Latitude59, Estonia’s flagship startup and technology conference, opened its Nairobi edition on Thursday as organisers sought to deepen links between European and African tech ecosystems and expand cooperation on digital and green innovation.
The event, which also runs international editions in Singapore and Cape Town, was inaugurated by Daniel Schaer, Ambassador-at-Large for African Affairs at Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Henriette Geigeris, the European Union Ambassador to Kenya; and Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Organisers said the Nairobi gathering, the third satellite edition held in Kenya, has drawn about 2,500 participants, including almost 500 startup representatives and nearly 200 investors. Attendees from 50 countries are taking part.
This year’s programme focuses on accelerating Africa’s “next wave of innovation” through digital and green technologies. Sessions are aimed at linking African founders with international capital and expertise while creating space for policymakers, investors and corporates to develop approaches for sustainable and inclusive digital growth.
“We are not only in Kenya, we are building a global village,” said Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59. “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.”
In his opening remarks, H.E. Daniel Schaer said: “Estonia is in Kenya and are here to stay. We are coming to cooperate, co-create and learn from you.”
Kabogo described the conference as a platform linking 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,” he said. “As we begin this year’s program, I encourage everyone to explore new connections, test ideas, and imagine possibilities that extend far beyond borders.”
Nearly 100 speakers are scheduled over the two-day event. Highlights include a session with Taavi Kotka, one of the architects of Estonia’s digital transformation, and a keynote from Dr. Myriam Sidibé, a global public health and social impact expert, on innovation-driven sustainable growth.
Latitude59 Kenya 2025 is organised with ESTDEV through the Digital and Green Innovation (DGI) Programme, part of the EU’s D4D Hub Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative. Other partners include Civitta, Smart Africa, Belva, KOOD, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), and Fienta.