Kenya is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth edition of the Kenya Innovation Week, a flagship event that showcases the best of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country and beyond. The event, which will be held in Nairobi from 27 November to 1 December 2023, will bring together Commonwealth Leaders, government officials, business and academic representatives, as well as a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC.
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Innovating to Unlock Our Common Wealth’, reflecting the shared vision and values of the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth, which account for a third of the world’s population and a fifth of its GDP. The event will explore the Commonwealth innovation system’s key actors, linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators. The event will also witness the launch of Kenya’s 10-year Innovation Masterplan, which outlines the country’s strategic goals and priorities for fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Hon. William Ruto, welcomed participation in the week’s activities, saying it would celebrate Commonwealth ingenuity and growth. He said:
“The event will not only shed light on the brilliant innovations coming out of Kenya but will also highlight the Commonwealth innovation system’s key actors and their linkages, potential for growth, challenges, and existing opportunities for innovators.
“I am especially delighted to welcome Commonwealth countries to Kenya, to join us as we advance the potential that exists to facilitate our collective achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through innovation.”
One of the highlights of the week’s activities will be the announcement of the winners of the Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. The awards recognize and celebrate the contributions of innovators from across the Commonwealth who are finding creative and effective ways to address the global challenges of poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace and justice. Each award winner will receive a trophy, a certificate and prize money of £3,000. Award winners will also receive ongoing support for their work and the opportunity to participate in high-level forums.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, underscored the importance of innovation to the development of the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General opined:
“Investment in innovation will result in a more prosperous, more equitable and more resilient society for all. With the advent of tools that are cheaper, easier to access and scalable, Africa must maintain or accelerate momentum.
“There is already great progress, tremendous talent and solid innovation evident across the continent. But we can and should do more and the Secretariat will create opportunities for you to do so.”
There are also other opportunities to hone and harness the skills of citizens from Commonwealth countries. For example, applications are now open for the prestigious Commonwealth Africa Cyber Fellowship programme. The fellowship will help cybersecurity experts from Commonwealth countries in Africa to exchange knowledge, foster partnerships and influence the policy work of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Applications are open until 10 December 2023.
The five-day Kenya Innovation Week will include thematic summits, panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, workshops, and networking events. There will also be exhibitions from different participating organisations, groups and countries throughout the event. Commonwealth activities include a Ministerial Roundtable Discussion on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as participation from the Commonwealth Youth Council and the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network.
Innovation as a platform for development is being interwoven into work being done by all teams within the Commonwealth Secretariat, and beneficial collaborations with partner organisations continue to be actively pursued.
The Kenya Innovation Week 2023 – Commonwealth Edition is a unique opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and investors from the Commonwealth and beyond to connect, collaborate, and co-create solutions for a better future.
