It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to SIOP Africa 2026, set in the dynamic, energetic and culturally rich city of Lagos, Nigeria.

This gathering is more than a conference. It is a powerful convergence of minds, commitment and hope. As we meet on the shores of West Africa, we are reminded that progress in paediatric oncology is not bound by geography, but propelled by unity, innovation and an unrelenting belief in equity. As SIOP grows, the continental conferences become more important to share best practices and innovative research.

SIOP Africa 2026 will spotlight the groundbreaking work being done across our continent, while opening the floor to new collaborations, bold ideas, and the voices of young professionals shaping the future. Together, we will explore what it truly means to harmonise care, strengthen systems and push forward African-led research.

We welcome you not only to share and learn, but to be inspired. The work ahead of us is immense, but so too is the strength of this community.

Help us shape the next chapter of paediatric oncology in Africa by engaging fully with the exciting programme.

Welcome to SIOP Africa 2026 – Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th Biennial SIOP Africa Congress, to be held in Lagos, Nigeria, in April 2026. I am truly excited to invite you to join us once again as we gather across Africa and the world, united by a shared commitment to improving childhood cancer care on our continent.

Our theme, “Building collaborative networks for paediatric oncology across Africa,” reflects what we know to be true: progress demands partnership. It requires working together across disciplines, institutions, and borders. It requires African solutions for African children. And it requires a shared commitment to our vision:

No child should die of cancer; cure for more, care for all.

The Local Organising Committee, under the able leadership of Dr Adeseye Akinsete, is working hard to create an unforgettable congress experience — one that blends scientific excellence with the unique energy of Lagos.

Dr Adedayo Joseph leads a distinguished Scientific Committee that is curating a programme designed to inspire and challenge us to greater heights.

Have you thought about the emerging role of artificial intelligence in paediatric oncology in Africa? What about a renewed focus on our adolescents and young adults?

For all who have been part of our previous gatherings, you know that a SIOP Africa Congress is always more than a meeting. It is a time of energy, of connection, of shared purpose and joy. The sense of community, of togetherness, and of determination is something we carry with us long after we leave.

We warmly acknowledge the support of all our partners and sponsors, who walk alongside us to make this work possible.

So, come — come ready to learn, to connect, and to lead together.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Lagos, Nigeria, for the 16th Biennial SIOP Africa Congress in April 2026.

This promises to be an unforgettable meeting; rich in science, vibrant in culture, and grounded in the shared mission of transforming childhood cancer care across Africa.

Our theme, "Collaboration" is more than just a word; it is a call to action.

It reflects the collective strength we gain when clinicians, researchers, nurses, advocates, survivors, and civil society come together to drive meaningful change. At the heart of this congress is a commitment to equity, innovation, and partnership, values that resonate deeply with the spirit of Lagos.

Together with my colleagues on the Local Organising Committee, we are working diligently to deliver an exceptional congress experience.

Expect a robust scientific programme, impactful pre-congress workshops, and sessions that amplify the voices of African survivors and frontline providers.

We have created spaces that foster dialogue, connection, and the kind of collaboration that extends far beyond the closing ceremony.

I warmly invite you to be part of this journey. Come ready to learn, to share, and to shape the future of paediatric oncology in Africa.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lagos.

It is my distinct honour to welcome you to Lagos, Nigeria, for the 16th biennial SIOP Africa Conference - 2026. This year, expect a conference unlike any before - dynamic, daring, and driven by the African spirit.

Our programme for 2026 has been meticulously curated to highlight the strength of partnerships across various disciplines and continents, uniting visionaries, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and survivors to challenge the landscape of childhood cancer care in Africa.

Together, we will showcase the possibilities that arise from combining expertise, passion, and a steadfast commitment to equity.

This year, we are especially committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of African childhood cancer survivors, highlighting their significant presence in our advocacy efforts and in shaping the future of care on the continent.

This conference promises an enriching experience of intellectual exchange, meaningful connections, and vibrant cultural immersion, all set against the backdrop of Lagos - Africa's epicenter of enterprise and creativity.

Prepare yourself for new ideas, transformative discussions, and moments that will inspire you to envision larger goals and greater achievements.

I can’t wait to welcome you.

Let’s make this the most impactful SIOP Africa conference yet.