Kenya has been at the forefront of African innovation for the last few years. With Safaricom driving innovation, and taking mobile money to the next level with M-Pesa and it’s spinoffs, the Kenyan population, whether urban or rural, are becoming used to new technology, and craving technology in order to develop their small businesses and personal lives.
iHub, probably the most famous of Africa’s technology hubs, as well as other tech centres, are also driving innovation in Kenya. It is no coincidence they have the support of the likes of IBM, Microsoft and Google, as well as receiving a visit from Mark Zuckerberg, who has also been excited by Kenya’s innovative expansion. Hubs like these are helping the youth develop their skills and cultivate their creativity, preparing them to create the next wave of African solutions, and hopefully solutions worldwide.
In Nairobi, the Nairobi innovation week, which takes place at the University of Nairobi, aims at showcasing the latest technology, and inspiring others to follow through with their ideas. The private and public sector, investors, research centres, development partners and even the President attend the event, which is part of the Kenyan innovation social calendar, and a must visit if you happen to be in the area.
The innovative nature of Kenya, and the excitement surrounding the country, is why Inventive Africa has decided to go and visit to document Kenyan innovation with our own eyes. I will first attend the Co-Willing conference in Ukunda, which will discuss how Africa can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and then head to Nairobi to visit iHub and meet with the Nairobi Innovation Week team to discuss how technology is changing Africa.
Inventive Africa wants to meet you!
While I am there, I would like to take the opportunity to talk to other innovative Kenyans about their ideas and aspirations. It would be wonderful to make some video blogs about Kenyan start ups, and also see what difficulties entrepreneurs are facing in getting their ideas off the ground.
If you are interested in featuring on Inventive Africa, and are available from the 25th of January in Nairobi, get in contact on InventiveAfrica1@gmail.com or contact us on Twitter. I am very much looking forward to meeting you!
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