ABOUT
The Conference and awards program build around East Africa's next big companies.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 . Nairobi, Kenya
WHAT IS STARTUPEAST?
StartupEast is a one-day conference and awards program that brings together founders, investors, corporate executives, financial institutions, technology companies, professional services firms, regulators and policymakers from 10 East African markets — Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
The program runs across three tracks: startups nominated for the Awards and Startup Showcase, organizations partnering to support them with capital, technology and market access, and speakers bringing first-hand experience to the stage.
THREE WAYS TO TAKE PART
Nominate a Startup
Pitch, showcase your product and compete for the StartupEast Awards and potential support.
Become a partner
Bring capital, technology, customers, infrastructure or market access to growing companies.
Apply to speak
Bring experience from building, investing, regulating or researching African business.
ON THE DAY
One day in Nairobi brings founders on stage for the StartupEast Pitch, product demonstrations at the Startup Showcase, eight conference sessions on the issues shaping East African business, and the StartupEast Awards across 11 categories.
Burundi · DRC · Ethiopia · Kenya · Rwanda · Somalia · Somaliland · South Sudan · Tanzania · Uganda