Since March 10, 2025, a landmark event has been taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. Entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials from Kenya and the United Kingdom have gathered for a three-day workshop. This event, entitled Partnerships for Innovation and Growth, aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and promote entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable development.
Background to the Professional Workshop
Kenya, often referred to as Africa’s « Silicon Savannah », has experienced rapid growth in its technology sector over the past decade. According to the World Bank’s 2023 report, the country has seen a 15% increase in technology startups, with more than 200 new companies created each year. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, with its mature entrepreneurial ecosystem, is seeking to diversify its investments abroad, particularly in Africa, where growth potential is immense.
This workshop highlights the UK’s role as a long-term partner for Kenya, supporting the reforms outlined in the Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries. This agreement guarantees all companies operating in Kenya, including British companies, duty-free access to the British market.
Workshop Objectives
The three-day workshop is designed to achieve several key objectives.
- Capacity Building: Provide training on best practices in business management, digital marketing, and access to finance.
- Networking: Facilitate meetings between Kenyan and British entrepreneurs to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
- Access to Finance: Presenting funding opportunities for startups, particularly through British investors interested in the African market.
- Supporting Innovation: Encouraging innovation by showcasing emerging technologies and sustainable solutions adapted to local challenges.
Participants
The event brings together over 300 participants, including 150 Kenyan entrepreneurs and 100 British representatives, as well as investors and economic development experts. Notable speakers include leading figures in entrepreneurship, such as M-Pesa founder Michael Joseph, and renowned investors such as Sir Richard Branson.
Expected Outcomes
The workshop organizers hope that this event will lead to concrete results. It is estimated that approximately 50 partnerships could be formed, with a total funding target of 5 million USD to support participating startups. In addition, collaboration agreements could be signed, allowing Kenyan companies to access UK markets and vice versa.
Entrepreneurship Challenges in Kenya
Despite the opportunities, entrepreneurship in Kenya faces several challenges. According to a study by the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 70% of Kenyan youth are unemployed or underemployed. The workshop aims to address this problem by encouraging self-employment and providing the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive environment.
Participant Testimonials
The feedback from participants was very positive. One Kenyan entrepreneur, Amina Mwangi, said: « This workshop opened my eyes to the possibilities of collaborating with UK companies. I look forward to putting into practice what I have learned here ». Similarly, a British investor, James Thompson, emphasized: « The potential of the Kenyan market is enormous. We are here to explore opportunities and support innovation »
Dr. Walter Ongeti, Director General of KENAS, discussed the key role of accreditation in ensuring regulatory reliability, building trust through competence and compliance with international standards. Esther Nagari, Director General of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), reaffirmed her institution’s commitment to promoting best regulatory practices.
Strengthening Economic Relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom
The « Partnerships for Innovation and Growth » workshop represents an important step in strengthening economic relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom. The two countries share a common vision of a future where entrepreneurship plays a central role in economic development. By 2025, Kenya aims to become a technology hub in Africa, and initiatives like this are essential to achieving this goal.
In conclusion, the Nairobi workshop not only strengthens ties between Kenya and the UK, but also opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries. With increased support and strategic partnerships, the future of entrepreneurship in Kenya looks bright.
The numbers speak for themselves: with continued growth in startups and increasing interest from foreign investors, Kenya is well positioned to become a leader in innovation in Africa.
