For two decades, InstinctWave has been more than an events company, it’s been a catalyst for progress, a bridge connecting Africa’s brightest minds, and a beacon spotlighting innovation, leadership, and impact across the continent.
Founded in 2005 by visionary leader Akin Naphtal, InstinctWave has grown into Africa’s premier platform for purposeful engagement, hosting landmark conferences, awards, and initiatives that have shaped industries from digital economy and public sector reform to procurement, finance, and women’s empowerment.
In this candid interview, Mr Naphtal shares the origins of this transformative journey, the core values that define InstinctWave’s unwavering commitment, and an ambitious vision for the future, especially as major events in 2026 promise to deepen connections, influence policy, and propel Africa forward.
IW: How did InstinctWave Group start, and what made you feel this was something you needed to build?
Mr Naphtal: InstinctWave was founded in 2005 in the United Kingdom out of a deep desire to elevate African excellence and create platforms that recognize, connect, share and empower key players across industries. At the time, there were few platforms spotlighting business innovation, leadership, and policy impact within emerging African markets. I saw a gap and an opportunity to create not just events, but ecosystems that inspire progress. That’s what we set out to build, and it’s what has continued to drive us 20 years later.
IW: When you think about the future, what do you really want InstinctWave to become?
Mr Naphtal: We want InstinctWave to become Africa’s most trusted platform for purposeful engagement, where ideas meet opportunity, and where businesses, policymakers, innovators, and professionals can connect to shape the future. We’ve expanded beyond events into more integrated digital, media, and business growth solutions because we believe Africa deserves world-class platforms that reflect our ambition, capacity, and culture.
IW: In your own words, what makes InstinctWave different from others doing similar work?
Mr. Naphtal: We are not just an events company. We are a connection platform. For us, every conference, award ceremony, publication, or digital campaign is about moving the needle for a person, a company, or a country. We’ve stayed true to our African roots while delivering to international standards, and we genuinely care about the impact we create.
IW: Are there any past achievements or milestones you’re particularly proud of so far?
Mr Naphtal: Absolutely. I’m especially proud of how InstinctWave has helped shape conversations around innovation, public sector reform, procurement & supply chain, marketing, digital economy, and finance across more than 7 African countries. From launching the Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards, to our Digital Economy Live platform, to curating women-focused platforms like InstinctWomen, we’ve consistently created safe, respected spaces for African excellence to shine.
IW: What are the top seven values that shape how InstinctWave operates?
Mr Naphtal: Professionalism, Innovation, Customer-Centricity, Integrity, Community, Inclusivity, and Excellence. These aren’t just buzzwords — they are the pillars behind every decision we make and every brand we build.
IW: Why are these values important and non-negotiable for InstinctWave?
Mr Naphtal: Because they are what earn us trust. In a world where many promise, but few deliver, our values keep us grounded and guide how we treat our clients, partners, and team. They help us ensure that every experience is meaningful and memorable.
IW: How do these values show up in the way we work with clients and partners?
Mr Naphtal: You see it in the attention to detail in our signature events, the respect we show every delegate and award winner, and the relationships we’ve sustained for decades. We listen deeply, we deliver consistently, and we always strive to go the extra mile.
IW: As InstinctWave continues to grow, how do you make sure these values don’t get lost?
Mr Naphtal: By embedding them into everything from how we onboard new team members to how we design client solutions. Every new market we enter or brand we launch carries those values forward. We also keep a close-knit culture of accountability and shared ownership, where every team member knows: the brand is only as strong as what we all live by.
IW: With several major events planned for 2026, what impact or outcomes do you hope these initiatives will create for InstinctWave and its audience or clients?
Mr Naphtal: We see 2026 as a year of deepening engagement and broadening reach. Our events will go beyond just tackling Africa’s most pressing conversations, from digital transformation and public finance to gender equity and the creative economy. But more than just conversations, we want to see our platforms in various growth markets shaping policy, attracting investment, and inspiring leadership. Every event is a chance to move Africa forward, and InstinctWave is proud to lead from the front.
