The Mombasa County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-led innovation in the upcoming Pwani Innovation Week 2025, promising both financial and strategic backing for solutions addressing real county challenges.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, His Deputy Francis Thoya, revealed that the governor had met with the Pwani Innovation Week secretariat to reinforce his support for the initiative and direct county departments to highlight operational challenges that young innovators can help solve.
“The County Government of Mombasa will either fund or purchase the ideal solutions developed by youth during the event,” Thoya assured.
Beyond government support, Mombasa plans to engage key players in the maritime, banking, and the larger hospitality sector to join as funding partners, as part of efforts to scale the event’s impact across the region.
Transformation
Thoya lauded the success of past editions of the event, citing the example of a young innovator who developed a StockApp during a previous innovation week and has since created five jobs for fellow youth at the Art, heritage and technology hub, Swahilipot Hub.
“These are the kind of success stories we are investing in. Just imagine if we are to have the same across the entire coastal ecosystem,” added the DG.
Edged as more than just a local event, Pwani Innovation Week is being positioned as a model for regional transformation that other counties can emulate. It will act as a platform to unite the six coastal counties—Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, and Taita Taveta—around innovation, economic empowerment, and youth inclusion.
“We urge all our partners—from industry to grassroots communities—to join us in empowering youth, especially those from other counties, to participate and build a network of changemakers,” Mr Thoya reiterated.
The county further emphasized the importance of leveraging the coast’s unique heritage—including its culture, traditions, and natural resources—as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
Pwani Innovation Week 2025 is set to become a defining moment for the region, as it seeks to break county barriers and foster a united coastal economic bloc, anchored on youth innovation and inclusive growth.
