International participation · 2027
The 2027West AfricaUAS & Autonomy Week
International industry engagement, business & investment opportunities.
Two events. Two countries.
One coordinated gateway into Africa's biggest markets.
- 31 March: arrive in Accra (ACC).
- 1 to 2 April: Drone Ignite Africa Summit, Accra (ACC).
- 4 to 8 April: the Ibom Autonomy Business and Investment Mission, Uyo (QUO).
- 8 April: group flight back to Accra (ACC), departing 8 or 9 April.
The opportunity
Two markets.
One connected week.
In April 2027, the African Drone Forum is bringing international drone and autonomy companies to two of West Africa's most important markets.
Stop 01 · Accra
Ghana
1–2 April 2027
Industry exposure: meet Africa's drone sector, regulators and buyers.
Stop 02 · Uyo
Nigeria
4–8 April 2027
Business on the ground: targeted meetings, site visits and market discovery.
Population and GDP: World Bank, 2025 (current US$). Both countries are English-speaking ECOWAS and AfCFTA members.
Who should participate
What could your company accomplish in West Africa?
Exploring Ghana or Nigeria but unsure where the demand is, who the potential buyers are, or which partners to work with? Assess the market, build relevant relationships and identify practical opportunities before making a larger commitment.
Tell us your objectives- 01
Manufacturers & Technology Companies
Assess market demand, connect with prospective buyers and distributors, and explore local manufacturing, servicing and technical partnerships.
- 02
Energy, Mining & Industrial Technology Providers
Identify potential customers for inspection, monitoring and industrial solutions, and connect with partners who can support local delivery.
- 03
Physical AI & Robotics Companies
Explore real-world applications, pilot opportunities and local engineering, research and technology integration partners.
- 04
Drone Operators & Software Platforms
Identify enterprise demand, potential customers and local operating partners, while evaluating practical routes into the Ghanaian and Nigerian markets.
- 05
Investors & Corporate Development Teams
Evaluate market opportunities, promising companies, local capabilities and potential partnerships before committing capital or expanding operations.
Stop 01 of 02
Accra
Ghana
Connect with Africa's drone and autonomy industry.
- Program
- Drone Ignite Africa Summit
- Dates
- 1–2 April 2027
- Focus
- Industry, exhibition & networking
- Organized by
- Drone Ignite Africa with ADF
Ghana
Drone Ignite Africa Summit 2027
Powering Africa's autonomous future
1–2 April 2027 | Accra, Ghana
Two days of programming, exhibitions, technology experiences and networking for the industry leaders, governments, investors, researchers and innovators advancing drones, AI, robotics and autonomous technologies across Africa.
Expected in 2027
Summit themes8 themes · 2 days
- 01Mining and resources
- 02Energy and infrastructure
- 03Drone regulation
- 04Defense and security
- 05Drone logistics
- 06Investment and venture capital
- 07Legal, insurance and risk
- 08Manufacturing in Africa
Plus headline keynotes each day, fireside chats, regulator roundtables and a youth drone competition.
On the program1–2 April 2027
Summit Program
Keynotes, panels and Ignite Insights on policy, research and markets.
Exhibition
Products, platforms and innovation showcases from across the industry.
Live Demonstrations
Drone flights and hands-on technology experiences.
Ignite Live
Drone racing, entertainment and public experiences.
Talent & Startups
Entrepreneurship, skills and inclusion programs.
Networking
Operators, regulators, investors and buyers from 20+ countries.
Who will be there1,000+ delegates from 20+ countries expected in 2027
- Governments & regulatorsPolicymakers from across Africa
- Operators & servicesInspection, mapping and delivery
- OEMs & tech companiesHardware, software and autonomy
- Investors & fundersFunds and development partners
- Researchers & startupsUniversities and emerging talent
Ways to participate1–2 April 2027
Attend as a Delegate
Market brief, 3–5 guaranteed B2B meetings, VIP Summit access, fully hosted.
$1,950 per delegate, Ghana only package
Exhibit
Showcase products and capabilities to a focused industry audience.
From $6,000 10% discount for ADF members
Sponsor
Align your brand with the platform and support programs or talent.
By proposal
Speak
Share expertise, operational lessons and research in program sessions.
By review
Bring a Delegation
Associations and institutions can coordinate group participation.
On request
Continuing to Nigeria?
See the Ghana + Nigeria package.
The broader Drone Ignite platform
Drone Ignite Summit
Industry dialogue, exhibitions, demonstrations and networking.
Ignite Live
Drone entertainment, racing and interactive public experiences.
Ignite Insights
Research, policy, market intelligence and thought leadership.
Stop 02 of 02
Uyo
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Explore commercial opportunities in Africa's largest consumer market.
- Program
- Ibom Autonomy Business & Investment Mission
- Dates
- 4–8 April 2027
- Route
- Direct Ibom Air service
- Convened by
- African Drone Forum
Nigeria
The Ibom Autonomy Business & Investment Mission
From curated industry stakeholders to business on the ground
4–8 April 2027 | Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Following Drone Ignite Africa, ADF proposes a curated delegation of companies, investors and institutional representatives. Each company arrives with a defined objective, such as a buyer, partner or investment requirement, and leaves with relevant introductions and clear next steps.
The mission gives international companies a focused setting to meet prospective Nigerian customers, industry partners and technical institutions. Instead of navigating a new market alone, delegates follow a coordinated program built around their commercial priorities.
Nigeria · Uyo, Akwa Ibom
Five days in Uyo
4–8 April 2027Full trip: 31 March to 9 April.
APRIL04SundayArrival and welcome
Group flight, airport welcome, hotel check-in.
Accra Uyo
EVENING‘AMEDI’ Welcome Dinner & Networking Reception
APRIL05MondayMarket discovery
Market and investment briefing, ecosystem and university visits, and curated business meetings.
EVENINGIbom After Dark executive networking
APRIL06TuesdayBusiness & Investment Roundtable
Opportunity briefings, delegation introductions, moderated discussions and curated meetings.
EVENINGExecutive Networking Dinner
APRIL07WednesdayMeetings & site visits
Follow-up meetings and site visits with prospective partners, then Akwa Ibom culture and cuisine.
EVENING‘SỌSỌÑỌ’ Closing Dinner & Cultural Experience
APRIL08ThursdayReturn to Accra
Group flight to Accra. Ghana + Nigeria participants stay a final night, departing 9 April.
Uyo Accra
A business mission focused on matching you with the right end users, local partners, and investment opportunities.
- Market entryA tailored brief on demand, operating conditions and routes to a local presence.
- PartnershipsScreened introductions to distribution, implementation, service and training partners.
- InvestmentSelected opportunities and projects for further due diligence.
- Talent & technologyLinks to universities, technical institutions and local companies.
- Aviation & autonomyInsight into drone operations, maintenance, manufacturing and services.
Market Briefings
Market conditions, demand, regulation and investment outlook.
Curated B2B Meetings
3–5 guaranteed one-to-one meetings, matched to your goals.
Investment Roundtable
Tuesday 6 April. Invite-only working session.
Site Visits
Universities, technical institutions, airports and industry.
Executive Networking
Welcome reception, hosted dinners and evening events.
Culture & Heritage
Akwa Ibom's cuisine, heritage and creative economy.
40 delegate places. Meetings sought with:
- State governmentAkwa Ibom leadership and agencies
- Federal regulatorsAviation, security and policy
- Business leadersNigerian companies and investors
- Industrial buyersEnergy, oil & gas and logistics
- Universities & techTechnical talent and local partners
Participation & packages
Participation packages
Each package is built around your objectives: market preparation, pre-arranged meetings and on-the-ground support.
Prices in USD
| Core packages | Ghana only 1–2 April $1,950 Per delegate |
Ghana + Nigeria 1–8 April $6,950 Per delegate |
|---|---|---|
| B2B meetings and introductionsBuyers and partners screened for relevance to you. | 3–5 guaranteed | 3–5 guaranteed(per country) |
| Speaking, panel, or presentation opportunity | ||
| VIP Summit pass and access to all networking events | ||
| Pre-trip strategy call and mission briefVirtual call to set your goals, then a brief on the market, target clients and meetings. | ||
| Nigeria Roundtable and site visits | ||
| Post-mission report, 30-day review | ||
| Hotel accommodation | 3 nights, Ghana | 9 nights, Ghana + Nigeria |
| Private transport, all program travel | Ghana + Nigeria | |
| Round-trip flight, Accra–Uyo |
Save 15% when you book by 1 January 2027.Discounts on additional delegates and group bookings.
About the organizer
The African Drone Forum
Africa's largest professional association for the drone and autonomous-systems industry.
ADF is a nonprofit industry organization advancing Africa's drone and autonomous-systems ecosystem. Through programs, research, regulatory dialogue and international cooperation, we connect companies, operators, regulators, investors and institutions across Africa and beyond.
For international companies, ADF is a trusted bridge into the continent, with introductions to regulators, partners and buyers.
African Drone Regulators ForumAviation Africa, NairobiIn September 2026, ADF convened the inaugural African Drone Regulators Forum in Nairobi with representatives from 13 African civil aviation authorities.Organized by
Government partners
ADF organizational members
Media & event partners
Travel & participation
Frequently asked questions
Travel
When should I arrive in Ghana?
Arrive in Accra by 31 March. Ghana-only delegates check out on 3 April. Ghana + Nigeria participants can book their departing flight from Accra for the evening of 8 April or on 9 April.
Which flights are covered?
Only the Accra–Uyo round-trip flight, included in the Ghana + Nigeria package. International flights to and from Accra are booked by each participant.
Do you help with visas?
Yes. We provide visa invitation letters and support for Ghana and Nigeria. Visa fees are paid by each participant.
What do I arrange myself?
International flights from your origin city to Accra, visa fees, travel insurance, freight and any operating permits.
How are safety and security handled?
Safety is top of mind throughout the program. Planning is coordinated with the Akwa Ibom State Government, with private transport for all program travel and on-the-ground ADF delegation support.
Any entry or health requirements?
Requirements vary by nationality and travel history. Check current entry and health guidance with your travel clinic before departure.
Participation
How are B2B meetings arranged?
We start with a strategy call on your goals, then screen and schedule 3–5 guaranteed meetings in Ghana, and 3–5 per country on Ghana + Nigeria.
Can I join only Ghana or only Nigeria?
Yes. The Ghana Only package covers Accra. Nigeria-only participation, Ghana-only matchmaking and group delegations: tailored quotation.
Can I bring colleagues?
Yes. On the Ghana + Nigeria package, additional executives from the same company join for $3,900 per person and share the company's meeting program.
Can I exhibit or run a flight demonstration?
Yes. Accra exhibition booths start at $6,000, with a 10% discount for ADF members. Flight demonstration coordination starts at $2,500 in Ghana and $4,000 in Nigeria.
Are places limited?
Yes. The Nigeria program is capped at 40 delegate places, so that every meeting can be arranged well.
How do I book?
Contact the ADF team using the form below, or the details beside it. Fees are in USD and booking terms are confirmed in writing.
Your invitation
Tell us what you want to achieve in the African market.
We'll recommend the participation option that best fits your goals.
Early-bird rateSave 15% when you book by 1 January 2027.