The Regional Innovation & Entrepreneurship Summit for East Africa (RIESEA) 2025 is set to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers in Nairobi on April 10–11, 2025, at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel.
The summit is organized in collaboration with the Association of Startups and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), and supported by key partners, including the World Bank, Ashoka, CIO Africa, and The Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP). This year’s summit will focus on the theme “Driving Innovation to Accelerate the Region’s Competitiveness in Investments, Markets, and Job Creation.”
The summit will serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, aiming to create pathways for East Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to thrive amidst evolving market dynamics. With over 200 expected attendees, the event promises to be a key gathering for leaders across various industries, providing opportunities to share ideas, discuss challenges, and forge impactful partnerships.
Who Should Attend?
The summit will draw a wide range of participants, including:
- Entrepreneurs and Innovators looking to scale their startups or find new funding opportunities.
- Investors seeking the next big opportunity in East Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial space.
- Policymakers and Government Representatives who can learn from the private sector’s innovations and contribute to improving policy frameworks for startups and SMEs.
- Corporates and Industry Experts aiming to engage with emerging businesses and understand how innovation can enhance industry competitiveness.
- Development Organizations and NGOs focused on sustainable business practices, youth employment, and fostering innovation-driven growth in the region.
What Will the Event Entail?
- Keynote Addresses and Panel Discussions led by industry thought leaders on topics like innovation, funding, and sustainable business models.
- Workshops aimed at equipping entrepreneurs and startups with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive market.
- Investor Pitching Sessions, where startups will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas and gain exposure to potential investors.
- Exhibitions featuring cutting-edge technologies and solutions from East Africa’s most innovative startups.
Focus Areas
This year’s summit will focus on areas that are critical to the region’s growth, including :
Innovation and Technology– Exploring how East Africa’s innovation landscape can drive economic transformation and create job opportunities.
Leadership and Culture – Fostering strong leadership and organizational cultures to navigate challenges and scale effectively.
Funding and Investment– Ensuring better access to capital for startups and identifying avenues for investment growth.
Sustainability and Social Impact -Building businesses that contribute positively to both society and the environment.
Future of Work-Adapting to evolving Labor markets and technological shifts that impact jobs and workforce dynamics.
Registration and Participation
Registration for RIESEA 2025 is now open. Interested participants can register via the official summit website: https://assek.ke/riesea-summit/.
For those wishing to engage more deeply, there are opportunities to speak, exhibit, or partner with the event.
Looking to the Future
With East Africa increasingly becoming a hub for innovation, RIESEA 2025 offers a unique chance to explore how the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem can remain competitive on the global stage. As the summit unfolds, participants will leave equipped with new knowledge, valuable partnerships, and actionable strategies for driving innovation and fostering sustainable business growth in East Africa.
