Organisers of the World Talent Conference (WTC) 2026 in Kisumu want Kenyans to broaden their idea of what qualifies as a project at a major conference, saying talent should not be limited to sophisticated scientific inventions or computer technology.
The conference, scheduled for October 26-30, will showcase what organisers describe as the broader economy of human talent, including music, poetry, comedy and acting.
Filmmaking, modelling, fashion, beauty, culinary arts, sports, agriculture, crafts and entrepreneurship alongside science, engineering, healthcare and technology will also be featured.
Professor Humphrey Oborah, founder and director of the African Talent University and an organiser of the event, said the message ahead of the conference’s 21-day countdown was simple: “If you have talent, bring it to Kisumu.”
Unlike a conventional talent show, participants will be encouraged to demonstrate how their talents can be developed into projects, products, businesses and sustainable careers, Oborah said at a briefing ahead of the event.
A musician could present an album or music business, while a comedian could showcase a production or digital content enterprise. A fashion designer could present a clothing collection and its commercial potential, he said.
Beauty practitioners could demonstrate products and services involving hairstyling, skincare or makeup, while participants in hospitality and culinary arts could present food products, recipes and business concepts.
Drama, spoken word, photography, filmmaking, sports, agriculture and community initiatives will also be featured, Prof Oborah said.
The conference secretariat has been bringing together investors, donors, development organisations, potential sponsors, professionals and other opportunity providers to interact with participants and their projects.
Successful presentations could lead to discussions on investment, sponsorship, mentorship, partnerships, commercialisation, market access and expansion, Prof Oborah said.
Organisers are encouraging participants not to overlook projects because they appear small or unconventional.
An original song, recipe, fashion concept, beauty product, sporting initiative, film, agricultural enterprise or community solution could have significant potential when exposed to the right audience, he said.
Participation will not be restricted to university and college students.
Schools, technical and vocational education and training institutions and universities are being encouraged to identify projects, while staff, parents, professionals, entrepreneurs and independent talented individuals will also be eligible.
Projects can be presented individually or in teams and will be organised through different talent cohorts.
Prof Oborah said attendance at WTC 2026 would be free, removing what he described as a common barrier to participation in international conferences.
Participants will, however, have to register in advance and cover their own transport, accommodation and meals.
Attention will now turn to the African Talent University in Kisumu on October 5, when stakeholders will gather for the official 21-day countdown to the conference.
Hotels, accommodation providers, transport operators, tour companies, restaurants and other businesses serving visitors have been invited to a stakeholder meeting at the university from 3pm to 5 pm for final guidance.
Security and medical agencies have also been urged to prepare for the expected attendance.
Organisers expect the conference to generate economic opportunities beyond the event venues through accommodation, transport, food, tourism, entertainment and other visitor spending.
They also hope the event will help position Kisumu as “The Capital City of Talent in Africa.”
For participants, the organisers’ message is to bring their talent, projects and enterprises to the conference and explore opportunities to develop them further.
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