Bridge for Billions Launches Groundbreaking Conecta Africa Initiative in Nairobi
Bridge for Billions has officially launched Conecta Africa, a pioneering regional initiative aimed at strengthening early-stage entrepreneurial ecosystems across Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa.
The exclusive high-level event, held today at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club in Nairobi, brought together 100 influential leaders from across Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape. Attendees included policymakers, development partners, corporate executives, foundations, academic leaders, and ecosystem-building organizations.
Organized in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Strathmore University, the event marked a significant milestone in regional efforts to drive inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship.
The launch unveiled Conecta Africa’s bold vision to drive systemic change by fostering collaboration across sectors and regions. The initiative will support early-stage entrepreneurs by strengthening the capacity of Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESOs), building bridges between business, government, and civil society.
One of the key highlights was the release of new research developed in partnership with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), offering fresh insights into the current landscape and future opportunities for ESOs in Africa.
Participants engaged in strategic networking and interactive sessions designed to spark cross-sector partnerships and co-create strategies for a more resilient and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
The three-day Conecta Africa Summit 2025, which featured a dynamic two-day retreat under the theme From Silos to Systems. The retreat focused on enhancing cross-border collaboration, promoting investment readiness, and developing unified strategies to address the fragmentation within Africa’s startup support systems.
The launch of Conecta Africa signals a new chapter in accelerating Africa’s entrepreneurial potential one grounded in partnership, innovation, and long-term impact.
By Sharon Atieno
