Thousands of young entrepreneurs and professionals will gather at the Sarit Expo Centre from February 28th to March 1st, 2025, for the highly anticipated second edition of the Youth+ Festival.

This year’s event promises to be even bigger, bringing together 4,500 participants for two days of immersive learning, mentorship, and hands-on skills development under the theme ‘Live Your Legacy.’

With Kenya’s youth unemployment rate at 67 per cent, the festival aims to equip young innovators with industry-relevant expertise, networking opportunities, and access to business growth resources.

The introduction of 24 festival villages—each focusing on specific sectors such as Financial Wellness, E-commerce, Digital & Influencer Marketing, Tech & Innovation, and Climate & Sustainability—will provide tailored training sessions designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical application.

Renowned South African entrepreneur and global speaker Vusi Thembekwayo will headline the event with a keynote address on Day 2, offering insights into leadership, business strategy, and market adaptability.

Read More

  1. Africa Hair Market unveils Sh2,300 shelf-based exhibition for startups and SMEs
  2. Nairobi set to host Air Cargo Africa 2025
  3. KRA collaborates with KNCCI to foster tax compliance among MSMEs in Kenya

Additionally, the festival will feature thought-provoking panel discussions and mentorship sessions led by distinguished industry figures, including Ivy Wanjiru (Founder, JustIvy Africa), Tonee Ndungu (AI Thought Leader), Waceke Nduati (Founder, Centonomy), Terry Muikamba (Media Strategist), Phil Karanja (CEO, Philit TV), and Melanie Keita Mariam (CEO & Co-founder, Melanin Kapital Neobank).

Speaking about the festival’s impact, Youth+ Africa CEO Freddy Mulli emphasised the organisation’s commitment to transforming young people into active change-makers by providing them with essential skills, mentorship, and access to opportunities

"At Youth+, we believe that Kenya’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today," Mulli stated.

"By equipping them with the right skills, mentorship, and market access, we are redefining opportunities for young entrepreneurs to build sustainable careers and businesses. This festival is a movement that fosters passion, profession, and generational impact."

The inaugural Youth+ Festival in 2023 set a strong foundation, attracting 1,480 young entrepreneurs and featuring 15 innovators who showcased transformative ideas and technologies.

Inspired by its success, the second edition will focus on expanding mentorship opportunities, apprenticeship programmes, financing access, market linkages, and policy advocacy—critical elements in strengthening Kenya’s 7.4 million MSMEs, many of which struggle to stay afloat beyond two years.

By creating a space where ambition meets opportunity, Youth+ Africa continues to empower Kenya’s youth, turning passion into profession and ideas into thriving businesses.