Latitude59 x Kenya is a platform for African and international founders to find valuable connections, discuss innovation, and overcome obstacles with the support and know-how of the global community. It focuses on building bridges and importing the expertise of global industry leaders to increase sustainability and competitiveness of the local market, workforce, and business environment.
The event brings together over 2,000 participantsโ1,000 entrepreneurs, 350 investors, ecosystem leaders, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. Latitude59 Kenya 2025 aims to be an ecosystem engine, designed to spark long-term partnerships, scale meaningful ventures, and turn ambitious ideas into reality. The name comes from the latitude of Tallinn, Estonia, where the flagship event takes place. Nairobi sits at Latitude 1 South.
Why Kenya?
With 54 million people, considerable young ambition, and growing tech capability, Kenya has potential to become the next emerging startup hub on the global radar. The goal of this pioneering Latitude59 satellite event is to support the growth, impact, and global recognition of the local startup ecosystem, tech talent, and business environment.
Nairobi is one of the cities in Africa with high startup activity, evidenced by two additional startup events taking place next week: SiliconXchange (focused on Deep Tech) and SpaceInvestment.
The Context
However, the broader picture presents challenges. Nearly half of Kenyans live in extreme povertyโon less than $1 per day. While many countries have made progress reducing poverty, the opposite has occurred in Kenya. Underfunding of education, healthcare, and agriculture has contributed to an increase in the population living in extreme poverty. In addition, Kenya’s startup investor funding has declined sharply from $673M in 2023 to $250M in 2024 after some high-profile start-up failures like Copia Global.
Despite these obstacles, there is a generation of energetic and motivated entrepreneurs who are willing to try new ideas and learn from failure. The African business environment is distinct, and adaptation is essential. Events like Latitude59 x Kenya play a crucial role in reversing the investment decline by connecting local innovation with global expertise. As international investors and ecosystem leaders gather in Nairobi, there is potential for renewed confidence in Kenya’s startup landscapeโtransforming today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities for sustainable growth.
Image Credit: Latitude59 x Kenya
The African Tech Startups Funding Report 2024, Disrupt Africa
Kenyan, Estonian Innovation to benefit from connections Latitude 59
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kenyan-estonian-innovation-to-benefit-from-connections-latitude-59
Latitude59, the largest startup and technology event in the Baltic States, expands to Africa
Kenya’s Inequality Crisis: The Great Economic Divide
https://kenya.oxfam.org/latest/publications/kenyas-inequality-crisis
Kenya Hit by New Wave of High-Profile Startup Shutdowns