# BDCG Annual Conference 2026 > The BDCG Annual Conference brings together practitioners, governments, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector leaders to transform African market systems, with a focus on practical, scalable solutions for local innovation, inclusive finance and climate resilience. ## Key facts - Event: BDCG Annual Conference 2026, 25–27 November 2026, Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, Kenya - Theme: Transforming African Market Systems: Innovating Local Solutions, Inclusive Finance, and Climate Resilience - Convened by the Business Development Services (BDS) Donor Coordination Group (BDCG); the Secretariat is hosted by the Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) - Contact: bdcgnetwork@mespt.org - Website: https://bdcgnetwork.org/ - All times are East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3). ## Key dates - 16 September 2026: Call for abstracts opens - 16 October 2026: Abstract submission deadline - 30 October 2026: Abstract acceptance notifications - 16 September 2026: Registration opens - 6 November 2026: Presenter confirmation deadline - 13 November 2026: Registration deadline - 24 November 2026: Planned delegate arrival - 25–27 November 2026: BDCG Conference 2026 ## Main pages - [About](https://bdcgnetwork.org/about/): The BDCG network, the 2026 conference, previous conferences and FAQ - [Call for Abstracts](https://bdcgnetwork.org/call-for-abstracts/): Who can submit, contribution categories, conference themes and tracks - [Abstract Submission Guidance](https://bdcgnetwork.org/abstract-guidance/): How to prepare and submit an abstract, and how abstracts are reviewed - [Submit an Abstract](https://bdcgnetwork.org/submit-abstract/): The online abstract submission form (no account needed) - [Sponsor & Partner](https://bdcgnetwork.org/sponsor-partner/): Sponsorship and exhibition packages - [Logistics](https://bdcgnetwork.org/logistics/): Venue, travel and arrival information - [Events](https://bdcgnetwork.org/events/): Upcoming and past BDCG events and webinars - [BDCG Network Partners](https://bdcgnetwork.org/network-partners/): The founding members of the BDCG network - [Newsroom](https://bdcgnetwork.org/newsroom/): Conference announcements, reports and resources - [Contact](https://bdcgnetwork.org/contact/): Contact the BDCG Secretariat - [Delegate registration](https://mespt.org/bdcg/): Register as a delegate (handled on the MESPT registration portal) ## Abstract themes and tracks Every abstract is submitted under one theme and one track. Abstracts may be submitted as a PDF, DOC or DOCX file (up to 5MB). ### Theme 1: Productive, Resilient Market Systems - Climate-smart agriculture and resilient food systems - Sustainable management of land, water, and natural resources - Regenerative agriculture and circular bioeconomy models - Mechanization and technology-enabled production - Farmer aggregation, cooperatives, and producer organizations - Competitive value chains, expanded market access, and regional trade - Value addition, agro-processing, storage, and logistics - Export readiness, standards compliance, traceability and competitiveness - Climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and early-warning systems - Public-private partnerships and enabling policy environments - Artificial intelligence, digital platforms and market intelligence ### Theme 2: Inclusive Finance, Enterprise and Risk Management - Agricultural financing to SME and Farmer Organizations - Enterprise growth, competitiveness, and investment readiness - Inclusive digital and mobile financial services - Blended finance, patient capital, and innovative financing models - Climate sensitive and green finance - Financing solutions for women, youth, and underserved entrepreneurs - Savings, investment, and capital mobilization mechanisms - Crop, livestock, health, life, and weather-index insurance - Credit guarantees and risk-sharing facilities - SACCO, MFI, MFB and financial ecosystem strengthening - Consumer protection, financial literacy, and responsible finance - Credit information systems and financial governance - Climate, financial, and market risk management, including portfolio monitoring, diversification, liquidity management, and investment decision-support ### Theme 3: Governance, Inclusion and Scale - Youth, women, Persons With Disabilities in entrepreneurship and leadership - Inclusive participation across value chains and market systems - Access to finance, land, technology, and productive assets - Participation in cooperatives, producer organizations, and SACCOs - Enterprise development, incubation, and market access - Skills development, digital literacy, mentorship, employment and workforce readiness - Innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship development - Governance and policy frameworks that support inclusion - Public-private partnerships and collective action - Adaptive learning, knowledge systems, and evidence-based decision-making - Inclusive and safe digital ecosystems - Addressing structural barriers affecting women, youth, and marginalized populations ## Sponsorship and exhibition packages - Platinum Partner (KES 10,000,000): Exclusive platinum partner status; 12 delegate passes (Full board accommodation for the duration of the conference); Keynote/opening plenary role; 30-minute leadership address at a designated high-level session; Opportunity for a bilateral leadership dialogue with selected high-level stakeholders; Opportunity to propose a Chief Guest; Strategic input into agenda; Sponsor a thematic pillar; Lead/moderate a thematic session; Co-host a high-level dialogue; Exhibition Booth and 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Prominent branding across agreed conference communications and visibility materials; Dedicated sponsor profile in conference publications; Dedicated social media spotlight; Featured post-conference visibility - Diamond Partner (KES 5,000,000): 6 delegate passes (Full board accommodation for the duration of the conference); High-level speaking opportunity; Co-host a high-level dialogue; Lead/moderate one thematic session; Exhibition Booth and 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Prominent branding across agreed conference communications and visibility materials; Recognition during opening and closing sessions; Featured in post-conference communications; Showcase organization’s innovations/case studies - Gold Partner (KES 2,000,000): 3 delegate passes (Full board accommodation for the duration of the conference); Lead/moderate a thematic session; Support a thematic session; Exhibition Booth and 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Showcase innovations/case studies; Prominent branding across agreed conference communications and visibility materials; Recognition during selected sessions; Inclusion in conference communications - Silver Partner (KES 1,000,000): 2 delegate passes (Full board accommodation for the duration of the conference); Present a case study/lesson; Exhibition Booth and 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Prominent branding across agreed conference communications and visibility materials; Structured participation in selected sessions; Recognition during selected sessions; Logo on conference website; Social media recognition - Bronze Partner (KES 750,000): 2 delegate passes (Full board accommodation for the duration of the conference); Exhibition Booth and 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Logo visibility on conference website; Logo inclusion in selected conference materials; Recognition as a conference partner; Social media acknowledgement; Networking opportunities - Exhibition Booth (KES 75,000): One (1) exhibition booth for the duration of the conference; 1 Exhibition Pass- Exhibition access only and meals (water, 10 o’clock tea, lunch, and 4 o’clock tea), no accommodation; Listing among conference exhibitors ## Events - No upcoming events are scheduled right now. See https://bdcgnetwork.org/events/ for updates. - Past: Inclusive Market Symposium 2025, CIALA Resort, Kisumu, Kenya · 26–28 November 2025 - https://bdcgnetwork.org/wp-content/themes/bdcg-theme/assets/reports/bdcg-symposium-report-2025.pdf - Past: Inclusive Market Symposium 2024, Whitesands Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya · 27–29 November 2024 - https://bdcgnetwork.org/wp-content/themes/bdcg-theme/assets/reports/bdcg-symposium-report-2024.pdf ## Frequently asked questions **When and where is the conference?** The conference is planned for 25–27 November 2026, Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa, Kenya. View on map. **Can I attend without presenting?** Delegate registration and abstract submission are separate participation routes. See the registration page for booking information. **How can I request accessibility support?** Contact bdcgnetwork@mespt.org to discuss your access requirements and the arrangements available.