Kisumu Set to Unlock Trillion-Shilling Investment Deals at Business Ecosystem Summit
INTRODUCTIONKisumu is gearing up to host the second edition of the Business Ecosystem Summit (BES) from August 6 to 8, 2025, with the ambitious goal of catalyzing at least USD 10 billion (Ksh1.3 trillion) in investment deals. This monumental event promises to connect global investors with businesses within the lake region, empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with financing and market access, and ultimately creating 100,000 jobs.
KEY POINTS AND ANALYSIS
The BES, organized by The IMC People and hosted by the County Government of Kisumu in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), is poised to build on the successes of its inaugural edition. This year's summit will focus on public-private collaboration, with LREB member counties presenting investment opportunities tied to county developments, and private sector players showcasing investment cases for potential investors. The event's organizers are confident that the summit will have a lasting impact on the business landscape, with CEO of The IMC People, Ms. Jeanette Oromo, stating that they aim to "grow the impact and leave a lasting effect on the business landscape that will trickle down to the whole country and region." Similarly, Victor Nyan'gaya, CEO of the Lake Region Economic Bloc, emphasized the importance of unlocking investment in projects that align with county development agendas, citing it as key to moving the country forward.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Business Ecosystem Summit is a critical platform for enhancing regional cooperation, exposing investment opportunities, and improving market accessibility for businesses. The lake region, which comprises 14 counties, presents a vast potential for growth and development. The summit's focus on MSMEs is particularly significant, as these businesses are the backbone of the economy, providing employment and driving innovation. The first edition of the BES brought together governors and deputy governors from the LREB, as well as then Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u. This year's event is expected to attract over 500 delegates from 23 countries, including national government representatives, MPs, Senators, financial institutions, investment promotion agencies, development partners, and embassies.
CONCLUSION OR FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
As Kisumu prepares to host the second Business Ecosystem Summit, the stakes are high. With the potential to unlock trillions of shillings in investment deals, this event has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the lake region and beyond. As Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o aptly put it, "We are at a point where expansion of regional trade is crucial. Businesses, and governments alike, need to look beyond the delimitations of local markets and strengthen their ties with others within the region to unlock investment and drive growth." As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Kisumu to see if the BES can deliver on its ambitious promises and set a new benchmark for regional economic cooperation and growth.