Kenyan youth in the innovation and startup sector have been encouraged to harness partnerships with key stakeholders to transform their ideas into successful business ventures. Emmanuel Kata Kimeu, Secretary of ICT – Security and Audit Control at the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, emphasized the critical role of youth in driving Kenya’s economic growth and advancing the government’s digitalization agenda.
Speaking on Thursday during a Latitude59 event in Nairobi, which celebrated Kenya’s technology ecosystem and fostered connections among global startup communities, Kimeu lauded the Estonian delegation. He noted that such events provide inspiration and tools for young innovators to turn their ideas into impactful enterprises.
“This event underscores Kenya’s position as a top destination for startups worldwide. We are grateful to Latitude59 for supporting the growth, impact, and global recognition of our local startup ecosystem,” said Kimeu.
A Bridge Between Kenya and Estonia
Latitude59, Estonia’s flagship startup and tech event, hosted its second satellite edition in Nairobi this year. Kimeu highlighted the event’s rapid growth, with attendance expected to surpass 2,000 participants from nearly 800 last year.
“The gathering bridges Estonia and Kenya’s startup ecosystems, fostering collaboration and idea exchange. Kenya’s dynamic, youth-led tech community brings unique perspectives and solutions to the global tech landscape,” Kimeu said.
Latitude59 offers a platform for African and international founders to network, share innovations, and establish valuable partnerships, building on existing global connections.
Sustainability and Investor Appeal
During a media session, Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org emphasized the importance of sustainability for startups. She encouraged founders to position themselves favorably for potential investors by securing established markets.
“We’ve encountered incredible talent in the local community and now consider Nairobi a second home,” Org said. She praised Kenya’s potential as a global startup hub and reiterated Latitude59’s mission to amplify the growth and impact of the local tech ecosystem.
Org noted that African startups have raised $1.7 billion in funding this year, compared to $2.9 billion in 2023 and $4.6 billion in 2022. She advised startups to focus on solving real-world problems, building customer bases, and scaling operations to attract more investment.
Highlighting Agricultural Innovation
Panuka Agribiz Hub, a leading Zambian agribusiness company, showcased its innovative efforts to improve financial access for Kenyan farmers at the Latitude59 event. CEO and founder Bruno Mweemba highlighted the need for practical, accessible financial education tailored to agricultural communities.
“We aim to enhance our services and develop new financial tools to complement our agri-edtech platform,” Mweemba said. Drawing on his 23 years of experience as both a farmer and chartered accountant, he explained how Panuka Agribiz Hub’s multilingual, jargon-free platform addresses farmers’ unique challenges.
A Catalyst for Growth
Latitude59 aims to create a platform for African startups like Panuka Agribiz Hub to overcome obstacles, forge valuable connections, and thrive with global support. By fostering collaboration between Kenya and Estonia, the event strengthens Kenya’s position as a key player in the global startup ecosystem while empowering innovators to achieve sustainable growth.
