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E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center has commemorated a significant milestone in its journey of building and supporting impact-driven startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), today at the E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center in Karen, Nairobi.
The occasion featured the graduation of current cohorts from accelerator and incubator programs, the introduction of new cohorts, and the official opening of cu ing-edge training and auxiliary facilities. These new facilities are poised to host more entrepreneurs, equip them with advanced resources, and foster innovation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Notable attendees at the event included H.E. Roberto Natali, Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary of the State Department of MSME Development, Mr. Giovanni Grandi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Prof. Mario Molteni, CEO of the E4Impact Foundation, and a host of other delegates.
Speaking during the event, Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development(MSME’s) said the informal sector generates alot of revenue which in turn grows the country’s economy.
“We have almost 17 million people working in the informal sector. These sector attracts alot of revenue and it cannot be ignored simply because of the critical role played in growing the economy,” she noted.
Mang’eni reiterated that the government is fully behind MSME’s and is ready to help them in navigating their challenges such as access to sustainable market and access to finance.
She added the ministry is also ready to engage partners in order to align with what most development partners do. This will in return create more opportunities for the sector.
The PS noted that tye government is setting aside $150 million shillings in partnership with the World Bank set for the Kenya Jobs Economic Transformation (KJET) program.
She added that “This crucial partnership will support and accelerate entrepreneurs into readiness for the manufacturing sector which is among the key pillars for our country’s growth.”
While addressing the unemployment gap, she reiterated that they will be rolling out a granting system where each young person will be trained and facilitated to kick-start their business journey.
“We are looking at issuing a maximum of of Sh50, 000 to all young persons. If a group of 20 people come together, that is a total of Sh1 million and if put to good use, it can spur their growth, she averred.
As far as African trade is concerned, the PS noted that they recently held a meeting with Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) where he highlighted they are finalising the protocol of promotion of women and youth to enable them freely trade within the continent.
The protocol is also geared at enhanced capacity building program to support in trade facilitation and trade financing among Africans.
She challenged young entrepreneurs to tap in on the government’s commitment to grow the manufacturing sector from the current 7 per cent to 20 per cent by 2030.
“This growth will be realized by young and budding business minded persons who are keen on the economy and ready to expand their territories. I urge all of you to be proactive and be part of the next phase of manufacturing gurus in the country and beyond,” she said.
The E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center celebrated the graduation of 39 innovative enterprises, who have gone through a 12 month’s program, each poised to create job opportunities and drive meaningful change.
Among these, 29 enterprises completed the Accelerator program, which is dedicated to scaling high-potential ventures, while 10 graduated from the Incubator program, designed to nurture early-stage startups with strong growth potential.
This milestone represents a significant advance in empowering entrepreneurs to contribute to economic development and social impact.
During the program, these enterprises gained access to an extensive array of resources, including specialized training and mentorship in areas such as business strategy, financial accounting, entrepreneurial marketing, investor readiness, and impact measurement.
Additionally, they benefited from valuable networking opportunities at both local and international levels, allowing them to connect with potential investors and significantly enhance their market visibility. This holistic support not only equipped the enterprises with critical skills but also positioned them for sustainable growth and success in competitive markets.
E4Impact is dedicated to leveraging entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive growth and job creation across Africa. By providing comprehensive support to startups and SMEs, E4Impact fosters sustainable development and economic empowerment throughout the continent. The organization customizes its programs and resources to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that bridges gaps, stimulates innovation, and strengthens economies.