
Imagine a virtual room buzzing with excitement, nervous energy, and infectious enthusiasm, as Kenya’s brightest minds in the startup ecosystem gathered for an event that will change the landscape of entrepreneurship in Africa. As they share stories of their journeys; investors scan the room, and ecosystem builders – the unsung heroes, connect with a shared purpose. This was the electrifying atmosphere at the recently concluded Africa Startup and Ecosystem Builders Kenya Finalists Summit 2024, on August 29th.
As the sun rose over the iconic skyline, the virtual doors of the Africa Startup and Ecosystem Builders (ASEB) Kenya Finalists Summit 2024 opened, Aseb Learning Labs convenor Josephine Osumo gathered innovators, thought leaders, ecosystem builders, startup founders, investors, policymakers, and other key stakeholders from across the continent eager to collaborate and learn from each other. Celebrating resilience, creativity, and the collective drive to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for African startups.
The host, SME Founders Association (SFA), serves as a launchpad for Kenya’s most promising ecosystem builders. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the startup community, providing the crucial support, resources, and networks that enable new ventures to thrive. The summit’s theme “Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Building Africa’s Startup Ecosystem on Diversity and Collaboration,” explored the role diversity plays in nurturing innovation and growth within Africa’s startup ecosystems.
As we reflect on the success of the ASEB Kenya Finalists Summit 2024, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended, participated, and contributed to making this event a milestone in Africa’s entrepreneurial journey. Your presence, insights, and enthusiasm have reinforced the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in building a sustainable future for startups across the continent.
We also want to thank our partners, sponsors, and the SME Founders Association team for their support and dedication. Your collective efforts made this summit possible.
Following thought-provoking keynote addresses from McKevin Ayaba, Founder, Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Summit & Awards(ASEB) , Velona Oketch, Executive Director, SME Founders Association (SFA), Olga Oyier, Global Communities Country Team Lead, and Project Director CLEAR+ that emphasized the power of inclusive entrepreneurship. Their messages centered on creating ecosystems that support a range of voices and perspectives. These talks set the tone for the event, emphasizing that the strength of Africa’s startup ecosystem lies in its diversity and the collaborative efforts of all its members.
The summit was about equipping these ecosystem builders with the tools to further their impact. Engaging panels tackled critical themes like building a diverse startup ecosystem, nurturing public-private partnerships, and leveraging ICT for explosive growth. The energy was palpable as participants exchanged ideas and brainstormed actionable plans to promote true collaboration within the Kenyan startup scene.
The excitement reached a fever pitch during the interactive, engaging, and dynamic panel discussion featuring CHRP (K) Quresha® Ahmed, (CHRA)®, Executive Director, Institute Of Human Resource Management, Pamela Kaburu, Worker Cooperatives, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist CLEAR+, Joseph Kimotho CCP(K), General Manager, Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion, Equity Group Foundation. They shared their insights on creating more inclusive environments that support the success of all entrepreneurs, regardless of their background or gender. Viviane ODOH MIKE-EZE, Founder and CEO, ÉLOGE Consulting, and Edwin Moindi, MD, Moindi Consulting Company spearheaded that conversation.
For a taste of the summit’s energy, watch the official YouTube replay video which will premiere today at 2 pm.
The Kenya Finalists Summit was just one piece of the puzzle. The SME Founders Association remains committed to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem in Kenya. Through initiatives like the SME Tax Empowerment Program (STEP), the Prosperity Blueprint program, and the AfCFTA Licensed Training Coaches Program, the association continues to empower entrepreneurs, promote financial literacy, and empower businesses to capitalize on continental trade opportunities.
The future of African entrepreneurship is bright, and Kenya is at the forefront of this exciting journey. As we celebrate today’s achievements, we look forward to witnessing the incredible innovations born from this collaborative and inclusive ecosystem.
The summit reached its climax with the unveiling of the ASEB Kenya Finalists, a moment that filled the room with pride and excitement. These finalists, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to building a thriving startup ecosystem in Kenya, will now compete on a continental stage at the prestigious Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards (ASEB Awards) in Accra, Ghana from October 2-4, 2024. The anticipation for the awards ceremony is high, as these ecosystem builders represent the best of what Kenya has to offer, and their stories of dedication and impact are truly inspiring.
We invite you to witness the continent’s most dedicated ecosystem builders being celebrated on a grand scale! Here is the complete list of the finalists who will represent Kenya at the Africa Startup Ecosystem Builders Awards in Ghana!