By Ifeanyi Odoh, Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa

Impact entrepreneurs are those individuals that have clearly defined goals, using ethical and business principles to address social and environmental challenge, driving progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is admirable, and goes beyond what is, traditionally, regarded as successful business operations and resultant profit-making.

Impact entrepreneurs have a deeper purpose; their motivation extends beyond a vocational or business calling.

As an example, an energy engineer may choose their career path not just for a paycheck but to also contribute to solving a country’s power crisis.

The concept of impact or social entrepreneurship stretches back centuries: in the 19th and early 20th centuries, individuals engaged in social entrepreneurship were commonly labelled as philanthropists or social reformers.

However, it wasn't until the latter part of the 20th century that the term "social entrepreneurship" started to become widely recognised, driven by factors such as globalisation, advancements in technology, and increased awareness of social and environmental concerns.

It is good for business

Impact entrepreneurship also has constructive effect on business.

According to Ideas From Europe (IFE), a knowledge-based inspirational platform by the Sustainable Scale-Up Foundation, impact entrepreneurship strengthens customer and client relationship.

“Businesses are increasingly held accountable for their social and environmental impact, and customers prefer brands actively contributing to positive change. This extends to B2B relationships where shared values around social and environmental goals are becoming more significant,” says IFE.

So, when summing up impact entrepreneurship, what are some the key characteristics of these individuals and business?

Here are three important elements:

1. Impact entrepreneurs identify pressing social issues, such as unemployment, energy access, or climate change. They innovate solutions that address these challenges sustainably.
2. Ethics matter: impact entrepreneurs prioritise ethical practices, ensuring that their businesses positively impact society.
3. Impact entrepreneurs also seek collaboration. They are constantly engaging with industry leaders to leverage expertise and resources. To this end, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem partnerships enhance their ability to create meaningful change.

 From a monetary perspective, successful impact entrepreneurs are also incubators. These businesses or individuals provide financial support to ventures that are aligned with their social and environmental goals. This, in turn, allows these impact entrepreneurs to scale their initiatives and also implement lasting change.

It’s good for energy

Looking closer at impact entrepreneurs’ role in the energy landscape, these individuals drive innovation by developing sustainable and clean energy solutions. Their startups often introduce novel technologies, business models, and practices that enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Second, impact entrepreneurs have the potential to attract investment to the energy sector. Their ventures demonstrate the viability of sustainable energy solutions, encouraging further funding and partnership.

Third, impact entrepreneurs often engage with local communities, addressing their energy needs and ensuring equitable access. They work closely with underserved populations, promoting social inclusion and energy justice.

Last, by building networks and collaborating with other stakeholders, impact entrepreneurs have the potential to strengthen the energy ecosystem. They connect with investors, policymakers, academia, and larger companies, fostering a supportive environment for sustainable energy initiatives.

At home

East Africa needs more impact entrepreneurs who can foster an environment that empowers the youth to become engineers, electricians and other skilled professionals. They would truly lead by example, reinforcing the importance of positive transformation.

As a first step, by offering vocational training in conjunction with TVET Institutions. Though some of the candidates move to the job market after training, a good number of trainees become entrepreneurs in the electrical and technical fields. Building entrepreneurial skills, among these strata, then becomes a top priority.

Impact entrepreneurs have the potential to make a significant mark on East Africa’s changing energy landscape; they drive change by leveraging technology, collaborating with partners, and addressing critical energy issues in an ethical and sustainable manner.

The 2024 Kenya edition of Red Bull Dance Your Style - the biggest urban street dance competition in the world, came to a close at a hotly contested finals event over the past weekend in Nairobi (10 August 2024).

Samuel Brian of The Legitz emerged winner after a final battle with first runner up Pessa Vanessa to become Kenya’s ultimate winner.

The event held at SK8city Diamond Plaza II, drew a full house with the audience composed of members of Kenya’s thriving dance community; from dance groups, choreographers to influencers, alongside media and fans of urban dance who came to witness the spectacle. 

Soon after being crowned Kenya’s urban dance champ Samuel Brian of The Legitz shared, “The competition was not just epic but it exceeded all my expectations. Reaching this point [and my win] highlights the immense talent in Kenya’s dance industry and I applaud Red Bull Dance Your Style for setting the standard with every edition.” He also advised aspiring dancers to stay committed to their faith and keep practicing diligently, adding, “There is no other way to succeed.”

This year’s edition of the competition launched in March in an event that featured international Red Bull dancer and world champion Stalamuerte from Switzerland.

After this, a series of epic battles followed the competition on a nationwide tour across the Kenyan top cities of Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi for the search of the most talented urban street dancer.

The search culminated in the national finals event held last weekend which brought to the dance floor top winners and selected wild cards from past qualifier events and online auditions.

51 countries will be participating in the world finals happening in Mumbai, India (9 November 2024) where Samuel Brian will represent Kenya for a chance to become the global winner of Red Bull Dance Your Style 2024.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a unique competition with no judges other than the spectating crowd, who decide who wins by voting for their favorite dancers by holding up blue or red placards to choose a winner, after each battle.

Dancers bring their authenticity, attitude and creativity alongside freestyle and musical skills in the competition that allows all urban dance styles except for break dancing and has the DJ playing unpredictable music. 

Following two highly successful Uganda- Kenya tourism conferences held in the coastal towns of Mombasa and Diani, the third edition is now set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, this November.

The first Uganda –Kenya Coast Tourism Conference was held on November 17, 2022, at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa, and the second Conference took place from November 13- 14, 2023 in Diani, Kwale County.

The third Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is set to take place at the prestigious Speke Resort and Convention Center in Munyonyo, Kampala on November 20 – 21.

On Tuesday, the Uganda government launched a campaign to attract at least 500 Kenyan tourism stakeholders and investors to attend this year’s event.

The campaign was officially launched by the Uganda Consul General at the Kenyan Coast, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, alongside key tourism stakeholders from both nations in Mombasa.

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Mukumbya highlighted Uganda's strong commitment to strengthening tourism ties with Kenya.

"This year's venue reflects how seriously we in Uganda take the Kenyan market," Mukumbya stated, urging all tourism stakeholders to register for the event.

He noted that the registration portal had already seen over 300 registrations, with expectations of reaching the 500-participant limit soon.

The conference aims to build on the successes of previous editions held in Mombasa and Diani, which have played a crucial role in enhancing cross-border tourism and trade between the two countries.

"In the past, diplomats used to engage in political diplomacy. However, we are now focusing on what we call economic and commercial diplomacy, which can only be done physically when you are on the ground,” said Mukumbya.

He said Kenya is Uganda’s number one source market for tourists, and Uganda is Kenya’s second biggest tourism source market.

In 2023, over 490,000 Kenyans visited Uganda, whereas 201,620 Ugandans visited Kenya.

"There is an opportunity to grow these numbers if the two countries work together,” said Mukumbya.

Dr Sam Ikwaye, the Executive Director of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), emphasized the importance of fostering trust and collaboration among tourism stakeholders, noting the positive impact of familiarization trips and business-to-business engagements facilitated by the conference.

 "The confidence levels among stakeholders have risen, enabling Kenyan and Ugandan operators to develop and exchange tourism packages effectively," he said.

He said tourism opens up the doors for many other economic activities.

“We are hoping that many more Kenyans, many more hoteliers, the county governments are going to support by sending huge delegations to Uganda in November to be able to participate in this conference and share knowledge, share experiences. Truth is there's so much to learn amongst ourselves,” said Ikwaye.

Gertrude Shuwe, the Tourism County Executive Committee (CEC) member from Taita Taveta, highlighted the unique attractions of Taita Taveta County.

She encouraged Ugandan tourists to explore the region's hidden treasures, including battlefield tourism sites and the Big Five in the Tsavo National Park.

“We have so much more to offer beyond the beaches," Shuwe said, underscoring the potential for cross-border tourism to drive economic growth and job creation.

In addition to tourism promotion, the Uganda Consulate in Mombasa is organizing a trade and investment mission to Uganda early next year.

This initiative aims to attract Kenyan businesspeople and manufacturers to explore opportunities in Uganda, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

In a bid to expand it's goal of youth transformation and empowerment, the Swahilipot Hub has launched a new radio station dedicated to the youth.

The launch of the station based at the Imaara building coincided with the International youth celebration.

According to the Head of partnership and resource mobilisation at Swahilipot Hub Rukia Jamal the station will also act as a source of income for the Swahilipot hub.

"Our staff will mainly be youth, as you are aware our main goal as Swahilipot has always been to create opportunities and also empower our youth." said Rukia.

Adding "Apart from that, we also want to have this as our source of revenue for the hub."

The official opening was graced by first daughter Charlene Ruto and the C.E.O national youth council Margaret Kiogora.

The new radio station will be broadcasting in Swahili and English.

Swahilipot Fm broadcasts on 91.7 Frequency Modulation (FM) in Mombasa, Malindi, Kwale, Kilifi and Tana River. Taita Taveta 91.5 fm and Lamu 91.9 fm.

Mombasa County is set to host this year's International Youth Day celebrations.

The event which will include several activities is set for Monday, 12th, at the Swahili pot hub.

This year, activities are centered around five critical pillars: Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry.

These pillars represent areas where the youth will significantly contribute to national development and global progress.

Throughout these events, the aim is to engage and impact over 5000 youth, including the International Youth Day celebration, fostering a generation of informed, active, and empowered individuals.

In addition to various activities, policy briefs addressing the five pillars will be launched during the International Youth Day celebration.

The event is expected to be presided by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Principal Secretary Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Ismail Maalim Madey, First Daughter Charlene Ruto among other guests.

“ In alignment with the International Youth Day theme, we recognize the transformative power of digital technology in advancing these pillars. Digital tools have always acted as an enabler to innovate, connect, and lead efforts that drive sustainable development across these critical areas." said Principal Secretary Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Ismail Maalim Madey.

Adding "We are cognisant that the future of our Nation lies in the hands of the Youth. Their energy, innovation, and determination will definitely shape the trajectory of our Country. Therefore, it is our duty, as enablers, to provide them with the platforms and opportunities, that they need to succeed.” 

On her part the National Youth Council Kenya C.E.O Margaret Kiogora stated " “I am also pleased to announce that during the International Youth Day celebrations in Mombasa, we will be launching comprehensive policy briefs, focused on Climate Action, Agriculture, Health, Governance, and the Creative Industry. These policy briefs have been developed in consultation with Youth leaders, experts, and stakeholders, regionally. They will outline actionable strategies and recommendations to support Youth involvement and leadership in the various stated pillars."

Among the activities set for the day includes a walk from the famous Pembe za Ndovu to the venue of the event Swahilipot hub, official opening of a youth radio station Swahilipot fm and a music concert at the Mama Ngina Waterfront.

The theme for this year’s IYD is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,’ which resonates with the Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the Kenya Kwanza Plan (2022-2027).

 Kenyan entertainer Remcy Don has released his latest single, "Ai We Mama," celebrating the beauty and essence of African women. The track, produced by Young Joh, mixed and mastered by Richy Chai, comes with vibrant visuals shot by renowned video director Jijo Drumbeats.

Watch “Ai We Mama” on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/chgYsUh7g0I 

About Remcy Don

Remcy Don is a multifaceted Kenyan artist, known for his work as a musician, content creator, and businessman. His musical journey began in 2013 as a Mugithi songwriter and singer. However, financial constraints forced him to temporarily leave the music scene. In 2021, a by chance encounter reignited his passion when someone noted his resemblance to US mega-star Jason Derulo. This encounter propelled him into the spotlight, and by 2022, Remcy Don had released his first official music video.

In 2023, he gained significant popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, by creating content as Jason Derulo's doppelgänger. Remcy Don has collaborated with notable Kenyan artists such as Stevo Simple Boy and Rekles, formerly of the Gengetone group Ethic. He approaches music both as a passion and a business, with dream collaborations including Jason Derulo and Alikiba

About the Song "Ai We Mama"

"Ai We Mama" is an ode to African women, highlighting their unique beauty, body shapes, skin tones, and vibrant spirits. The song's afrobeat tempo and catchy lyrics aim to celebrate all African women across the continent. The song is no doubt going to be a hit both on the dance floor and in listeners' hearts.

As we approach the first anniversary of his debut album ‘The Evil Genius’, GRAMMY® Award winner MR EAZI is thrilled to unveil the music video for “PANADOL”.

The single is inspired by how men brag about their love lives, thinking they're in control, while the woman actually holds all the power and pulls the strings.

Directed by Mollana Burke, JM Films and shot in London, the video brings the track’s themes of pleasure and ease to life with vibrant visuals and a playful narrative.

It showcases this cheekiness and lightheartedness playfully and stylishly. 

Recorded in Ouidah, Benin, and produced by Type A, Mr Eazi’s smooth vocals and infectious melodies capture the essence of finding relief in love and music, much like the soothing effects of the pain reliever Panadol.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR 'PANADOL'

With over 100 million streams, ‘The Evil Genius’ has been celebrated by Forbes, The New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, The FADER, Complex, CNN, The Guardian, and Music Week.

Fans can anticipate more exciting releases from Mr Eazi, including new singles and a surprise EP before year-end. Beyond music, he remains committed to his philanthropic efforts, focusing on supporting young creatives and entrepreneurs.