This October, the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, set the stage for an extraordinary gathering—the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit, organised by Youth Business International (YBI). Over three dynamic days, the bi-annual summit brought together a diverse array of voices, from seasoned experts to aspiring entrepreneurs, all united in their commitment to drive positive change through youth-led businesses.
Exploring Insights and Solutions
The summit provided a platform for attendees from the YBI network to delve deep into critical issues plaguing youth enterprises and the communities they serve. Expert speakers shared enlightening perspectives, and collaborative workshops generated innovative solutions to overcome the pressing challenges faced by young entrepreneurs today. The event was a melting pot of ideas, fostering interconnections and paving the way for meaningful collaborations that transcend borders.
“One profound insight came from the session on the circular economy, led by Catherine Wijnberg, which highlighted the importance of shifting entrepreneurial thinking toward sustainability,” shares Nkrumah Mauncho, Head Coach at Anzisha.
“Her approach encouraged viewing waste as a valuable resource, which can lead to innovative business models like renting services, extending product life through repair, and creating platforms for shared resources. This mindset promotes the design of waste-free products and services, while also maximising resource utilisation.”
Nairobi: A Hub of Creativity and Inspiration
The vibrant local culture of Nairobi added a distinctive flavor to the summit experience. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s energy, thanks to the collaborative efforts of member organisations like CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAP YEI) and Somo Africa, who played a pivotal role in co-hosting the event. From exploring entrepreneurial hotspots to engaging with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem, the summit encapsulated the essence of innovation and creativity thriving in Nairobi.
Celebrating Excellence: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024
One of the summit’s highlights was the prestigious Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2024, where exceptional individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Lynn Brown, Special Projects Editor recalls the moment the winners were announced, “The winners, through their vision, resilience, and impact-driven initiatives, stood out as beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Their success stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of youth entrepreneurship and its ability to drive positive change on a global scale.”
Congratulations to these young job creators: Adaeze Akpagbula (Farmspeak Technology Limited, Nigeria), Dareem Jeffrey (Founder of Ecowash in Trinidad and Tobago), Keerthana Vangapally (9NUTZ Millets Private Limited, India)
Image: Lynn Brown (Anzisha) with Bia Santos from Brazil, a finalist in the Social Entrepreneurship Award category in this year’s #YBIAwards. Her business Barkus Educacional is an ed-tech that democratizes access to financial education and inclusion.
Inspiring Change: Unveiling the Youth Entrepreneurship Trends and Policy Framework
In a landmark moment at the summit, YBI unveiled the Youth Entrepreneurship Trends and Policy Framework—a comprehensive roadmap that outlines key trends shaping the youth entrepreneurship landscape and proposes policy interventions to foster a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs.
The launch of this framework marks a significant milestone in the journey towards empowering the next generation of changemakers and equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2024 in Nairobi was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. As we reflect on the insights shared, the accomplishments celebrated, and the frameworks introduced, one thing becomes clear: the future of youth entrepreneurship is bright, fueled by passion, creativity, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable world through entrepreneurship.