The Swahili Pot Hub and Mombasa County Government have unveiled the fifth edition of the Pwani Innovation Week (PIW) to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the Pwani region of East Africa.
This year’s PIW will be held from October 14th to October 18th, 2024, at Swahilipot Hub Foundation under the theme: The Pwani We Desire: Youth, Culture, Peace, and Innovation in the Decade of Action.
More than 2000 participants from the country and the neighbouring Coastal towns of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania are expected to attend the innovation week to create a central space for youths to exchange ideas.
Over the years, the annual innovation event has evolved into a much-needed annual intervention that has provided a platform for thinkers, innovators, employers, and enterprise-minded youth to converge and innovate tangible solutions.
The captivating five-day event will include innovation challenges and hackathons, training boot camps and workshops, keynote speeches and panel discussions, an exhibition, deals den, heritage experience, Pwani Gat Talent Concert, and awards.
Swahilipot Hub Chief Mentor Mahmoud Noor said during a media briefing on PIW at the Swahilipot Hub, Mombasa, that the innovation week aspires to be the catalyst that sparks a thriving innovation ecosystem within the region by showcasing the remarkable achievements of young, local entrepreneurs.
“These success stories serve as powerful inspiration for future generations, demonstrating the possibilities that lie ahead. By cultivating a supportive environment that empowers young people through workshops, mentorship programmes, and skill-building initiatives, PIW aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to translate their ideas into reality,” said Noor.
He added that the commitment to cultivating innovation extends beyond youth development, as PIW also recognises the unique potential of Pwani’s coastal economies and rich biodiversity.
“By effectively showcasing these assets, it aims to attract both domestic and foreign investors,” said Noor, adding that increased awareness among policymakers is expected to lead to the creation of more supportive policies and funding opportunities for regional innovation.
PIW also envisions the establishment of a robust network of young innovators, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship. It strives to position Pwani as a leading destination for sustainable and innovative investment.
“The creation of a regional investment guide, highlighting Pwani’s success stories and outlining its investment potential, will be a key tool in achieving this goal,” said Noor.
He further challenged governments, the private sector, civil societies, and communities to keep reinventing interventions that will allow youth to access meaningful livelihoods in the wake of global conflicts and disasters.
On his part, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, and Investments Mohamed Osman said the PIW has become a cornerstone in shaping the future of Port City.
“PIW serves as a platform to empower youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to become thought leaders and innovators. We aim to equip them to identify emerging challenges and develop tailored solutions that will propel Mombasa’s economic growth,” said Osman.
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Registrar for Research Partnership and Innovation, Prof. Rahma Udu, urged innovators to patent their innovations through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).
“We will only increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by commercialising our innovations. You have to register because whatever you have invented, no one should repeat it,” she said.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chairman Abud Jamal promised a seed capital of 1,000 United States dollars (USD), equivalent to Sh135,000, to the best innovator.
By Sadik Hassan
