Networking at Africa Tech Summit: A First-Timer's Guide

Africa Tech Summit is one of the most important tech events on the continent. Held annually in Nairobi, it brings together founders, investors, corporates, regulators, and builders from across Africa and internationally.

If you're attending for the first time, you might be focused on which sessions to attend and which speakers to watch. That matters. But the real value of ATS isn't the content — it's the connections you make in the hallways, at lunch, and during the networking sessions.

Here's how to make the most of it.

Before the Event

The biggest mistake first-timers make is showing up without a plan. You walk into a room of 1,000+ people and don't know where to start. Fix that before you arrive.

Research the attendee list. ATS usually publishes their speaker lineup and sponsor list weeks before the event. Study them. Identify 5-10 people you specifically want to meet and write down why.

"I want to meet Sarah because she runs BD at Flutterwave and we're building a payment integration for East Africa" is a plan. "I want to network" is not.

If the event has a networking platform, join early. Browse attendees by role and company. Send connection requests before you arrive. By the time you walk in, you'll already have conversations lined up.

Update your own profile. Whether it's your LinkedIn, your Cardtag profile, or even just your WhatsApp bio — make sure it clearly says who you are, what you do, and what you're looking for. People will look you up.

During the Event

The sessions at ATS are excellent, but you don't need to attend all of them. Most sessions are recorded or summarized online afterward. The connections you make will not be.

Prioritize networking during these moments: the registration area (people are standing around with nowhere to be), lunch breaks (sit down next to someone you don't know), the exhibition hall (sponsors are there specifically to meet people), and the official networking sessions.

When you meet someone interesting, don't just exchange phone numbers. Connect digitally right there — whether through Cardtag, LinkedIn, or even a quick WhatsApp message with context: "Great meeting you at ATS. Let's talk more about [topic]."

Write context notes. After each conversation, take 30 seconds to type a note: "Sarah — Flutterwave BD — interested in East Africa payments — follow up about partnership." Without these notes, you'll forget who's who by the end of the day.

Go deep, not wide. Having 5 real conversations is worth more than collecting 50 business cards. Ask real questions. Listen to what people are building. Look for ways to help them, not just what they can do for you.

After the Event

This is where most people fail. You collected 15 contacts and followed up with zero. Don't be that person.

Follow up within 24 hours. Reference something specific from your conversation. Suggest a concrete next step: a coffee, a call, an introduction. Keep it short.

If the event used Cardtag, you'll get AI follow-up suggestions for each connection. Review them, personalize, and send. The hard part — remembering what you talked about and drafting a message — is done for you.

Connect on LinkedIn with a personal note, not a blank request. "Great meeting you at ATS — I'd love to continue our conversation about climate fintech" gets accepted. A blank request gets ignored.

ATS-Specific Tips

The Investment Showcase is where early-stage ventures pitch to investors. Even if you're not pitching, attend these sessions — the founders presenting are worth meeting, and the investors in the audience are accessible during breaks.

The networking drinks on the evening of Day 1 are often where the best connections happen. People are relaxed, the formal agenda is over, and conversations flow naturally. Don't skip this.

The ATS Community Portal runs year-round. If you connect with someone at the event, continue the relationship through the portal.

The Bottom Line

Africa Tech Summit is a two-day event, but the relationships you build there can last years. The founders you meet today might be the partners, investors, or collaborators you work with in 2027 and beyond.

Come with a plan. Connect intentionally. Follow up religiously. And if the event runs on Cardtag — your job just got a lot easier.

See you in Nairobi.

cardtag.io — Never lose a connection again.