Forging Connections for a Brighter Future: AACOSE 8 Partners’ Networking Breakfast
The 8th Annual Africa Conference on Social Entrepreneurship (AACOSE 8) Partners’ Networking Breakfast, held on the strategic day of February 20th, 2025—a day dedicated to social justice—exemplified the significance of this commitment. This ground-breaking event held at Donum Dei Roussel House in Karen, was more than just a gathering of minds; it was a collective pledge to foster collaboration, strengthen networks, and promote innovation for growth and social equality.
A Convergence of Dedicated Organizations
This strategic roundtable gathering brought together 41 organizations from across the country; dedicated partners, stakeholders, past partners and current sponsors to share insights, exchange expectations, and lay the groundwork for collaborations essential to the success of the upcoming AACOSE 8 event and the advancement of Africa’s Social Economy. This exclusive event provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the collective commitment to driving social impact through AACOSE 8.
A Shared Vision for Change
During the collaborative sessions led by the AACOSE founder Dr. Br. Jonas Yawovi Dzinekou, attendees had an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the continent’s future. They unanimously agreed on the importance of shifting Africa’s narrative, emphasizing the continent’s capability to address its challenges and create a better future.
“I believed it was crucial to create a platform for social entrepreneurs to share their stories, inspire others, and connect with impact-driven individuals. Over the past eight years, AACOSE has evolved into a hub of positive stories of change that are shaping Africa,” stated Br. Jonas Dzinekou on why he conceptualized AACOSE.
Keynote Insights from Dr. Cecilia Osyanju
The event also featured a thought-provoking keynote speech by Dr. Cecilia Osyanju, Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Tangaza University. Dr. Osyanju’s words resonated deeply with the attendees, underscoring the need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations.
“A sustainable and inclusive future for Africa is within our reach, but it requires us to work together,” Dr. Osyanju emphasized. “Social entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking the continent’s potential for sustainable development.”
Mr. Denis Owuoche from African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), representing Fr. Ismael Matumbura, gave a speech encouraging the partners to ensure their participation in the upcoming AACOSE 8 conference scheduled for May. He highlighted that the AACOSE conference promotes sustainability for organizations, citing how AJAN has benefited from the past conferences.
AJAN has evolved from merely funding ideas and projects to embracing social innovation, especially in light of funding cuts due to policy changes such as those implemented by former President Trump. “This strategic shift highlights the importance of social entrepreneurship as a sustainable path forward for many organizations that previously relied heavily on proposal-based funding,” says Denis.
Mr. Trevor Koronei Lopokoiyit, Curator at Global Shapers Community Nairobi, highlighted the great work they are doing to end FGM in Samburu, empowering these young girls through education and looking to improve their and well-being. He emphasized the need to have social businesses that are addressing societal issues, stating that: “Social entrepreneurship is important. Businesses aiming to empower people and the environment are critical; and it’s the best way our continent can move forward”
Social entrepreneurship, which forms the core of AACOSE, offers organizations a dynamic approach to creating impactful and sustainable change. By focusing on innovative solutions to social problems, these organizations can drive progress and resilience in their communities, even in the face of funding challenges.
Looking Ahead to AACOSE 8
The upcoming AACOSE 8 conference is set to take place from May 14th to 16th, 2025, at Tangaza University under the theme: Social Economy: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future for Africa. This event will provide a platform for diverse stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and develop strategies for advancing Africa’s social economy.
AACOSE 8 – 2025 is co-organized by the Network of Africa Social Enterprises (NASE), Social Enterprise Kenya, Social Enterprise Ethiopia, Social Enterprise Ghana, Social Enterprise Ivory Coast, and the Social Entrepreneurship Forum (Uganda). Partnering organizations include Soma Siri Afrika (Kenya), Global Shapers Community Nairobi (Kenya), Capital Solutions (Uganda), African Social Enterprise Workshop (ASEW), and Tabasamu Training Institute (Kenya). A special shout out to our sponsors; GRID Innovation & Incubation Hub (Rwanda), Unipod (Rwanda), Pamoja Trust (Kenya), Agromwinda (DRC), Resonate (South Africa), Agewell Clinics (Kenya), 3 ZERO House (Kenya), AJAN (Kenya), and Anidaso Eye Centre (Ghana).
Reflecting on the recent Partners’ Networking Breakfast, the sense of unity and shared purpose was palpable. The connections forged at this event will undoubtedly pave the way for impactful collaborations, driving Africa toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
In the words of Dr. Jonas Yawovi Dzinekou, “Together, we are stronger. Together, we can build a future where every African has the opportunity to thrive.”
This compelling narrative exemplifies the power of networking events in creating meaningful change and highlights the importance of actively participating in such initiatives. By attending and supporting such impactful and socially-conscious events, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for all.
Join us at AACOSE 8 to be part of this transformative journey.
Contact Details
Phone Number: +254116023210
Email: istconferences@tangaza.ac.ke or aacose@tangaza.ac.ke
