The third edition of the Latitude59 satellite event in Nairobi is bringing together 2500 participants, including almost 500 startup representatives. Nearly 200 investors are participating. In total, there are participants from 50 different countries worldwide.
This year’s event focuses on accelerating Africa’s next wave of innovation through Digital and Green Innovation. The program is designed to connect African founders with global capital, expertise, and networks while enabling policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders to co-create solutions for sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred digital transformation.
“We are not only in Kenya, we are building a global village. Coming from Estonia, a country of 1.3 million people, we understand the power of collaboration and how every connection matters. The idea of a global village reflects what we in Africa call ubuntu — the understanding that we are all interconnected. Every ecosystem has its own strengths, and our mission is to bring them together so that solutions built locally can grow globally,” said Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59.
In the opening remarks, H.E. Daniel Schaer, Ambassador at Large for Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, said that “Estonia is in Kenya and is here to stay. We are coming to cooperate, co-create and learn from you.”
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Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in Kenya, described Latitude59 as a bridge between ecosystems, capital, and ideas. “Latitude59 represents an opportunity for Kenya and Estonia to work together through digital partnerships driven by shared values and practical cooperation. As we begin this year’s program, I encourage everyone to explore new connections, test ideas, and imagine possibilities that extend far beyond borders,” he added.
Over the course of two days, almost 100 speakers will be on stage at Latitude59 in Kenya. One of the standout sessions at this year’s event will be Taavi Kotka, one of the architects behind Estonia’s digital transformation, who will unpack how Estonia became an IT and startup superpower, and Dr Myriam Sidibé, a global leader in public health and social impact, will speak on unlocking inclusive and sustainable growth through innovation.
Latitude59 Kenya 2025 is delivered in cooperation with ESTDEV through its participation in the Digital and Green Innovation (DGI) Programme, part of the European Union’s D4D Hub Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative. In addition, this year’s programme is delivered in cooperation with several other strategic partners, including Civitta, Smart Africa, Belva, KOOD, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), and Fienta.
Latitude59 is the flagship startup and tech event of the world’s first digital nation, Estonia. The 13th edition, held in Tallinn, Estonia, in May, attracted over 3,500 participants, including more than 900 startup representatives and 20 national delegations. Nearly 700 investors participated this year. 170 speakers could be seen on Latitude59’s stages. In total, there were participants from more than 70 different countries worldwide.
