Swahili Pot Hub and the County of Mombasa have unveiled the fourth edition of Pwani Innovation Week to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the coastal region of East Africa.
This year’s edition under the theme “Sailing Beyond Borders: Empowering Youth in the Digital Economy for a Sustainable Future” will see the exchange of ideas on business enterprise solutions, interactive forum discussions on the coastal economy, talks on education and skills development, and exhibitions aimed at ensuring youth in the East Africa Coastal region are constantly connected to opportunities for economic growth.
This year’s Pwani Innovation Week will be held from the 2nd to the 6th of October at various destinations across the East African Coastal Region, with the heart of events being at the Swahilipot Hub Foundation in Mombasa.
The objectives of the innovation week are to showcase East Africa’s Pwani Region’s innovation potential, enhance driving economic growth, foster collaboration, and address regional challenges.
Encourage local participation through empowerment, including the creation of a vibrant innovation ecosystem and the retention of local talent in the region; attract investment through its unique industries and rich biodiversity; and promote East Africa’s Pwani Region’s visibility.
Mahmoud Noor, SwahiliPot Hub Chief Mentor, said during the launch, “Innovation is the key to unlocking our potential and propelling us towards a brighter future. It is through innovation that we can overcome challenges, embrace change, and create sustainable solutions.
“The Pwani Innovation Week is an opportunity for us to harness the power of innovation and empower our youth to become the drivers of change in the digital economy,” he added.
CECM for Trade, Tourism, and Investments Mohamed Osman said the innovation week is an opportunity for the county to harness the power of innovation and create an ecosystem that attracts investments.
“Investments are the lifeblood of any thriving economy. They drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for our people.
The Pwani Innovation Week serves as a platform to showcase the immense potential and opportunities that exist within our region. By fostering a culture of innovation, we are sending a clear message to investors that the Pwani region is open for business,’’ said CECM Osman.
The CECM said they will emphasize the importance of investments in the digital economy, particularly in trade, tourism, and investments.
The Pwani Innovation Week, he added, provides a unique opportunity to attract both local and international investors.
“By showcasing our region’s innovative ideas, talents, and resources, we create an environment that fosters collaboration and partnership. Through strategic alliances with government entities, the public and private sectors, development partners, and academia, we aim to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that will serve as a magnet for investments,’’ he noted.
He urged stakeholders to harness the power of innovation and create an environment that nurtures growth and investment in the Pwani region.
By Sadik Hassan
