Olori Atuwatse, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie and renowned actor RMD are among prominent Nigerian personalities expected to headline the 2026 Global Knowledge Festival, scheduled to take place from September 17 to 20 at the Global Knowledge Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The four-day festival is expected to convene influential voices from business, leadership, faith, entertainment, culture, innovation and human development for conversations and learning experiences focused on knowledge, leadership and the future of Africa.
Also expected at the festival are Bishop Funke Felix-Adejumo, Dr Nike Adeyemi and Mr Abubakar Suleiman, alongside other prominent leaders, thinkers and changemakers from Nigeria and beyond.
The gathering will be hosted by media personality and actress Nancy Isime.
The festival is being convened by Ambassador Mfon Ekpo, Founder of the Global Knowledge Centre and Chief Executive Officer of The Discovery Centre, who said the initiative was conceived as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and meaningful conversations.
Ekpo said the Global Knowledge Festival would provide an avenue for people to exchange knowledge, challenge ideas, build relationships and explore ways of translating ideas into action.
“The Global Knowledge Festival is more than a gathering. It is a continuation of a vision to create a space where knowledge is shared, ideas are challenged, people are inspired and meaningful connections are made,” she said.
She noted that while Africa has no shortage of talent, ideas or potential, there was a need for more platforms capable of connecting people and fostering collaboration.
“Africa has no shortage of talent, ideas or potential. What we need are more platforms that bring people together to exchange knowledge, collaborate and turn ideas into action,” Ekpo said.
She added that the Global Knowledge Centre represented the organisers’ contribution to that vision, expressing confidence that the initiative would evolve into a lasting platform for learning, discovery, leadership and collaboration.
A major highlight of the festival will be the commissioning of the First Global Knowledge Centre in Africa, a permanent facility designed to promote learning, knowledge exchange, collaboration, discovery and leadership engagement.
According to the organisers, the centre is intended to serve as a continuing platform beyond the festival, creating opportunities for individuals and organisations to connect, exchange ideas and engage with issues shaping Africa’s development.
The festival will feature conversations, learning sessions, cultural experiences and networking opportunities, with the organisers seeking to generate ideas and relationships that will continue beyond the four-day event.
The 2026 Global Knowledge Festival is expected to draw participants from different sectors and backgrounds to Uyo, with the organisers positioning the gathering as a platform for advancing conversations around knowledge, leadership, innovation and Africa’s future.
