By Asal Reporter
The 2025 Global Somali Entrepreneurship Forum (GSEF) kicked off today in Nairobi with a powerful message of transformation and inclusion under the theme “Innovate. Connect. Thrive.”
The event brought together global dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore sustainable development through entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on health, education, agriculture, and climate resilience.
Presiding over the opening ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, emphasized the need for inclusive business models that align with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), calling for innovation that modernizes tradition, creates jobs, and restores dignity especially in critical sectors like healthcare.
CS Aden Duale, also echoed this vision, highlighting Kenya’s strides in digitizing healthcare and expanding access to primary care. In his remarks, Duale stated:
“We are building a health system that is not only modern but deeply rooted in dignity and equity, said Duale
” Through digital tools and community-based care, we are restoring trust and ensuring that every Kenyan regardless of location or income can access quality healthcare.” Duale added.
He emphasized that innovation must serve the people, not just the market, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through strategic partnerships and technology:
“Healthcare is a constitutional right. We are scaling up digital infrastructure, deploying thousands of Community Health Promoters, and investing in oxygen supply systems to ensure no one is left behind.” He noted.
Duale’s remarks aligned with the broader goals of BETA, which seeks to empower communities from the grassroots level.
His presence at GSEF 2025 underscored the critical role of health in economic transformation and the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
As the Forum continues, stakeholders are expected to explore innovative pathways for entrepreneurship that uplift communities and strengthen regional cooperation.
The forum also welcomed distinguished guests including H.E Amb. Jabril Abdulle, Ambassador of Somalia to Kenya; Suzan Auma Mang’eno, Principal Secretary for MSMEs; H.E Mohammed Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD; and Dr. Fatuma Adan, Head of IGAD Mission to Kenya.
