Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau.
By Peace Muthoka
Latitude59 opened its Nairobi edition today with a clear goal. The event wants stronger cooperation between European and African tech ecosystems. It also wants to support founders who are building digital and green solutions for the continent.
The event is Estonia’s flagship tech and startup forum. It runs global editions in Singapore and Cape Town. This is its third Nairobi satellite event. The opening ceremony brought together key global and regional leaders. Estonia’s Ambassador-at-Large for African Affairs Daniel Schaer led the delegation. European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geigeris joined him. Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, officially welcomed the participants.
Latitude59 Nairobi has attracted a huge turnout. It has 2,500 participants from 50 countries. Almost 500 startup representatives are in attendance. Close to 200 investors have joined them. The organisers said this year’s numbers show growing global interest in Africa’s innovation space.
This year’s theme focuses on Africa’s next wave of innovation. The program highlights Digital and Green Innovation. It aims to connect African founders with global capital, technical expertise, and new markets. It also brings policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders together. The goal is to co-create solutions that support sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred digital transformation across Africa.
Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59, set the tone early. She said the event goes beyond networking. It builds a global community. “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,” she said.
Ambassador Daniel Schaer echoed this message. He said Estonia sees Kenya as a long-term partner. “Estonia is in Kenya and are here to stay. We are coming to cooperate, co-create and learn from you,” he said. His statement underlined Estonia’s confidence in Africa’s growing digital economy.
Hon. William Kabogo Gitau expanded the vision further. He said Latitude59 gives Kenya a strong platform to show its digital leadership. He also said Kenya wants deeper partnerships that support young innovators, women in tech, and green startups. He stressed that Kenya is investing in digital skills, startup-friendly regulations, and cross-border data systems that allow African founders to scale fast. He added that shared digital values offer a strong base for cooperation between Estonia and Kenya. He encouraged participants to build products that solve real community problems. He also urged founders to use the event to test ideas, learn from global experts, and form partnerships that can last for years.
“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 said.
The programme over the next two days includes almost 100 speakers. One of the most anticipated sessions features Taavi Kotka. He helped design Estonia’s digital state and will speak on how Estonia became a global IT and startup leader. Dr. Myriam Sidibé will also take the stage. She will explore how innovation can unlock inclusive and sustainable growth.
Latitude59 Kenya is running through a partnership with ESTDEV under the Digital and Green Innovation Programme. The programme is part of the European Union’s D4D Hub Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative. Several partners support this year’s event. They include Civitta, Smart Africa, Belva, KOOD, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, and Fienta.
Latitude59 has grown into one of Europe’s most respected innovation gatherings. Its main 2025 edition in Tallinn attracted more than 3,500 participants. More than 900 startups and 700 investors joined that event. Delegations from over 70 countries attended. Nairobi now adds to this momentum as European and African innovators meet to shape the continent’s digital future.
