# Inaugural World Public Summit in Africa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/inaugural-world-public-summit-in-africa
> Updated: 2026-08-01T08:29:53.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The World Peoples Assembly announced that its first‑ever World Public Summit would be hosted on the African continent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, slated for July 29‑30, 2026.  The two‑day event was framed around the theme “A New World: Africa Shaping a Shared Future” and was set to bring together leaders, diplomats, business executives, academics, innovators, media professionals and cultural figures to discuss governance, sustainable development, economic integration, ethical AI and related global issues.

The summit convened as scheduled at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters, drawing more than 700 participants from government, civil society, academia and the private sector.  Delegates deliberated on sustainable infrastructure, food and information systems, scientific cooperation, education, youth engagement, public diplomacy and the preservation of African cultural heritage.  Notable attendees included Cuban scientist Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, and the programme featured a large‑scale “Unity” art exhibition showcasing works from 16 African nations and an Afro‑Brazilian artist.  Outcomes from the gathering are intended to inform a follow‑up World Public Assembly planned for September in Moscow, Russia.

In the days following the summit, Ugandan entrepreneur Julius Kyazze highlighted the continent’s creative industries—music, film, fashion and digital content—as a new pillar of tourism.  He argued that these sectors should be treated as tourism infrastructure that creates jobs and attracts visitors, noting a shortage of business structures rather than talent.  Through his Live54+ platform, Kyazze aims to build an integrated ecosystem enabling artists, brands and festivals to operate seamlessly across African borders, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area’s goal of reducing trade barriers for services.  Delegates underscored tourism growth in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Morocco, The Gambia, Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya and Nigeria, positioning Africa’s creative economy as a driver of international visitation and investment.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: World Public Summit highlights Africa's creative economy as tourism driver

The World Public Summit in Addis Ababa showcased Africa’s growing creative economy as a tourism engine, with Ugandan entrepreneur Julius Kyazze urging cross‑border cultural infrastructure and highlighting new‑t

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-public-summit-highlights-africas-creative-economy-as-tourism-driver

### 2026-07-29: World Public Summit Africa convenes in Ethiopia with 700 participants

The first World Public Summit Africa gathered over 700 delegates in Addis Ababa to discuss sustainable development, scientific cooperation and public diplomacy, featuring Cuban scholar Fidel Castro Smirnov and

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-public-summit-africa-convenes-in-ethiopia-with-700-participants

### 2026-07-26: Addis Ababa to Host First-Ever World Public Summit in Africa

Addis Ababa will host the first World Public Summit in Africa (July 29‑30 2026), bringing together global leaders to discuss governance, sustainability and business travel, with Secretary‑General Andrey Belyan­

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/addis-ababa-to-host-first-ever-world-public-summit-in-africa

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Cite as: Inaugural World Public Summit in Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/inaugural-world-public-summit-in-africa