2ND EDITION
Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit for East Africa (RIESEA) 2026
Theme: Borderless East Africa For Regional Resilience & Sustainable Growth
27th - 29th May, 2026
Nairobi, Kenya
About RIESEA
East Africa is rising as the continent’s innovation powerhouse, with cities like Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Juba, and Bujumbura buzzing with startups that are solving real African challenges through creativity, technology, and resilience. Yet, structural barriers—fragmented ecosystems, limited financing, inconsistent policies, and underrepresentation on the global stage—still hold back the region’s full potential. RIESEA 2026 is the game-changing platform designed to break these barriers, ignite collaboration, and position East Africa at the forefront of innovation-driven growth, making it the beating heart of Africa’s future.
Regional resilience
Co-create policy and partnership recommendations that strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems across borders.
Investment & market access
Connect startups and SMEs with investors, corporates, DFIs and global partners for deal flow and growth.
Inclusive innovation
Spotlight women and youth-led enterprises and solutions in green, digital and impact entrepreneurship.
Global visibility
Amplify global recognition of East Africa’s innovation excellence and leadership.
Summit objectives
Clear, outcome-driven goals to accelerate integration, financing, policy transformation, and ecosystem infrastructure.
Accelerate regional integration through innovation
Unite East African nations under a shared innovation agenda to drive trade, investment, and collective growth.
Enhance access to capital and markets
Connect startups to investors, corporates, DFIs and global partners; enable matchmaking and investment readiness.
Champion policy transformation
Shape enabling environments where entrepreneurs, SMEs and support organizations can flourish.
Showcase East Africa’s innovation powerhouse
Position the region in green innovation, digital transformation, creative industries, and social impact entrepreneurship.
Strengthen ecosystem infrastructure
Build lasting partnerships among hubs, accelerators, universities, corporates, and government agencies.
Inclusion & sustainability
Increase participation of women, youth, and marginalized innovators across the summit and beyond.
Thematic Focus
Seven strategic tracks built for East Africa’s innovation-led future.
Green & Inclusive Innovation
Climate tech, renewable energy, agri-innovation, and sustainable cities.
Digital Transformation & Future Tech
AI, fintech, IoT, blockchain, and digital public infrastructure.
Innovation for Trade & AfCFTA
Scaling into regional and continental markets.
Financing Africa’s Future
VC, impact investing, blended finance, and crowdfunding.
The Future of Work & Skills
Reskilling youth for Industry 4.0 and digital jobs.
Women & Youth Leadership in Innovation
Empowering women-led startups and youth-led enterprises.
Policy, Regulation & Ecosystem Governance
Startup policy, PPPs, and harmonized regional frameworks.
Summit Program Structure
A premium flow that mixes high-level convening with practical, deal-oriented sessions.
Day 1 — RIESEA Golf Tournament
- RIESEA Golf Tournament: Diplomacy meets business on the green.
- Innovation Learning Safari: Immersive tours to Kenya’s most dynamic innovation hubs and social enterprises.
- Founders Connect Reception: A high-energy evening of networking, storytelling, and collaboration.
Days 2 & 3: The Main Summit
- Opening Plenary: East Africa Rising – Building the Innovation Capital of the Global South.
- High-Level Panels & Fireside Chats: Regional integration, policy reforms, and funding opportunities.
- Masterclasses & Workshops: Investor readiness, leadership, digital transformation, and sustainability.
- Innovation Marketplace: Live showcase of breakthrough East African startups and technologies.
Who should attend
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Entrepreneur Support Organizations (hubs, incubators, accelerators)
- Startups and SMEs
- Investors and venture capital firms
- Development partners and NGOs
- Academia and research institutions
- Corporate innovation leaders
- Media, storytellers, and content creators
Partnership & Sponsorship
Own the narrative, power the ecosystem, and gain premier visibility across the region.
Platinum Sponsor
High-Visibility Branding
- Logo & recognition on summit website, banners, delegate bags, signage, and all promotional material
- Logo hyperlink on website
- Featured in all advertisements
- Co-branding at the Regional Networking Reception Dinner
Engagement & Influence
- 20-minute welcome speech at official opening
- Moderate one session
- Speak at the networking reception
- 2m x 2m premium exhibition booth at main entrance
- 20-pax corporate table at Day 1 Networking Reception
- 2 brochures inserted in delegate packs
- On-screen ads between sessions
- Live product demo opportunity
Gold Sponsor
Brand Visibility
- Logo on website, program, delegate bags, banners, printed materials
- Logo hyperlink on website
- Featured in all advertisements
- Co-branding at Networking Reception Dinner
Event Participation
- 10-pax corporate table at Day 1 Networking Reception
- Moderate one session
- 2m x 2m exhibition booth at main exhibition hall entrance
- 1 brochure inserted in delegate packs
- On-screen promotions between sessions
- Live product demo opportunity
Silver Sponsor
Branding
- Logo placement across event materials (website, social media, banners, program, delegate bags)
- Co-branding at Networking Dinner
- Logo hyperlink on website
Participation
- 5-pax corporate table at Day 1 Networking Reception
- Speak at reception
- Moderate one session
- 2m x 2m exhibition booth
- 1 brochure in delegate packs
- On-screen promotions between sessions
Breakout
- Host one 60-minute breakout session on Day 2
Bronze Sponsor
Branding
- Logo on website, banners, program, and event material
- Logo hyperlink on website
Participation
- 5-pax corporate table at Day 1 Networking Reception Dinner
- Moderate one session
- 2m x 2m exhibition booth
- 1 brochure in delegate packs
- On-screen promotions between sessions
- Host one 60-minute breakout session on Day 2
Knowledge Partner
Branding
- Logo on website & event literature
- Session-based co-branding
Engagement
- Host or lead 1 breakout session
- Live product demo
- On-screen promotions between sessions
Become a Partner
Let’s discuss sponsorship or speaking opportunities
Connect with our leadership team for partnership enquiries, sponsor decks, and curated participation options.
Maiyah Lamas
Partnership Enquiries
Mercy Kimalat
CEO, ASSEK