Showcase Africa's Cyber Future
Africa's emerging cyber defense, cybersecurity, and AI security companies are invited to exhibit at the Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF) Startup Hub.
ACDF Startup Hub is a dedicated zone at the 7th Africa Cyber Defense Forum (ACDF) 2026 in Nairobi, giving startup founders direct floor time with the continent's CISOs, government officials, regulators, investors, and global partners.
About the Startup Hub
The ACDF Startup Hub is where Africa's emerging cyber defense, cybersecurity, and AI security companies meet the people who can move them forward.
Convened by the Africa Cyber Defense Forum, the Startup Hub brings founders face to face with CISOs, government officials, regulators, investors, and global partners at the continent's leading cyber defense gathering at a dedicated exhibition zone on the main Conference floor from 4–5 November 2026 at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi, Kenya.
This is a working platform built to connect African innovation to African demand.
The Opportunity
Every Startup Hub exhibitor receives:
- A branded booth in the Startup Hub exhibition zone for the duration of the main Conference from 4–5 November.
- One delegate pass with full access to the Forum programme.
- A listing in the Startup Hub exhibitor directory, published in the digital and printed delegate programme.
- Curated introductions to CISOs, investors, and partners attending the Forum.
- Feature across ACDF channels before, during, and after the event.
Booth Packages
Two booth formats are available in the Startup Hub exhibition zone. Both include a 42" screen for your product demo or pitch video, a branded panel for your own company branding, and a stool for one-on-one meetings at the stand.
| COMPACT KIOSK | FULL STAND | |
| Investment | USD 1,500 | USD 2,000 |
| Footprint | 987mm (W) × 2,418mm (H) | 1,984mm (W) backwall + 911mm (W) pylon × 2,418mm (H) |
| Screen | 42" plasma, embedded | 42" plasma, embedded |
| Branding Area | Single branded header panel | Wide backwall + separate branded logo pylon (two sightlines) |
| Storage | Lockable 2-door cabinet | Open shelf / counter |
| Seating | Bar stool | Bar stool |
| Best for | A lean, secure presence with screen and storage | Maximum visibility — two branding zones, visible from multiple aisles |
 |
 |
Who Should Apply
We welcome startups building in:
- Cyber defense — threat detection and response, SOC tooling, incident response, threat intelligence.
- Cybersecurity — identity, cloud security, application security, OT/ICS and critical infrastructure protection, fraud prevention, GRC.
- AI for security — AI-driven defense, securing AI systems, countering AI-enabled fraud and disinformation.
Eligibility:
- Founded within the last 2 years, with fewer than 50 employees.
- Product in development, launching within six months, or launched within the past twelve months.
- Headquartered in Africa, or with a clear African market focus.
If you're solving real security problems for African organisations — banks, telcos, governments, utilities, SMEs — we want you on the floor.
How to Book Your Booth
- Complete the online booking form — tell us about your company, choose Compact Kiosk or Full Stand, and confirm your delegate contact.
- Submit your branding assets — sponsor-supplied artwork for your header panel and (Full Stand only) logo pylon, per the ACDF exhibitor specification sheet.
- Confirm and pay — you'll receive confirmation by email within 48 hours and an invoice for your selected package.
Booths are confirmed in the order payment is received. Branding assets are due no later than 2 weeks before the Forum to guarantee production.
Key Dates
Booking Opens: 1 September 2026
Early-bird booking deadline: 11 September 2026
Branding assets due: 19 October 2026
Booth move-in: 3 November 2026
Startup Hub exhibition: 4–5 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does my booth investment include?
Your booth structure, a 42" screen, one delegate pass, a listing in the exhibitor directory, and curated introductions to CISOs and investors attending the Forum. See the Booth Packages table above for what's specific to each tier.
Do I have to be based in Africa?
Priority is given to African-headquartered startups, but companies with a demonstrable African market focus and presence are welcome to apply.
My product hasn't launched yet. Can I still book a booth?
Yes. Products in development, launching within six months, or launched within the past twelve months are all eligible.
Can I upgrade from a Compact Kiosk to a Full Stand later?
Subject to availability. Contact the Secretariat as early as possible if you'd like to upgrade — Full Stand allocation is limited.
Who designs my branding panel?
You supply your own artwork to the ACDF exhibitor specification sheet (sent on booking confirmation). ACDF is able to design booth branding on your behalf at a cost of USD 750.