Nairobi's Thriving Tech Ecosystem

Nairobi, often referred to as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the upcoming AfricArena Nairobi Summit during Africa Climate Tech Week. Scheduled to take place from September 3rd to 4th, ahead of the Africa Fintech Summit, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for Kenya's tech scene, especially in the climate tech and green economy sectors. Over 20 of Africa’s top startups will gather in Nairobi to showcase their innovative solutions, further cementing the city's role as a leading tech hub in East Africa.

AfricArena Summit Returns to Nairobi

The return of the AfricArena Summit to Nairobi highlights the city's importance in the African tech landscape. Christophe Viarnaud, CEO and founder of AfricArena, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring the AfricArena Summit back to Nairobi with the support of our partners, as we believe in the power of collaboration to ensure optimum success in building and strengthening Africa’s tech, innovation, and investment ecosystem.”

Supporting Partners and Event Details

The Africa Climate Tech Week, supported by AWS Startup, Silicon Overdrive, and GIZ SAIS, will run from September 1st to 4th, with the AfricArena Nairobi Summit taking center stage on September 3rd and 4th at Shamba Events in Nairobi. Kenya, recognized as one of Africa’s top four tech hubs, plays a crucial role in driving the region’s exponential growth. In 2023, the country secured over 94% of all funding raised in East Africa, solidifying its position as the continent’s leader in startup capital.

Kenya's Leadership in Startup Funding

Viarnaud highlighted Kenya's impressive achievements in attracting investment, noting that Kenyan startups secured nearly $800 million in 2023, thanks to strategic reforms and a conducive business environment. "We’re excited to see what is happening in Kenya," Viarnaud added. "So far, during the first half of 2024, Kenya continues to lead Africa in raising startup capital, with Kenyan startups having raised over $200 million, accounting for 32% of all startup funding on the African continent to date."

Spotlight on Climate Tech Startups

The AfricArena Nairobi Summit will shine a spotlight on climate tech, renewable energy, and the green economy, with a diverse lineup of startups set to pitch their ideas to investors. Notable startups participating include Aquarech, Gene Plus Global, RHEA Soil Health, iShamba Limited, eAgro, Stable Foods, Maua Mazuri, Loowatt, Monsapo, Cinch, Africa Collect Textiles, Gjenge Limited, Knights & Apps, Bottle Logistics, Alternative Energy, Lean Energy Solutions, Ekotech Limited, and six Korean startups scaling from Korea into Africa in partnership with the Korea-Africa Foundation.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Tonee Ndungu, a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Kytabu, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through East Africa’s successful capital-raising stories. He will introduce keynote speakers, moderators, panelists, and startups, ensuring a dynamic and insightful event.

Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels

Over 30 of Africa’s leading minds will share their insights at the summit. Keynote speakers include Joshua Romisher, CEO and Head of Portfolio at Holocene, and Joshua Murima, Head of Engagement and Investor Relations at Briter Bridges.

The summit will feature several expert panels, each focusing on critical aspects of Africa’s tech and investment ecosystem:

Next-Gen Renewable Energy: The Impact of AI and Carbon Credits on Sustainability

  • Moderator: Cynthia Mwaura, Senior Investment Analyst at E3 Capital
  • Panellists: Vivian Opondoh, Asad Ali, Diana Maranga, Kamal-Deen Yakub, Caroline Kimani

Fintech Sparks Green Finance: Bridging Policy and Investment

  • Moderator: Stéphane Eboko, Managing Director and Co-Founder of 101 Capital Partners
  • Panellists: Onyeka Ekeh, Ugochukwu Chukwujiaka, Keet Van Zyl, Koya Matsuno

Green Tech Funding: Bridging Innovation and Impact

  • Moderator: Victor Ndiege, CEO of Kenya Climate Ventures
  • Panellists: Fares Seaidi, Jacklyn Iminza-Anyamba, Joshua Romisher, Susan Nakami

Future Farming: Integrating Climate-Resilient Crops with Smart Technology

  • Moderator: David Longdon, Senior Associate at Equator VC
  • Panellists: Martha Haile, Damilola Thompson, Philip Odino, Hangyul Lee-Song

The Circular Economy Revolution: Scaling Sustainable Solutions

  • Moderator: Eva Waweru, Senior Associate for Communications at Village Capital
  • Panellists: Florent Nduwayezu, Thomas Hart, Alvin Anderson

Funding the Future: Building a Resilient Investment Ecosystem

  • Moderator: Winston Reid, Partner and Co-Founder of Decarbonise Africa
  • Panellists: Christine Namara, Jabez Mutune, Towett Ngetich, Vladimir Dugin