diff --git a/.semaphore/semaphore.yml b/.semaphore/semaphore.yml
index e2d32b255..ae9b3a13b 100644
--- a/.semaphore/semaphore.yml
+++ b/.semaphore/semaphore.yml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ execution_time_limit:
 global_job_config:
   env_vars:
     - name: LIBRDKAFKA_VERSION
-      value: v2.5.3
+      value: v2.6.0-RC2
   prologue:
     commands:
       - checkout