Day 1 Highlights
The 7th Annual Africa Conference on Social Entrepreneurship (AACOSE7) kicked off with a powerful and inspiring opening day, setting the tone for the transformative discussions and activities that would follow over the next three days.
Day 2 Highlights
The second day of AACOSE7 continued the momentum from the opening day, featuring a series of insightful speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses, and significant announcements. The day’s events focused on innovative financing models, socio-economic integration of refugees, and the future of technology in Africa.
Day 3 Highlights
The final day of AACOSE7 was dynamic and engaging, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, sustainability, and academic discourse. The day was filled with inspirational speeches, vibrant panel discussions, and practical breakout sessions, culminating in a memorable closing ceremony.
Social Entrepreneurship Conference Speakers
AACOSE 7's Remarkable Speakers
Chief Guest Speakers
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/H.E.ZsoltMeszaros.jpg)
H.E. Zsolt Meszaros
Ambassador Embassy of Hungary, Nairobi Kenya
Keynote Speakers
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Rev.-Prof.-Patrick-Mwania.jpg)
Rev. Prof. Patrick Mwania
Vice Chancellor, Tangaza University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fr.-Leo-DVC-Finance-Tangaza.jpg)
Dr. Fr. Leo Mwenda
Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Tangaza University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr.-Beatrice-Churu.jpg)
Dr. Beatrice Wairimu Churu
Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences, Tangaza University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Br.-Jonas-AACOSE.jpg)
Br. Jonas Yawovi Dzinekou
Director Institute for Social Transformation, Tangaza University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Michelle-Stella.jpg)
Michelle Stella
Country Director, CISP
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Symphorien-Pyana.jpg)
Symphorien Pyana
CEO, Agromwinda
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Dr.-Wamuyu-Mahinda-Catalyst-2030.jpg)
Dr. Wamuyu Mahinda
Co-Chair, Catalyst 2030 Africa Region
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hon.-Dr.-John-Chikati.jpg)
Hon. Dr. John Chikati
Member of National Assembly, Tongaren Constituency
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kenneth-Ndua.jpeg)
Kenneth Ndua
Board Chairperson, Social Enterprise Kenya (SEK)
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Janet-Gakenia.jpg)
Janet Gakenia
Assistance Director Enterprises Development/ Nairobi Region Micro and Small Enterprises Authority
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr.-Vincent-Oguto-VC-Strathmore-University.jpg)
Dr. Vincent Oguto
Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adenew.jpg)
Mr. Adenew Mesfin
CEO, Social Enterprise Ethiopia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Roberto Carlos Astete Boettecher
CEO RAB CORP TECHNOLOGY SPA - Chili
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shazeeb-Managing-Director-YY-Ventures.jpg)
Shazeeb M Khairul Islam
Founder & Managing Director, YY Ventures
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trevor-Koronei-Lopokoiyit.jpg)
Trevor Koronei Lopokoiyit
Golbal Shaper, Global Shapers
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Kiogora-CEONational-Youth-Council.jpg)
Margaret Kiogora
CEO, National Youth Council
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Judith Oyoo
National Chairperson Disability League - SMEP Microfinance
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr.-Orpha-Nyakundi-UNESCO.jpg)
Dr. Orpha Nyakundi
Deputy Director Programmes in Ethics of Science and Sports - UNESCO
Panelists
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hon-Ekwom-S.P.-Nabuin.jpg)
Hon Ekwom S.P. Nabuin
MP, Turkana North Constituency, Kenya National Assembly
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mike_Kipkorir_Bill_CBC_App-Verb-Education.jpg)
Mike Kipkorir Bill
Founder & CEO, Verb Education
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Paula-Wallace-Pickering-300x300-1.jpg)
Paula Wallace-Pickering
Training & Support Manager - Gold Youth
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ruth-Yohannes.jpg)
Ruth Yohannes
Founder & Manager - Talent Firm
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr-Noeline-Kirabo-Director-of-Operations-Kyusa-Academy.jpg)
Dr Noeline Kirabo
Director of Operations, Kyusa Academy
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kibret-Abebe.jpg)
Kibret Abebe
President, Social Enterprise Ethiopia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ayatam-Simeneh-Vice-presiden-Social-Enterprise-Ethiopia.jpg)
Ayatam Simeneh
Vice President, Social Enterprise Ethiopia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bethelhem-Dessie-iCog-labs-Ethiopia.jpg)
Bethelhem Dessie
CEO, iCog Labs - Ethiopia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jane-Thiongo-CEO-Alive-and-Kicking-Zambia.jpg)
Jane Thiongo
CEO, Alive and Kicking, Zambia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Miss-Wanjiku-Joy-Kiminja.jpg)
Joy Wanjiku Kiminja
Secretariat Lead, Sustainable Futures Africa Foundation
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Kidus-Asfaw.jpg)
Kidus Asfaw
Co-Founder & CEO, Kubik
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Tizzita-Mengesha.jpg)
Ms. Tizzita Mengesha
Board Member, Social Enterprise Ethiopia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Itoto-Echakara-Sedele-Legal-Development.jpg)
Ms. Itoto Echakara
Sedele Legal Development
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Valentine-Muchiri-Global-Shapers.jpg)
Ms. Valentine Muchiri
Global Shaper, Global Shapers
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/David-Mukaru.jpg)
David Mukaru
CEO, Caritas Microfinance Bank
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sr.-Agnes-Nkatha-CEO-St.-Theresa-Hospital.jpg)
Sr. Agnes Nkatha
CEO, St. Theresa Mission Hospital
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Baraka Kerich
Gertrude's Children's Hospital
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fr.-Matambura-Kashosi-Ismael-SJ-Director-AJAN.jpg)
Fr. Matambura Kashosi Ismael, SJ
Director, AJAN
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Irene-Mureithi-CEO-Personal-Development-Institute.jpg)
Ms. Irene Mureithi
CEO, Personal Development Institute
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Mellanie-Nganga-TBN.jpg)
Ms. Mellanie Nganga
Partnerships Manager: SME Access to Finance, TBN
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Calvince-Okello-CEO-Mshamba.jpg)
Calvince Okello
CEO, Mshamba
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mr.-George-Macharia-MG-food-and-Agriculture-Equity.jpg)
Mr. George Macharia
MG, Food and Agriculture - Equity
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Ms. Susan Kahumbu
Founder, iCOW
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Owen-Muzambi.jpg)
Owen Muzambi
Head of gold Grads Connections and Microbusiness Development
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mr.-Alex-Mthobi.jpg)
Mr. Alex Mthobi
Board Member & Trustee, ICMICA Pax Romana
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Makena-Mworia-MD-Inkomoko.jpg)
Ms. Makena Mworia
MD, Inkomoko
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Esther-Gathigi-Country-Director-Digital-Opportunity-Trust-Kenya.jpg)
Ms. Esther Gathigi
Country Director, Digital Opportunity Trust Kenya
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ms.-Terry-Otieno-Co-Chair-Intergenerational-Youth-Subcommittee-for-the-2024-UN-Civil-Society-Conference.jpg)
Ms. Terry Otieno
Co-Chair, Intergenerational & Youth Subcommittee for the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sylvia-Baguma.jpeg)
Sylvia Baguma
Head of Impact Management and Learning - Gold Youth
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bruktawit-Tigabu.jpg)
Bruktawit Tigabu
Board Chairperson, Social Enterprise Ethiopia (SEE)
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Robel-Debebe.jpg)
Robel Debebe
Managing Director, Icon Management and Finance Solutions PLC
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jane-Nungari.jpg)
Jane Nungari
Consultant Communications Specialist, The World Bank
Moderators
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Mr. Meshack Shibanji Mutende
Business Development Manager, Zuri Health
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/George-Jomo.jpg)
George Jomo
CEO, Solubag
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Ambrose-Mbuvi-Yunus-Environmental-Hub.jpg)
Ambrose Mbuvi
Yunus Environmental Hub
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Richard-Kakeeto.jpg)
Richard Kakeeto
Ag. CEO, DRC Social Innovation Summit
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr-Alice-Nzagi.jpg)
Dr. Alice Nzagi
Postgraduate Programme Leader, Tangaza University
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maurice-Omondi-Manager-CPF-Group-Foundation.jpg)
Maurice Omondi
Manager, CPF Group Foundation
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dr.-Mwenda-Mbaka.jpg)
Dr. Mwenda Mbaka
Chairman, Kenya Veterinary Board
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Winnifred-Katherine-KYUSA.jpg)
Dr. Winnifred Katherine
Training Coordicator, KYUSA
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AACOSE-Speaker-Default.jpg)
Phyllis Atieno
Global Shapers
Key highlights
Launch of (NASE) Network of African Social Enterprises
A landmark moment of the day was the launch of the Network of African Social Enterprises (NASE). This groundbreaking initiative aims to strengthen social entrepreneurs and amplify their impact by unifying them under umbrella bodies. NASE will facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and advocacy, driving substantial progress in the field of social entrepreneurship across Africa. NASE represents a major step forward in fostering a supportive and interconnected ecosystem for social enterprises. Representatives from Social Enterprise Kenya, Social Enterprise Ghana, Social Enterprise Ethiopia, and Social Enterprise Ivory Coast, along with delegates from the 12 countries, celebrated this initiative by cutting a cake. NASE aims to unify social enterprises across Africa, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Launch-of-NASE-1200x674.jpg)
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Join-AACOSE-850.webp)
Growing social entrepreneurship in Africa
Networking through Partnerships
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Join-AACOSE-850.webp)
As social entrepreneurship continues to grow, there are local or national social entrepreneurship networks that have already been formed in some African countries. It is time to bring these existing networks together towards a continental network and strengthen their efforts.
As a response, AACOSE leverages emerging networks and other initiatives to establish a network of social entrepreneurship. For social entrepreneurship to evolve into a powerful force and movement for continental change, there is a need to connect and build a network of networks.
Growing social entrepreneurship in Africa
7th AACOSE Conference Methodology
The conference will use a methodology that blends diverse experiences and best practices, contributing to the generation of new knowledge and solutions.
Showcasing
Social business models of successful social entrepreneurs will be showcased.
Panel Discussion
The discussions will be organised in plenary and breakout sessions, providing opportunities for in-depth conversations and showcasing thematic areas. They will also be led by industry leaders.
AACOSE Academia
This will be the focus of the last day of the conference. There will be research paper presentations on Social Entrepreneurship.
#KeynoteSpeakers
Our Keynote Speakers
Gain valuable insights and inspiration from thought leaders and experts in social entrepreneurship during our exclusive keynote sessions at the event.
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ms-Mary-Mwidi.jpg)
Ms. Mary Mwiti
CEO, Council of Government
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stella-Michele_photo.jpg)
Michelle Stella
CISP Country representative for Kenya and Somalia
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kibret-Abebe-1.jpg)
Kibret Abebe Tuffa
President of Social Enterprise Ethiopia (SEE)
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/george-jomo.jpg)
George Jomo
CEO, Solubag Africa
![](https://aacose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Eleleta-Surafel.jpg)
Dr. Eleleta Surafel
Research and Program Coordination – Bela Risu Foundation
Growing social entrepreneurship in Africa
7th AACOSE Conference Methodology
The conference will use a methodology that blends diverse experiences and best practices, contributing to the generation of new knowledge and solutions.
Showcasing
Social business models of successful social entrepreneurs will be showcased.
Panel Discussion
The discussions will be organised in plenary and breakout sessions, providing opportunities for in-depth conversations and showcasing thematic areas. They will also be led by industry leaders.
AACOSE Academia
This will be the focus of the last day of the conference. There will be research paper presentations on Social Entrepreneurship.
Join the change maker movement from all over Africa
800+
social entrepreneurs, funders, academics, and policymakers.