“Innovation knows no borders, and growth thrives where knowledge is shared.”
At SNDBX Kenya, we believe that when regional boundaries fade, cross-border collaboration takes center stage, unlocking extraordinary potential for African enterprise. On Thursday, we had the absolute honor of hosting 47 brilliant entrepreneurs and leaders from Somalia as part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Entrepreneurship Programme at our Nairobi spaces.
For founders navigating the high-stakes journey of building a small business, having access to structured support, capital networks, and specialized business consultation isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential for survival and scale. This landmark visit was a testament to what happens when we intentionally connect leaders across East Africa to exchange strategy, build capacity, and strengthen local economies.
A Multidisciplinary Gathering for Regional Impact
The visiting delegation represented every layer of the entrepreneurial ecosystem necessary to fuel sustainable small businesses in Kenya, Somalia, and across the wider region:
- MSME Representatives & Founders working directly on the frontlines of growth.
- Business Support Organizations & Facilitators dedicated to scaling local ventures.
- Financial Institutions & Government Officials driving policy, access to funding, and ecosystem development.
Bringing together public and private stakeholders under one roof created a dynamic environment for shared learning and actionable exchange.
Inside the Visit: Exploring the SNDBX Model
The day began with an immersive tour through our African-themed spaces, designed specifically to foster collaboration among founders, advisors, and corporate partners.
Following the tour, our CEO, Joram Mwinamo, alongside our Business Development & Partnerships Lead, Michael Kembo, led an insightful deep dive into the SNDBX model. They unpacked how our collaborative ecosystem provides structured business consulting and multi-disciplinary expert advisory to help every start up move from fragile early steps to sustainable market leadership.
A special note of appreciation goes to the entire JICA team, with key gratitude to Carol Kimari and Riai Yamashita for organizing this visit and making such a meaningful cross-border exchange possible.
Practical Insights on How to Scale a Business
A key highlight of the session was the opportunity for participants to interact directly with our expert community—leaders across core business “engines” who specialize in helping founders navigate critical inflection points.
Featured Speakers & Experts:
- Thomas Warirah (Accounting & Finance): Structuring financial models and preparing for investment.
- Benson Nyagu (Brand Strategy): Positioned brands for regional expansion and market clarity.
- Brad Elliott (Executive Coaching): Leadership resilience and executive mindset when leading growing teams.
- Reema Doshi-Lewis (Marketing): Customer acquisition strategies for expanding enterprise footprints.
- Joy Thuo (Team Dynamics): Building organizational culture and managing human capital.
- Mary Gitari (Public Relations): Strategic communications, trust, and reputation management.
- Jimmy Gitonga (ICT Strategy): Leveraging digital infrastructure and technology for operational efficiency.
- Akinyi Okulo (Market Research): Data-driven decision-making for entering new markets.
Whether a founder is looking to optimize a limited company or build a high-growth venture from the ground up, having access to specialized expertise across these core disciplines makes all the difference.
Building Stronger Regional Ecosystems Together
Whether you are looking to launch a small business to start in Kenya, scale an established firm, or expand operations across borders, the core truth remains the same: no entrepreneur should walk the journey to scale alone.
By opening our doors to regional delegations, sharing proven execution models, and delivering tailored advice, SNDBX Kenya remains committed to raising the bar for enterprise growth across Africa.
Here’s to fostering resilient ecosystems, driving regional trade, and empowering every start up to reach its full potential!