Nairobi, Kenya – Latitude59, the flagship startup and tech event from Estonia, which also hosts international editions in Singapore and Cape Town, kicked off today in Nairobi. It was officially opened by Daniel Schaer, the Ambassador-at-Large for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Henriette Geigeris, European Union Ambassador to Kenya, and Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in Kenya.
The third edition of Latitude59 satellite event in Nairobi is bringing together 2500 participants, including almost 500 startup representatives. Nearly 200 investors are participating. In total, there are participants from 50 different countries worldwide.
This year’s event focuses on accelerating Africa’s next wave of innovation through Digital and Green Innovation. The program is designed to connect African founders with global capital, expertise, and networks while enabling policymakers, investors, and corporate leaders to co-create solutions for sustainable, inclusive, and human-centred digital transformation.
“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,” said Liisi Org, CEO of Latitude59.
In the opening remarks H.E Daniel Schaer, Ambassador at Large for Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, said that “Estonia is in Kenya and are here to stay. We are coming to cooperate, co-create and learn from you.”
Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in Kenya, described Latitude59 as a bridge between 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. 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 added.
Over the course of two days, almost 100 speakers will be on stage at Latitude59 in Kenya. One of the standout sessions at this year’s event will be Taavi Kotka, one of the architects behind Estonia’s digital transformation, who will unpack how Estonia became an IT and startup superpower, and Dr. Myriam Sidibé, a global leader in public health and social impact, will speak on unlocking inclusive and sustainable growth through innovation.
Latitude59 Kenya 2025 is delivered in cooperation with ESTDEV through its participation in the Digital and Green Innovation (DGI) Programme, part of the European Union’s D4D Hub Twin Transition Team Europe Initiative. In addition, this year’s programme is delivered in cooperation with several other strategic partners, including Civitta, Smart Africa, Belva, KOOD, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), and Fienta.
Latitude59 is the flagship startup and tech event of the world’s first digital nation, Estonia. The 13th edition, held in Tallinn, Estonia in May, attracted over 3,500 participants, including more than 900 startup representatives and 20 national delegations. Nearly 700 investors participated this year. 170 speakers could be seen on Latitude59’s stages. In total, there were participants from more than 70 different countries worldwide.
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Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Most Famous Song: “Ye”
Short Bio: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (born 1991), known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the most prominent African artists of his generation, recognized for his distinct blend of Afro-fusion, reggae, dancehall, and R&B. He has achieved significant international success, including a Grammy Award.
Seydou Keïta (Mali)
Most Famous Photo: “Untitled” (often referring to his studio portraits from the 1950s, such as Untitled (Woman in Headwrap with Flowers) or Untitled (Couple, Bamako)).
Short Bio: Born around 1921 in Bamako, Mali, Seydou Keïta is considered one of the most significant African studio photographers of the 20th century. He opened his successful studio in 1948, capturing the evolving society of Bamako on the cusp of independence. His portraits, characterized by meticulous composition, attention to detail (including props and backdrops), and a dignified portrayal of his subjects, offer a unique visual archive of Malian life.
jo jo spooky
Fun South African Fact: The world’s largest visible crater is in South Africa.
Bleeker
Voetsek! – Go away! [foot-sak] Usually said with an angry tone when telling someone to go away or get lost. You don’t want to be saying this to a local or worse, if a local says this to you – you’ve really angered them!