Anza Village

We Did It Again! 🎉 We are proud to announce that we were awarded the Innovation Leadership Policy Award at the ASSEK Innovation Awards Gala 2024! This recognition marks our second award of the year, and it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the vibrant community that continues to inspire us every day. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us on this policy journey—from pushing for impactful changes to shaping a more inclusive and innovative ecosystem. Your partnership and belief in our vision have been key to this milestone. To the Anza Village Community, this award is for YOU! 💙 We are honored to represent and work alongside such a passionate group of innovators, founders, and changemakers. Together, we are not just building startups—we are shaping the future of Africa's ecosystem. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and creating policies that truly drive impact. The best is yet to come! Wangechi Wahome, James Owino, TJ Enos Airo, Rebecca Kemunto, Sisule & Associates LLP, Sisule Musungu, Mercy Kimalat, Grace Wachori, Anza Grow Academy, StartAZ, ASSEK, Business Week Afrika, #InnovationLeadership #AnzaVillage #ASSEKAwards2024 #PolicyForImpact #EcosystemBuilders #CollaborationMatters #StartupCommunity

Hats Off to Anza Village for winning the 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 👏, and to WYLDE International for achieving the well-earned position of First Runner-up! This prestigious recognition highlights their remarkable contributions to enhancing Kenya's entrepreneurial landscape through transformative and impactful policy initiatives. The Innovative Policy Leadership Award celebrates visionary leaders and organizations dedicated to creating forward-thinking policies that empower entrepreneurs, drive systemic change, and create a robust foundation for innovation. Their work is instrumental in fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, ensuring Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to thrive. We honor your commitment to building a supportive environment where ideas flourish and partnerships shape the future of entrepreneurship. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉 Ministry of Investments,Trade and Industry The World Bank The Kenya Industry & Entrepreneurship Project KIEP-SKIES Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global UNDP Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) AfriLabs KICTANet Somo Jubilee Insurance Jasiri4Africa E4Impact Foundation Little App Kenya AAR Insurance Sound Fusion Limited Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs

Hats Off to Anza Village for winning the 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 👏, and to WYLDE International for achieving the well-earned position of First Runner-up! This prestigious recognition highlights their remarkable contributions to enhancing Kenya's entrepreneurial landscape through transformative and impactful policy initiatives. The Innovative Policy Leadership Award celebrates visionary leaders and organizations dedicated to creating forward-thinking policies that empower entrepreneurs, drive systemic change, and create a robust foundation for innovation. Their work is instrumental in fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, ensuring Kenya’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to thrive. We honor your commitment to building a supportive environment where ideas flourish and partnerships shape the future of entrepreneurship. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 🎉 Ministry of Investments,Trade and Industry The World Bank The Kenya Industry & Entrepreneurship Project KIEP-SKIES Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global UNDP Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) AfriLabs KICTANet Somo Jubilee Insurance Jasiri4Africa E4Impact Foundation Little App Kenya AAR Insurance Sound Fusion Limited Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs

We are honored to be recognized as the Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) of the Year at the Kenya Innovation Week Gala Awards! This accolade reflects our steadfast commitment to empowering startups, SMEs, entrepreneurs and innovators across Africa. At Anza Village, we believe that impactful change begins with supportive ecosystems and forward-thinking policy. Our work advocating for the Startup Bill in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aims to remove regulatory barriers for over 1,000 startups. Similarly, the Innovator’s Guidebook, launched in Kenya and expanding to Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana, demystifies intellectual property laws, enabling innovators to protect and scale their ideas. Our youth-focused initiatives have been equally transformative. From creating a Community of Founders with over 5,000 young entrepreneurs to running the Anza Grow Academy, which has helped 75% of its participants achieve business growth, we’re equipping the next generation with the skills and networks they need to succeed. Events like the Inter-University Hackathon and Startup Summit continue to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and funding opportunities. We’re also passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs. Programs like the GBV Business Marathon and Xollaborate Accelerator have provided critical training and mentorship, helping women rebuild and scale their businesses. Key to our success are platforms like Anza Founders Night, which has facilitated over $2 million in investments and the upcoming AfriNovation Festival, where we’ll drive cross-sector collaboration across creative and STEM industries. This recognition motivates us to continue supporting Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. To our partners, stakeholders, and the entrepreneurs who inspire us daily—thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we’re shaping the future. Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Anza Grow Academy Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Ian Lugwiri James Owino Francis Okwara Rebecca Kemunto MOSES OKUNDI Riara University CBaaS® ASSEK Sisule Musungu StartAZ Latitude59 ANDE East Africa Grace Wachori Mulinge Sylvia M.B.S Jesse Muraya Adam Lane Agnes Tsuma Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global KIEP-SKIES Sheena Raikundalia Enos Masinde Weswa Michael (Mike) Strano Safaricom PLC MTN Uganda Equity Bank Limited

Anza Village had the privilege of leading the Intellectual Property (IP) Track at the Kenya Innovation Week. This year’s discussions focused on two pivotal themes: the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge, and the role of IP in enhancing market access for African startups. The session opened with an insightful introduction by Wangechi Wahome, who highlighted Anza Village’s journey in supporting entrepreneurs to protect and commercialize their intellectual property. Her remarks set the stage for the discussions that followed, underscoring the importance of IP in driving sustainable innovation. The keynote address, delivered by Dr Byson Colyns Sabola from ARIPO, emphasized the transformative potential of IP frameworks in safeguarding Africa’s rich genetic and cultural heritage while promoting innovation. Building on this, Michael (Mike) Strano from YAKWETU™ Online Limited shared a compelling presentation on how his organization has successfully leveraged technology to combat piracy in the creative sector also offering a practical example of how IP can be a powerful tool for growth and sustainability in the creative economy. Participants were divided into three tables. The first table, led by Kaindo Kiarie from KECOBO, explored the role of IP in fostering the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and blockchain. The second table, guided by John Omiti and Dr. Sabola, examined the critical link between IP and market access. The third table, facilitated by Carolyn Mwenda and Dr. Evans Taracha from the National Museums of Kenya, focused on the implications of the WIPO Treaty for protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge, emphasizing its potential to safeguard Africa’s cultural and biological heritage. The feedback session, facilitated by TJ Enos Airo, provided an opportunity for participants to share reflections and actionable insights from their discussions. Dr. Caroline Ayuya Muaka from Daystar University offered a thought-provoking perspective on the role of academia in innovation. She emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between research and commercialization, showcasing how institutions of higher learning can drive economic development by turning research outputs into market-ready solutions. As a critical next step, members of the IP Track will embark on drafting a white paper that consolidates the key insights and recommendations from the summit. Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Ian Lugwiri James Owino Francis Okwara Rebecca Kemunto MOSES OKUNDI Riara University CBaaS® ASSEK Sisule Musungu Anza Grow Academy StartAZ 

Today’s the day! Let’s all meet at Antler, ABC Place from 5:30 PM for the Anza Founders Night - Demo Edition 🎉. Expect: 🔥 Inspiring pitches from our Anza Grow Academy participants. 🔥 Networking with startups, investors, and ecosystem players. 🔥 A fireside chat and engaging panel discussion. 🎟️ Haven't grabbed your ticket yet? Don't worry—head to https://lnkd.in/dgYp8v4Y and secure your spot now! We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate an incredible year together. Let’s end it with a bang! Anza Grow Academy, Wangechi Wahome, TJ Enos Airo, James Owino, StartAZ, Payd HQ, Sisule Musungu, Sisule & Associates LLP, Business Week Afrika, YAKWETU™ Online Limited

One More Day to Go! 🎉 Tomorrow, we’re hosting our Anza Founders Night - Demo Edition, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this incredible evening with all of you! Here’s what you can expect: Startup Demos: Witness the innovation and creativity of our Anza Grow Academy Cohort 4 as they showcase the projects they’ve been building throughout the program. Panel Discussion: Dive into engaging conversations about trends, challenges, and opportunities in entrepreneurship. Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and key ecosystem players over meaningful conversations and shared goals. Celebration: Join us as we look back on an incredible year, celebrating the milestones we’ve achieved as a community. 📍 When & Where: 🗓️ Tomorrow, Nov 22 📍 Antler, ABC Place ⏰ From 5:30 PM Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! Secure your ticket now at https://lnkd.in/dgYp8v4Y Let’s wrap up the year in style, celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of community. We can’t wait to see you there! Anza Grow Academy, Wangechi Wahome, James Owino, Axcel Africa Consulting, Sisule Musungu, Sisule & Associates LLP, StartAZ, TJ Enos Airo, Rebecca Kemunto, lawrence Maina, Nafasi Connection, Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), Payd HQ, Japheth Achimba, Benaiah Wepundi, YAKWETU™ Online Limited, Michael (Mike) Strano, Jesse Muraya, #AnzaFoundersNight #DemoEdition #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Networking #Startups #AnzaVillage

2024: A Year of Growth, Impact, and Collaboration! This year has been nothing short of remarkable for us at Anza Village. From hosting Anza Nights, Pitch Battles, Hackathons, Fireside Chats, and Panel Discussions, to engaging with YOU—our incredible community—we’ve taken significant steps toward building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Your support, feedback, and participation have shaped the success of every initiative, ensuring we continue to serve you better. As the year draws to a close, we’re thrilled to invite you to our Anza Founders Night: Demo Edition—a special evening celebrating our shared milestones and looking ahead with excitement. What to Expect: -Demo Edition: Witness our Anza Grow Students’ groundbreaking projects. 🔥 Fireside Chat: Learn from industry experts. 💬 Community Dialogue: Celebrate, connect, and share ideas. 📅 When: Friday, November 22, 2024 📍 Where: Antler, ABC Place 🎟️ Tickets are limited—get yours today! https://lnkd.in/dgYp8v4Y Let’s celebrate the gains, the lessons, and the bonds we’ve built this year. Together, we’ll close 2024 stronger and ready for an even brighter 2025. See you there! 🙌 Anza Grow Academy, Sisule & Associates LLP, StartAZ, Wangechi Wahome, James Owino, TJ Enos Airo, Sisule Musungu, Timothy Gachucha, Kosen Kenta, Grace Wachori, #AnzaVillage #EntrepreneurshipCommunity #InnovationEcosystem #FoundersNight11m

Only a few days to go! Join us for Anza Founders Night – Demo Day Edition 🎉 Date: November 22, 2024 Venue: Antler, ABC Place, Nairobi This month, we're not just networking; we're celebrating our milestones and achievements as a community! Don't miss the chance to connect, learn, and cheer on the incredible entrepreneurs from our Anza Grow Cohort 4 as they showcase the startups and projects they've been building over the past 12 weeks. Event Highlights: 🌐 Panel Discussion: Tapping Into the Digital Economy: E-commerce, Fintech, and the Future of Online Markets. Explore how digital innovation is reshaping commerce in Africa. Hear from industry experts about the role of fintech in driving financial inclusion and upcoming trends in the online economy. 🎁 Exclusive Free Gift! All attendees will receive 7-day free access to YAKWETU Africa's platform—a curated library of African films, series, and documentaries. By opting in, you’ll also gain future access to exclusive content and updates. Simply select "Yes" on the Get Free Yakwetu Movie field during checkout to claim your gift. 🎟️ Limited slots available! Don’t wait—grab your ticket now to secure your spot for this unmissable evening of inspiration, learning, and celebration: https://lnkd.in/dgYp8v4Y Let’s continue building the future of entrepreneurship together! #AnzaFoundersNight #StartupCommunity #Entrepreneurship YAKWETU™ Online Limited , Payd HQ, Anza Grow Academy, Wangechi Wahome ,Sisule Musungu ,Sisule & Associates LLP, Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), James Owino, TJ Enos Airo, Rebecca Kemunto, Anita Kabare, Mugwe Calvin, Timothy Gachucha, Business Week Afrika,

Over the weekend, we witnessed innovation at its finest as participants from 10+ Higher Learning Institutions and Mpesa Foundation Academy showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills. Applying Design Thinking Principles, they developed incredible prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that address real-world challenges. 🌍💡 ✨ Special congratulations to the winners: Judges' Favourite: Break Buddy High School Edition: 🏆 1st Position: OKOA MAJI+ 🥈 2nd Position: ECOGLOW University Edition: 🥇 1st Position: Jasiri 🥈 2nd Position: Pinepower 🥉 3rd Position: KanKan Metre To everyone who participated, you are changemakers of tomorrow! Let’s keep innovating and building solutions that matter. 💪✨ 🙌 A big THANK YOU to our partners for their unwavering support: Riara University, The Technical University of Kenya, Anza Village, Kenya Innovation Week (KIW), Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), NCBA Group, HUAWEI DIT ICT ACADEMY, Microsoft Africa Development Centre, Red Bull, and Naivas Supermarket. Your contributions made this event a huge success! Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Wanja Mwaura-Tenambergen Wangechi Wahome James Owino TJ Enos Airo MOSES OKUNDI Sisule Musungu Irene Githinji Lemuel Abishua StartAZ Francis Okwara Anza Grow Academy Peter Kitavi George Ogada Esther Kute