-scale organizations by Mr. Jin Kimiaki, EC member |
| • New award categories: Best Decent Work and Best New Comer by Ms. Sonia Mahoudi EP Melki, EC member
• Closing remarks and way forward by Mr. George Murumba, EC member |
17.00-17.05 | Closing remarks by Mr. Takeichi Jiro, Director General, Economic Development Department, JICA |
17.05-17.30 | Closing Refreshments |
| End of Day 1 |
| DAY 2 — TUESDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (MORNING SESSION) |
08:30–09:00 | Networking for onsite participants |
9.00 a.m. | Online streaming starts (Webinar) https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tveJpJLvQ_WgOMXEVIH7kA |
09:00–10:00 | Panel Discussion 3: Kaizen 4.0: Technology, Innovation and the Future of Productivity and Quality — |
| 45-minute moderated discussion + 15-minute audience Q&A |
| Moderator: Mr. Vrigesh Futta, Director AI & Innovation, BDO IT Consulting |
| • Dr. Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director, NPCC Mauritius • Ms. Amelia Naidoo, Acting CEO, Productivity SA, South Africa • Mr. Hosni BelHadj, QPI Manager / Kaizen Master Trainer, Tunisia • Mr. Jemil Abdala, Consultant, Kaizen Excellence Center, Ethiopia
Each presentation approximately 5 minutes, followed by 15 minutes moderated discussion and 15 minutes Q&A |
10.00-10.15 | Coffee Break (MC to announce that we will resume in 15 minutes for online international participants) |
10:15–11:15 | Panel Discussion 4: Celebrating 10 Years of AKI and Shaping Its Future |
| 45-minute moderated discussion + 15-minute audience Q&A |
| • Moderator: Ms. Flore Kamdomg, Programme Officer, AKI, Industrialisation Unit, AUDA-NEPAD |
10:15–11:15 | Panellists • Mr. Getahun Tadesse Mekonen, Principal Kaizen Consultant; former Director General of Ethiopia Kaizen Institute (EKI) |
11:15-12.00 | From Vision to Action: Designing the AKI Transition Beyond 2027- Interactive Stakeholder Consultation |
| • Presentation on the proposed structure of AKI from April 2027 by Mr. Homma Toru, Senior Advisor on Private Sector Development, JICA/former Senior Advisor to the CEO, AUDA-NEPAD (20 minutes) |
| • Comments from Mr. George Murumba, Principal Programme Officer-Project Coordination, AUDA-NEPAD; Mr. Cyprian M. Mayamba, President, PAPA; and Ms. Françoise Marechal-Charlotte, Chairperson, CFWG of the AKI/Head of Business Development & Consultancy, NPCC Mauritius (20 minutes) |
| • Explanation of the stakeholder feedback collection process by Ms. Aoki Rika, Advisor, Private Sector Development Group, Economic Development Department, JICA
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12:00–12:30 | Closing Session |
| Final Communiqué read by Ms. Flore Kamdomg, Programme Officer, AKI, Industrialisation Unit, AUDA-NEPAD |
| Final Remarks and Vote of Thanks by Dr. Vinaye Ancharaz, Executive Director, NPCC (15 minutes) |
12:30–13:30 | Lunch |
Enterprise visits for Registered International Participants only
- Mauritius Telecom Optima (MTO): Integration of Human Intelligence, AI and continuous improvement in customer service operations, processes and technology.
- Phoenix Beverages Group (PhoenixBev): Beverage manufacturing, including carbonated soft drinks, PET packaging and water products, with a focus on quality, food safety, operational excellence and sustainability.
- Tex Avenue Ltd: Textile and garment manufacturing, including an IoT application for real-time monitoring of production output, ironing time and idle time.
REGISTRATION
On-site participation at Ravenala Attitude, Balaclava, Mauritius, will be restricted to duly invited and registered participants. Those who are not attending in person are warmly encouraged to participate through the designated online platform.
Registration for online participation only
For online participation via Zoom (Webinar), please register using the links below:
Day 1: Date: Oct 26, 2026
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QnojpPoGQeipvdTOwR1l2A
Day 2: Date: Oct 27, 2026
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tveJpJLvQ_WgOMXEVIH7kA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Presentation Materials
Detailed information on AKAC 2026 is available on the following link:
https://npccmauritius.org/akac-2026/
Please visit the NPCC website to download the presentation materials after the conference. The materials will be available a few days after the event.
Meet Our Speakers
AKAC 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, session moderators, panelists and workshop facilitators drawn from government, the private sector, international organisations and academia across Africa and beyond.
Session Moderators
Experienced facilitators will guide thematic sessions, panel discussions and workshops, ensuring rich, structured and engaging conversations that generate actionable insights for participants.
Panelists
Representing diverse sectors and geographies, panelists 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.
Who will Attend 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.
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.
The official country-wise list, together with entry information, is available on the Passport and Immigration Office, Mauritius website https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605. Delegates are strongly encouraged to consult this information and complete any necessary visa formalities well in advance of their travel to ensure a smooth entry into Mauritius.
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.
About the Venue
AKAC 2026 will be hosted at The Ravenala Attitude, a 4-star all-suite hotel nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Citron River on the north-west coast of Mauritius, in the village of Balaclava in Mauritius. The hotel sits on the island’s north-west coast, tucked between the sea and river, surrounded by emerald gardens and a backdrop of mountains. Part of the Attitude Hotels group, it reflects a commitment to sustainable tourism, offering delegates a setting that blends comfort, natural beauty and Mauritian hospitality — a fitting backdrop for a conference dedicated to Sustainable Kaizen and Africa’s productivity journey.
Venue Features
-Main plenary hall accommodating all delegate
-Dedicated breakout and workshop rooms
-Exhibition and networking space
-Media centre and press area
-On-site catering and refreshment stations
-Accessible facilities for delegates with special needs
-Wi-Fi connectivity
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.
Our Sponsors & Partners
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.
Mauritius Telecom drives national digital transformation as the island’s primary telecommunications provider. The company infrastructure powers the economy through high-speed fiber internet, mobile data and digital TV services. By investing heavily in 5G deployment and undersea fiber-optic cables, it secures international connectivity for businesses. Its popular mobile wallet, my.t money, accelerates local fintech adoption and financial inclusion. As a cornerstone of the island’s tech ecosystem, the company continuously evolves to support technological initiatives and ICT sector expansion.
Phoenix Bev stands as the premier beverage manufacturer in Mauritius, deeply embedded in the local culture. The company produces, bottles and distributes a massive portfolio of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is best known for brewing Phoenix Beer, an award-winning national staple exported worldwide, and operates as the official bottling partner for global brands like Coca-Cola. Through its Phoenix Earth Initiative, the enterprise actively drives a circular economy by championing its Returnable Glass Bottle (RGB) Campaign. It manages this by recovering production-line glass rejects through its subsidiary, the Mauritius Glass Gallery, to be hand-blown into decorative art, while processing unrecoverable glass into crushed aggregates for sustainable road construction.
IBL Seafood & Logidis (IBL Group)
IBL operates as the island’s largest conglomerate, commanding a massive footprint across multiple economic sectors. Within this ecosystem, IBL Seafood operates a fully integrated, export-oriented value chain specialising in tuna processing, cold storage (Froid des Mascareignes) and Marine Biotechnology Products, actively working toward a zero-waste marine industry by transforming all fish byproducts into valuable fish meal and oOega-3 oils. Supporting these massive operations is Logidis, the specialised supply chain and logistics arm of the group. Logidis operates over 26,500 m² of advanced, HACCP-certified multi-temperature warehousing and a GPS-tracked fleet of trucks, providing the critical domestic transport, freight consolidation and cold-chain integrity required to distribute consumer and industrial goods across Mauritius.
MauBank delivers essential retail and commercial banking services to citizens and enterprises nationwide. As a prominent state-owned bank, it plays a critical role in stabilizing and supporting the local financial ecosystem. The institution offers accessible savings accounts, housing loans and digital banking platforms tailored for everyday consumers. It places a strong strategic focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing structured business loans to foster entrepreneurship. Its widespread branch and ATM network ensures that reliable banking services remain highly accessible across both urban and rural regions.
The Development Bank of Mauritius provides vital development financing designed to fuel socio-economic growth. Unlike commercial banks, DBM focuses on national advancement by supporting small businesses, micro-enterprises and agricultural projects. It offers customized, low-interest loan schemes to help local farmers, fishers and startup entrepreneurs scale their operations. The bank actively funds green energy initiatives and modern industrial infrastructure. It acts as a primary catalyst for poverty alleviation and industrial diversification by aligning its financial products with government economic strategies.
SBM Group is a leading financial services provider in Mauritius, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development since its inception in 1973. As one of the largest listed entities on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, the group operates across banking, non-banking financial and non-financial clusters. Its flagship subsidiary, SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, holds a major domestic market share exceeding 20% in advances and deposits. Strategically positioned along the Asia-Africa corridor, the group has expanded its international footprint with dedicated banking subsidiaries operating across India, Madagascar and Kenya, serving retail, SME and institutional clients.
Press Releases – Communiqués de Presse
Mauritius to host the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference 2026 as the continent seeks a new productivity path
Announcements
20-05-26 – AKAC 2026 First Announcement (English version)
20-05-26 – AKAC 2026 Première Annonce (Version française)
03-08-26 – AKAC 2026 Second Announcement (English version)
03-08-26 – AKAC 2026 Deuxième annonce (Version française)
06-08-26 – Important notice – African countries requiring visa for entry in Mauritius
Communiqués
Ebola Health Update – Notice from Ministry of Health and Wellness – Mauritius
Mise à jour sanitaire sur l’Ebola – Avis du ministère de la Santé et du Bien-être – Maurice
Ebola Health Update – Highlights of Cabinet Meeting 4 September 2026
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.
AKAC 2026 Gallery
Photos and videos from previous editions of AKAC will be displayed here to provide context and inspire prospective delegates.
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 are attending AKAC 2026?
A: AKAC 2026 will be attended by government officials, private sector professionals, representatives of international organisations, academics, researchers and media. Anyone with an interest in productivity, Kaizen and continuous improvement is welcome to participate online.
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 to attend the sessions virtually.
Q: Will the entire conference be available virtually?
A: Selected sessions will be livestreamed. Please check the Gallery / Lives page for livestream links.
Q: How will I receive my delegate information pack?
A: Your delegate information pack will be emailed to you prior to 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. Click here for more information on visas.
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 contact@npccmauritius.com with their full name, passport number, nationality, country of residence and registration reference.
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 in English and French.
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.
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: contact@npccmauritius.com
Telephone: +230 467 7700
Website: www.npccmauritius.org
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:00 (Mauritius Time, UTC+4)
