Kisumu County is expected to host the Business Ecosystem Summit (BES) 2025, which will take place from November 26-28, 2025. The event will bring more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, with a key focus on SMEs through access to markets, financing, and the innovation ecosystem.
The BES 2025 will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, development partners, and industry experts for three days of exhibitions, plenary sessions, and deal-making forums.
According to Jeannette Oromo, CEO of The IMC People, the organisers of the summit, the event is driven by a deep commitment to advancing Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We aim to build stronger and more connected business ecosystems that drive sustainable growth. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, and supporting them is key to Kenya’s and Africa’s prosperity. Our goal this year is to help SMEs access the right partnerships, financing, and knowledge to thrive in competitive markets. By creating these connections, we can catalyse innovation, create jobs, and strengthen resilience across the country,” Ms. Oromo noted.
According to a World Bank report, there are more than 7.4 million MSMEs contributing to employment and economic stability, yet many continue to face barriers in access to finance, markets, and networks.
Additionally, BES 2025 will provide a platform to address these challenges by connecting entrepreneurs with the partners and resources they need to scale sustainably.
Speaking on behalf of the Kisumu County Government, the official host of the summit, H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the Lakeside city’s readiness as a MICE destination.
“Kisumu is honoured to host the second edition of the Business Ecosystem Summit. Our county has become a regional hub for innovation, trade, and tourism, making it the perfect setting for business resilience and opportunity. We are excited to welcome delegates from across Kenya and beyond to forge partnerships that extend inclusive growth. Hosting such high-profile events illustrates that Kisumu has the facilities to host large and high-profile meetings and conferences,” said Prof. Nyong’o.
An official partner of the summit, The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), views the event as an opportunity to bring the region’s collective potential into focus, according to Victor Nyagaya, LREB CEO.
“The Lake Region counties are united by a shared purpose to unlock the region’s vast economic potential through joint planning, strategic partnerships, and sustainable financing. BES 2025 offers us a platform to showcase how counties can work together to attract investment and scale regional projects that benefit our people. This unity of vision will transform the lake region into an economic powerhouse for Kenya,” he added.
Furthermore, BES 2025 will feature exhibitions, plenary sessions, and sector-specific forums across areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, finance, infrastructure, technology, climate change, automotive and machinery, education, and construction.
The summit is anticipated to attract more than 10,000 daily visitors to the exhibitors’ marketplace, at least 900 delegates, and catalyse multi-million-dollar investments across multiple sectors.
This upcoming summit builds upon the success of its first edition in 2023, which had participation from 9,000 marketplace attendees, 8 embassies, and profiled USD 93 million in investor commitments.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
