Kenya ICT Board led by CEO Paul Kukubo hosted entrepreneurs and investors from EVA Fund, an International venture capital company that focuses on Africa investments.
The entrepreneurs and investors , included Vincent Kouwenhoven and David Majtlis – co-founders of eVA Fund, Lucas van Wees, KLM VP HR – Commercial Organization, Erik Aeyelts Averink – Qelp , Heleen van oord – Managing Partner, dq&a and Marcel A. L. M. Willems - Kennedy Van der Laan, Attorney at Law
The team are visiting the country seeking investment opportunities in various sectors, with ICT being a major focus area. The visit is a follow-up to the Tandaa Tech VC Challenge in 2010, where entrepreneurs appealed to VCs for investment in their IT projects and businesses.
In his presentation, the CEO elaborated on the boards Vision, Mission, and major projects and expounded on the state of play in the ICT sector.
The combination of world class infrastructure, outstanding talent and government support through projects the board is engaged in, has stimulated growth in the IT sub-sector, placing Kenya in the top 5 ITES ( IT enabled services) markets in Africa.
The CEO highlighted some of the key insights that emerged from the Bellagio Strategy conference which will now shape the Boards overall strategy in relation to BPO and IT enabled services. He explained that a key focus area will be the promotion of technologies and innovations that centre on addressing the country's macro issues such as health, poverty reduction, and agriculture among others. Emphasis on these focus areas will carve a niche for the board and indeed position Kenya as the bedrock for innovation that meets the needs of emerging economies.
On presenting highlights of Konza Technology City the VCs showed high level of interest and the Board will now furnish them with detailed investment opportunities.
The VCs are scheduled to visit other techprenuers in the country on a one-on-one basis
The entrepreneurs lauded the Board's efforts, adding that the Board, and the vibrancy of the market far exceeded their expectations.
