By Allan Kai & Rose Mbugua

Yesterday, Mombasa's youth entrepreneurs and innovators received exciting news during a press briefing about the upcoming Pwani Innovation Week 2024, scheduled to take place from October 14th to 18th. 

 Swahilipot Hub, in collaboration with key stakeholders, hosted the briefing at its premises in Treasury Square, Mombasa County. Notable figures such as Mahmoud Noor, the Founder and Chief Mentor of Swahilipot, CCM Tourism Trade and Investment Mombasa County Mohammed Osman, Debbie Thys, co-CEO of Close The Gap Hub, and Dr. Rahma Udu, a Senior Lecturer and research scientist at the Technical University of Mombasa, were in attendance.

 This year's edition, themed "The Pwani We Desire: Youth, Culture, Peace, and Innovation in the Decade of Action," promises a vibrant exchange of ideas focusing on business enterprise solutions, interactive forum discussions on the Pwani's economy, talks on education and skills development, and exhibitions. The objective is to keep the youth of the Pwani region in East Africa continuously connected to opportunities for economic growth.

Mombasa media covering the press briefing by Swahilipot Hub on The PIW 2024. Photo: Banks Bernard

 Mahmoud Noor expressed his intentions for this year's event, emphasizing the importance of bringing together experts from diverse fields to interact with the youth, fostering learning, and creating employment opportunities to reshape the narrative of the coastal people.

 Representing the governor of Mombasa County, Mohammed Osman highlighted the significance of this year's theme as a roadmap towards envisioning an aspirational Pwani. He stressed the pivotal role of youth empowerment, stating that the Innovation Week will empower them with the skills and knowledge to become leaders and innovators capable of addressing emerging challenges and driving Mombasa's socioeconomic objectives forward.

From left; Mahmoud Noor, Abud Jamal, and Mohammed Osman. Photo: Banks Bernard

  Dr. Rahma Udu, speaking on behalf of the Technical University of Mombasa, affirmed their commitment to partnering with Swahilipot to support innovators in patenting and commercializing their ideas, aligning with the university's mission to transfer knowledge through teaching, research, and innovation for the benefit of the community and industry.

 Dr. Omar Bakari from Tanga, Tanzania, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of the 5th edition of Pwani Innovation Week, highlighting its potential to benefit the Tanzanian Pwani zone by providing access to learning opportunities and fostering individual empowerment.

 Abud Jamal, Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mombasa County, pledged $1000 to support winners across various categories during the event.

 The event will also feature participation from partners in Tanzania and Somalia, showcase coastal innovation and artistic talents through the Pwani Got Talent Show, and culminate in an awards ceremony.

 Activities planned for Innovation Week include innovation challenges, hackathons, training boot camps, workshops, keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, cultural storytelling experiences, and concerts.