The African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ASENTI 2025) officially kicked off in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together some of Africa’s entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and investors. The three-day summit, held from November 13 to 15, focuses on the theme: “Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Reimagining Africa’s Entrepreneurship.”
The event aims to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem and empower young entrepreneurs to build solutions that can transform the continent’s future. More than 200 delegates, 30 international speakers, 20 investors, and 20 exhibitors from over 10 African countries are taking part in the gathering.
A Platform for Africa’s Innovators
Opening the summit, Esther Kunda, the Director General of Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT and Innovation, emphasized the importance of connecting innovation to impact. She encouraged entrepreneurs to think beyond profit and focus on solving real societal challenges.
“It’s a pleasure to join a gathering of entrepreneurs who are passionate about Africa’s growth, we must ask ourselves what innovation means for a sustainable future and how we can reimagine Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to create real impact.” said Kunda.
Kunda highlighted Rwanda’s efforts to build innovation hubs across the country through programs like Hanga, a national initiative that means “create” or “innovate”. The initiative supports startups in different sectors, from FinTech and AgriTech to HealthTech and AI.
“Our goal is to take innovation beyond the cities, we are building innovation hubs across Rwanda to ensure that every community can participate in the digital economy.” she added.
DG Kunda also discussed Rwanda’s focus on the FinTech Strategy, explaining how digital payments and e-commerce can drive financial inclusion and strengthen Africa’s economic future.
“Payments will power the digital economy of tomorrow, we want to enable companies that can facilitate payment and trade across the continent, while creating opportunities for every African.” Kunda said.
Recognizing Key Partners
In his welcoming remarks, Calvin Jodisi, the President of ASENTI Africa, expressed deep gratitude to partners and organizations that have supported the summit over the years.
“We would like to recognize the presence of GIZ Kenya, our long-time supporter, and to thank Oracle Academy, one of our main partners, for their contribution to entrepreneurship and education in Africa,” Jodisi said.
He also appreciated the University of Tshwane (South Africa), RISA (Rwanda Information Society Authority), and BK Tech Rwanda for their collaboration in promoting entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
“We also want to thank everyone who traveled from different countries to be here, your time and commitment mean a lot. This summit is not just about ideas it’s about building partnerships and real connections that can change Africa.” Jodisi added.
Jodisi reminded attendees that ASENTI was founded ten years ago to promote entrepreneurship across Africa and has since been hosted in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, and now Rwanda.
“Our mission is simple to encourage young Africans to embrace entrepreneurship and build solutions for the world, it’s not only about finance; it’s about building capacity, providing knowledge, and empowering young people to create sustainable businesses.” he said.
Learning and Collaboration
During the opening day, participants attended a keynote session led by Dr. Ernest R. Cadotte, the CEO of Marketplace Simulations and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Tennessee (USA). Dr. Cadotte introduced a unique approach to entrepreneurial education using simulation games that help students gain real business skills.
“Knowledge is not the same as skill, most students graduate with theoretical knowledge but lack the practical skills needed to run a business. Through our simulations, students learn by doing they make decisions, face challenges, and adapt just like in real business environments.” he explained.
Cadotte’s program is currently used by over 150,000 students worldwide, helping them learn teamwork, marketing, strategy, and innovation through hands-on business simulation games.
“Entrepreneurial education should go beyond textbooks, governments can help by encouraging practical learning that develops the skills needed to start and grow successful businesses.” he said.
Building the Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs
ASENTI 2025 also provides a platform for young innovators to pitch their ideas to investors. Ten selected startups from different African countries are expected to present their innovations during the Start-Up Pitch and Investor Deal Room sessions.
Jodisi explained that the goal is not only to connect startups with funding but also to provide mentorship and capacity building support.
“We are creating a space where ideas can grow, after the pitches, the selected entrepreneurs will receive more training to refine their ideas before being linked to early-stage investors. We want them to succeed, but we also want them to be ready.” he said.
He also encouraged young Africans to take ownership of their dreams and be proactive.
“Africa’s growth depends on young people who are willing to create, innovate, and lead, we need more young people building the next big African companies the Teslas and Amazons of tomorrow, born right here on our continent.” Jodisi added.
Looking Ahead
As the summit continues, participants will take part in panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions focused on EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AI, and Climate Innovation.
Participants emphasized that ASENTI 2025 goes beyond a conference it stands as a continent-wide movement empowering Africa’s innovators and entrepreneurs to design a sustainable and impactful future.
“Africa’s future is now; the opportunities are here. Let’s innovate for impact, collaborate for growth, and build a better tomorrow together.” said DG Esther Kunda in her closing message.
TCN | The Comments News | ASENTI 2025
