In a world where business and leadership are moving at unprecedented speed, African leaders are being called to think bigger, act bolder, and embrace transformative change. SHIFT Conference 2026, themed Making Big Shifts, will bring together visionary entrepreneurs, CEOs, policymakers, and change-makers on Saturday, February 21, at the iconic Eko Hotels & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Against the backdrop of Africa’s commercial heartbeat, the conference promises an immersive experience where ideas, strategies, and practical tools converge to equip leaders for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Founded by renowned leadership strategist, Dr Sam Adeyemi and curated by The Global Leadership Consultancy, SHIFT has grown into one of Africa’s most influential leadership platforms. The 2026 edition will feature dynamic keynotes, interactive panels, and strategy-driven workshops, all designed to spark fresh thinking, foster collaboration, and empower participants to translate insights into bold, actionable outcomes. From exploring innovation and governance to scaling businesses and cultivating influence, SHIFT 2026 is set to inspire a new era of African leadership and organizational excellence.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Making Big Shifts: Why Africa’s Boldest Leaders Are Heading to Lagos

Below are ten points that you need to know about the conference.
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Theme and Focus
SHIFT Conference 2026 is held under the theme Making Big Shifts, highlighting the need for leaders to embrace bold, transformative change rather than incremental adjustments. -
Date, Venue, and Location
The conference takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. As Africa’s commercial hub, Lagos provides the perfect backdrop for discussions on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. -
Founding and Leadership
Founded by Dr Sam Adeyemi and curated by The Global Leadership Consultancy, SHIFT emphasizes that leadership breakthroughs start with shifts in thinking, challenging traditional mindsets to address modern problems. -
Purpose and Strategic Objective
Beyond inspiration, the conference equips leaders including CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public-sector executives with practical tools, frameworks, and perspectives to navigate disruption, scale businesses, and build resilient organizations. -
Attendance and Reach
Building on the success of 2025, SHIFT 2026 expects over 4,000 participants from across Africa and the diaspora, spanning sectors like business, technology, finance, government, and the creative economy. -
Speaker Lineup
The conference features high-profile leaders including Dr Sam Adeyemi, John Olajide, Founder and CEO of Axxess, and Dr Nike Adeyemi, Founder of Real Woman Foundation and President of Women of Destiny. They will explore enterprise, leadership, governance, innovation, and personal development.
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Program Structure
SHIFT 2026 combines keynotes, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and strategy workshops covering scaling businesses, technology adoption, adaptive leadership, sustainability, and influence in a rapidly evolving environment. -
Audience and Networking
The conference targets founders, CEOs, senior executives, and public-sector leaders. It offers purposeful networking with peers, potential collaborators, investors, and mentors, fostering high-level decision-making and peer learning. -
Partnerships and Credibility
Corporate and media partners including Alpha Morgan Bank, BusinessDay, Patton Morgan, and Jospong reflect the growing credibility of SHIFT and its role in shaping Africa’s leadership and business discourse. -
Practical Impact and Legacy
SHIFT emphasizes actionable insights, leaving participants equipped with frameworks, tools, and mindsets to drive innovation and transformation. Since its inception, it has become one of Africa’s most influential leadership platforms, shaping conversations on strategy, enterprise, and governance.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: The Power of Being Seen – Dr. Sam Adeyemi’s Message to Leaders Who Stay Silent
SHIFT Conference 2026 is more than an event—it is a platform to ignite bold thinking, foster meaningful connections, and equip leaders with the tools to navigate change and drive growth. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register today and position yourself at the forefront of Africa’s next wave of leadership and innovation.




