Kisumu to Host 2025 Business Ecosystems Summit, Bringing Together Leaders to Empower MSMEs and Unlock Regional Potential

The 2025 Business Ecosystems Summit (BES 2025) will take place from 26-28 November 2025 in Kisumu City, bringing together key players from the public and private sectors to strengthen Kenya’s enterprise landscape.

According to Jeanette Oromo, CEO of The IMC People, the organisers of the Summit, the event is driven by a deep commitment to advancing Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We aim to build stronger and more connected business ecosystems that drive sustainable growth. SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and supporting them is key to Kenya’s and Africa’s prosperity. Our goal this year is to help SMEs access the right partnerships, financing, and knowledge to thrive in competitive markets. By creating these connections, we can catalyse innovation, create jobs, and strengthen resilience across the country,” said Ms. Oromo.

There are more than 7.4 million MSMEs in Kenya, according to a World Bank report, contributing to employment and economic stability, yet many continue to face barriers in access to finance, markets, and networks. BES2025 will provide a platform to address these challenges by connecting entrepreneurs with the partners and resources they need to scale sustainably.

Following a rescheduling earlier in the year, the Summit is back with a sharper focus on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through access to markets, financing, and innovation ecosystems. BES2025 will convene entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, development partners, and industry experts for three days of exhibitions, plenary sessions, and deal-making forums.

Speaking on behalf of the Kisumu County Government, the official host of the Summit, H.E Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the lakeside city’s readiness as a MICE destination.

“Kisumu is honoured to host the second edition of the Business Ecosystems Summit. Our county has become a regional hub for innovation, trade, and tourism, making it the perfect setting for business resilience and opportunity. We are excited to welcome delegates from across Kenya and beyond to forge partnerships that extend inclusive growth. Hosting such high-profile events illustrates that Kisumu has the facilities to host large and high-profile meetings and conferences,” said Prof. Nyong’o.

The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), the official partner of the Summit, views the event as an opportunity to bring the region’s collective potential into focus, according to Victor Nyagaya, LREB CEO.

“The Lake Region counties are united by a shared purpose to unlock the region’s vast economic potential through joint planning, strategic partnerships, and sustainable financing. BES2025 offers us a platform to showcase how counties can work together to attract investment and scale regional projects that benefit our people. This unity of vision will transform the lake region into an economic powerhouse for Kenya,” said Mr. Nyagaya.

BES2025 will feature exhibition, plenary sessions, and sector-specific forums across areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, finance, infrastructure, technology, climate change, automotive and machinery, education, and construction.

The Summit is expected to attract more than 10,000 daily visitors to the exhibitors’ marketplace, at least 900 delegates, and catalyse multi-million-dollar investments across multiple sectors.

It builds upon the success of its first edition in 2023, which had participation from 9,000 marketplace attendees, 8 embassies, and profiled USD 93 million in investor commitments.

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