Konza Technopolis has signed a new partnership agreement aimed at strengthening startup collaboration between Kenya and countries in North Africa as African innovation ecosystems continue pushing for deeper regional integration.
The agreement was announced during the first IPDAYS Nairobi x Silicon Savannah Startup Fair 2026, an event that brought together startups, investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders from Tunisia, Egypt and Kenya.
The forum was organised in partnership with RedStart Tunisie, Seketak Solutions, Fie Labs and GAK Advisory.
The event focused on expanding innovation partnerships across Africa through investor pitch sessions, startup matchmaking activities, workshops and policy discussions.
One of the main outcomes of the gathering was the signing of a collaboration agreement between Konza Technopolis, RedStart Tunisie and Seketak Solutions. The partnership will support startup exchange programmes, joint acceleration initiatives and wider ecosystem development efforts across participating regions.
Speaking at the event, John Paul Okwiri said collaboration would play an important role in shaping Africa’s digital future. He noted that innovation across the continent must be properly protected, commercialised, financed and supported through skills development if African startups are to grow sustainably.
Douja Gharbi also said the partnership is intended to create scalable opportunities for startups looking to expand beyond their local markets into other African regions.
The forum took place just one day after Kenyan President William Ruto signed the Technopolis Bill, 2024 into law. The legislation establishes a legal framework for the development and management of technopolises in Kenya, a move expected to support the country’s broader innovation and digital economy ambitions.
Stakeholders at the event also discussed startup financing, market entry strategies and policy alignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a unified African market for goods, services and digital trade.
The discussions reflected growing efforts across the continent to build stronger cross-border startup ecosystems capable of supporting innovation, investment and regional business expansion.
