Kenya is gearing up for a historic event that will bring together key players from various sectors to explore the opportunities and challenges of building collaborative networks for business growth and innovation. The first-ever Business Ecosystems Summit (BES) will take place in Kisumu City on Friday, September 1st, 2023, under the theme âUnlocking the Potential of Collaborative Networksâ.
The Business Ecosystems Summit is organized by the IMC People Ltd, a leading consultancy firm that specializes in business ecosystems development, in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), a regional economic integration initiative that comprises 14 counties in Western Kenya. The summit aims to provide a platform for dialogue, learning, and action among government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and other stakeholders who are involved or interested in creating and sustaining business ecosystems.
A business ecosystem is a network of interdependent organizations that co-create value through collaboration and innovation. Business ecosystems can enable organizations to access new markets, leverage technology, enhance productivity, improve quality, reduce costs, and solve complex problems. Business ecosystems can also contribute to social and environmental goals by addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and health.
The summit will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, breakout sessions, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and awards. Some of the topics that will be covered include:
- The role of government in facilitating and regulating business ecosystems
- The best practices and lessons learned from successful business ecosystems around the world
- The emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of business ecosystems
- The opportunities and challenges of building cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaborations
- The strategies and tools for measuring and managing the performance and impact of business ecosystems
- The skills and competencies required for leading and participating in business ecosystems
The Business Ecosystems Summit will also showcase some of the innovative projects and initiatives that are being implemented by the LREB and its partners to foster economic development and social transformation in the region. These include:
- The LREB Integrated Regional Development Plan (LIRDP), which outlines the vision, mission, goals, objectives, strategies, and programs for the bloc
- The LREB Bank, which is a proposed financial institution that will provide affordable credit and financial services to the blocâs members
- The LREB Commodities Exchange (LCEX), which is a proposed platform that will facilitate trade and market access for agricultural products in the region
- The LREB Industrial Parks (LIPs), which are planned zones that will host various industries and businesses in the region
- The LREB Innovation Hub (LIH), which is a proposed center that will support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the region
The Business Ecosystems Summit is expected to attract over 1,000 participants from across the country and beyond. Among them are LREB Chairperson Governor Professor Anyangâ Nyongâo and the governors of the 13 other member counties of LREB, including deputy chairperson H.E Ken Lusaka, who is also Bungoma County Governor. Other dignitaries include representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Investment and other ministries, Senators, Members of Parliament, Governors from other regions, diplomats, development partners, investors, academics, media, civil society, and youth.
Speaking about the upcoming summit, LREB Chairperson Governor Professor Anyangâ Nyongâo said Kisumu is ready and honored to host the summit.
âWe are more than happy to host this dynamic gathering of visionary minds at the upcoming Inaugural Business Ecosystems summit. This summit is like no other, it serves as a catalyst for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and creating harmonious collaborations. Together, we will explore groundbreaking strategies, embrace emerging technologies, and forge strategic partnerships to unlock the full potential of our business ecosystems. I invite all participants to join hands and embark on this transformative journey towards a prosperous future.” Said Governor Nyongâo.
In his address, LREB CEO Victor Nyagaya emphasized the paramount importance of the summit in propelling innovation and fostering substantial growth.
âActing as a key partner, LREB are thrilled to actively participate in this transformative expedition and aid in the establishment of collaborative ecosystems.
LREB seeks within its mandate to enhance socio economic transformation of the bloc through leveraging on the economies of scale in its ecosystem and implement through collaboration with state and non-state actors the empowerment and participation of its over 15 million population. As a bloc we firmly believe that by embracing disruptive trends and nurturing strategic partnerships, we have the power to unlock a multitude of novel opportunities, resulting in enhanced prosperity and an increase in revenue. We are therefore calling upon all investors and businesses (those who can come in as sponsors and exhibitors) to register because we know the people of LREB will show up in huge numbers,” stated Nyagaya.
Giving her remarks ahead of the summit, The IMC People CEO Jeanette Oromo said the summitâs key focus is accelerating business transformation and fostering innovation among diverse stakeholders including government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
âIn light of the transformative and disruptive trends and the remarkable resilience exhibited during the pandemic, it is becoming increasingly evident that traditional paradigms need re-evaluation. Our intention, therefore, is to conduct this evaluation through the summit, utilizing modern technology, fostering collaborations, and addressing social and environmental challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of Kenyaâs business ecosystems while working hand in hand with all players â Government, Private Sector, Academia, Civil Society, and the general public. We are confident that this summit will be a game-changer for Kenyaâs economy and society.” Said Oromo.
The summit is open to all who are interested in learning more about business ecosystems and how they can benefit from them. Registration is ongoing through the summitâs website: www.bes.co.ke. The summit will also be live-streamed on various online platforms for those who cannot attend physically.
The Business Ecosystems Summit is a timely and relevant event that will provide valuable insights, inspiration, and connections for all participants. It is an opportunity not to be missed by anyone who wants to be part of the future of business in Kenya and beyond. Join us as we unlock the potential of collaborative networks!
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