“Innovation is not just about invention, it’s about creating jobs, transforming economies, and unlocking futures.” “The RIESEA Summit will be a gamechanger, it’s a turning point for East Africa’s innovation and #entrepreneurship landscape. Over these two days, we are laying the foundation for a more connected, empowered, and future-ready regional ecosystem.”

These were the powerful opening words of Mercy Kimalat, CEO of the Association of Startup & SMEs Enablers of Kenya, as she opened Day One of the RIESEA2025 Summit

Mercy Kimalat, CEO of the Association of Startup & SMEs Enablers of Kenya giving her opening remarks

The RIESEA2025 Summit is a two-day event running from April 10–11, 2025, bringing together innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development actors to unlock East Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship potential.

Day One brought together thought leaders, innovators, development actors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the East African region including ARU’s Vice Chancellor Dr Mwalimu Musheshe senior Ashoka Fellow who is a panelist at the summit

Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, Vice Chancellor of African Rural University and Senior Ashoka Fellow, at the RIESEA2025 Summit where he is also serving as a panelist.

To position Africa for growth, Mike Mutungi , Chairperson,  Association of Startup & SMEs Enablers of Kenya  in his words stated that ‘’ we must invest in the ideas. Innovation is not just tools for economic progress ,they are the heartbeat of a thriving EA ready to lead the world.”

During the day, one of the notable panel discussions was one which sought answers to a crucial question; “How can we spark job creation across East Africa’s innovation ecosystem?”

Another panel explored how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers new opportunities for cross-border entrepreneurship. Experts shared strategies for enabling startups to expand, collaborate, and export beyond their borders, further unifying the regional innovation ecosystem.

On the role of technology in development, Victor Apollo of the UNDP Accelerator Lab reflected on the widening digital gap saying

“AI, automation, and other high-tech tools are capital-intensive and skill-heavy. But most informal workers in East Africa have lower education levels,these tools currently benefit a small elite.”revealing  a growing digital divide sparking urgent dialogue on inclusion, access, and capacity building around emerging technologyies like AI.

Nyawira Maina, Regional Corporate Manager at Little App Kenya, brought a pragmatic lens to the conversation weighing that

“Automation isn’t about what you breathe, eat, or live by,it’s about identifying repetitive tasks in your organization and making them more efficient.”

For tech inclusion to be meaningful, Faith Inyanchi of Finn Church Aid emphasized the importance of inclusion in the tech space  which must begin with collaboration

“We can’t talk about tech jobs if we’re not all on the same page. The private sector, development partners, and tech innovators must co-create the future together.”

John Gitau, CEO of Africa Tech Space, emphasized the importance of  turn training into transformation.”

In a special mention ,Dr. Tonny Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency, delivered a keynote titled“Building a Sustainable Future: Government’s Commitment to Fostering Entrepreneurship to Accelerate Socio-Economic Development.”

He cited  the importance of homegrown innovation adding that “Innovation can no longer be imported,it must be rooted in our realities and cultures if we are to achieve sustainable socio-economic growth.”

To Wrap up the day; Wrapping up the day, George Odula reflected on the collaboration and insights gained on day one through this event