Nairobi — The 2025 KPMG Non-public Enterprise Enterprise Summit concluded in Nairobi with a robust name for larger collaboration between startups and traders to drive the subsequent wave of innovation and financial development in Africa.
Held at Villa Rosa Kempinski, the summit introduced collectively enterprise capitalists, startups, policymakers, non-public fairness gamers, household workplaces, and ecosystem enablers. Discussions centered on fostering homegrown options, funding readiness, and scaling African companies for international competitiveness.
Benson Ndung’u, CEO of KPMG East Africa, opened the summit by urging African entrepreneurs and traders to place the continent as a worldwide innovation participant. He emphasised the significance of constructing scalable manufacturers and integrating frontier applied sciences like Synthetic Intelligence (AI) to future-proof enterprise operations.
“Africa’s inhabitants development gives a singular benefit. However we should have interaction the world from a place of energy,” mentioned Ndung’u. “Africa should not solely survive, however thrive.”
KPMG’s tax companion and Head of Non-public Enterprise in Africa, Sandeep Major, emphasised the necessity for startups to boost governance and compliance constructions, positioning themselves to draw sustainable capital.
He famous that whereas many early-stage firms show innovation, few are ready to satisfy investor due diligence requirements.
Panel classes highlighted persistent challenges within the startup ecosystem–including restricted entry to capital, weak coverage help, and underdeveloped mentorship networks–but additionally showcased success tales and pathways to scale.
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MaryAnn Wambui Musangi, Managing Director of HACO Industries and Chair of the Ladies in Manufacturing chapter on the Kenya Affiliation of Producers, challenged perceptions that African startups are failing prematurely.
She attributed challenges to restricted entry to markets, financing gaps, and lack of structured mentorship, notably for women-led companies.
“There are numerous help networks obtainable, however entrepreneurs should proactively search them out,” she mentioned. Musangi additionally urged deeper authorities engagement, particularly forward of the 2025/2026 Finance Invoice, to enhance the enterprise local weather for SMEs and rising enterprises.
The summit concluded with renewed optimism, with KPMG reaffirming its dedication to supporting startup development via mentorship, advisory companies, and cross-border investor matchmaking.
As international curiosity in African markets continues to develop, individuals burdened the urgency of constructing native capability, strengthening investor confidence, and aligning coverage frameworks to help innovation-driven development throughout the continent.
