Connected Kenya Summit Kicks Off at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort Diani-Kenya

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The ongoing Connected Summit 2023 that started yesterday, April 2, 2023, is a gathering of regional and global ICT industry leaders, policymakers, executives, financiers, and innovators. It nurtures innovative ideas and partnerships that leverage technology to advance Kenya’s development agenda. The summit is jointly organized by the Ministry of Information Communication and the Digital Economy. The theme for this year’s summit is “Digital Economy: Endless Opportunities Shaping our Future”.

The Connected Summit is an annual event that brings together key players in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector in Kenya. It has grown to become one of the largest gatherings of stakeholders in the ICT sector in the country. Over the years, the summit has spurred significant investments in the sector and has also eased public-private partnerships.

The Connected Summit 2023 promises to be yet another game-changer. This year’s event is geared to be a platform for capacity building, where participants will discuss, learn, and share knowledge about the latest trends in the ICT sector. Borrowing from the successes of the past which include partnerships and initiatives such as eCitizen and Huduma Centers, the summit aims to inspire better and more robust innovations that will propel Kenya’s economy toward the realization of vision 2030.

The focus of Connected Summit 2023 is on digitization and the use of data for development, data privacy, and digital trust, the future of work in the digital economy, the position of technology in e-commerce, and bringing up sustainable and innovative digital solutions. These are all critical areas that are shaping the future of the ICT industry, and discussions around them will be crucial in steering the sector in the right direction. The summit will also focus on collaboration with academia. This is important as it brings together the academic world and the industry to address the challenges and opportunities in the ICT sector. It will also provide a platform for the industry to tap into the knowledge, expertise and innovation that academia offers.

One of the speakers at Connected Summit 2023, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya, highlighted the success of partnerships that have grown from previous summits. He cited the Digital Literacy Program and eCitizen as examples of initiatives that have been successful in driving the ICT agenda in Kenya.

Another critical area of discussion at Connected Summit 2023 will be the role of the government in digital implementation. The government plays a crucial role in the ICT sector, and discussions around this area will be crucial in ensuring that the government’s policies and initiatives are aligned with the needs of the industry and the citizens.

The digital revolution is no longer a dream; it is a reality that is shaping the future of many industries, including the ICT sector. With 43 percent of the nation already connected by fiber optic cable, the future of the sector looks bright. Connected Summit 2023 is a sure sign of this, and the event promises to be an exciting and informative one.

The Connected Summit 2023, Kenya’s premier event for ICT thought leadership, commenced yesterday with a vibrant Waziri Golf Experience at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani. Centered around the theme “Digital Economy: Endless Opportunities Shaping Our Future,” the 2023 Connected Summit Edition is built on the power of public-private sector collaboration in driving Kenya’s digital economy. It is the pot where ICT innovation, ingenuity, and growth are being cooked.

Participants at Waziri Golf Experience enjoyed the immaculate greens, picturesque views, and rich, vibrant culture at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort. The Waziri Golf Experience, united ICT professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, laying the foundation for a productive exchange of ideas and nurturing relationships that will extend throughout the Connected Summit. In a previous interview, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo said: “Our collective responsibility is to guide the course of change, ensuring our country remains at the vanguard of this digital revolution. The Connected Summit’s theme perfectly aligns with our nation’s vision for supporting digital growth and development.” Owalo further added, “Kenya’s digital economy thrives through the synergy of public-private collaboration, creating a dynamic mosaic of innovation that serves as the driving force behind our nation’s growth and development.”

Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy, underscores the transformative impact of collaboration on Kenya’s startup ecosystem. He observed, “Connected Summit 2023 is a shining beacon that emphasizes the transformative power of collaboration in fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem in Kenya. Public-private partnerships have played a vital role in establishing incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs, offering crucial support to entrepreneurs and startups.”

These collaborative efforts have enabled numerous Kenyan businesses to expand their operations, generate employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth. “By joining forces with private sector partners, we have successfully developed targeted training programs and initiatives that address the digital skills gap. As we continue to forge ahead, it is essential that we maintain this spirit of collaboration at the Connected Summit 2023,” adds Tanui.

While hailing Connected Summit 2023 as a beacon for digital empowerment, Stanley Kamanguya, CEO, ICT Authority, states, “This annual event weaves together stakeholders from the ICT industry, government, academia, and beyond in a vibrant tapestry of collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange. As we navigate the ever-changing digital terrain, the Connected Summit 2023 stands as a steadfast beacon, guiding us towards a brighter, more prosperous future, fueled by the boundless possibilities of digital empowerment.”

Kamanguya further emphasizes the importance of nurturing Kenya’s digital ecosystem, remarking, “The Connected Summit has a proven track record of catalyzing transformative projects that profoundly enhance public service delivery and enrich the lives of our citizens. By bringing together an exceptional lineup of speakers, decision-makers, and leading ICT experts, we consistently address Kenya’s most pressing challenges through collective knowledge, insights, and solutions—all seamlessly integrated within the overarching goal of shaping a brighter, more connected future for all.”

Throughout the Connected Summit 2023, attendees will be presented with a comprehensive agenda that includes panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions centered on cutting-edge technological developments, emerging trends, and crucial challenges within Kenya’s digital landscape. By participating in these events, delegates will have the chance to exchange ideas, gain insights from industry experts, establish new partnerships that will contribute to the expansion and advancement of Kenya’s digital economy.

As the event unfolds, participants will be able to take advantage of numerous networking opportunities, such as roundtable discussions, specialized workshops, and social gatherings. These engaging activities will provide attendees with the means to build new relationships, form strategic alliances, and collaborate on inventive projects, propelling Kenya’s digital transformation to new heights.

“The Connected Summit 2023 not only serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration but also as an incubator for groundbreaking ideas and initiatives that have the potential to revolutionize Kenya’s digital landscape,” adds Kamanguya. “By fostering an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, we are confident that the Connected Summit will continue to play a vital role in shaping Kenya’s digital economy, ensuring our nation remains at the forefront of this global digital revolution.”

As the 2023 Connected Summit and the Waziri Golf Experience synergistically intertwine, they drive innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment, ultimately forging a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future for Kenya’s digital economy.

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