MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa and the management team recently hosted a delegation from the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), led by Director of Operations Hakeem Onasanya, to explore strategic collaboration in supporting entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, MSEA outlined its existing initiatives aimed at empowering youth, including business startup grants, digital literacy training, and technical skills development. These programs are implemented in partnership with the World Bank, the International Labour Organization (ILO), Stanbic Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The discussion also covered upcoming initiatives such as NYOTA and KJET, designed to drive the success of micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
Since 2015, TEF has been a key player in fostering entrepreneurship across Africa. In Kenya, the foundation plans to launch a program providing training, mentorship, economic empowerment, and $5,000 in funding to entrepreneurs. The initiative will focus on critical sectors such as agribusiness, creative industries, health, education, the green economy, and ICT.
Key areas of potential collaboration discussed included policy interventions to enhance the ease of doing business, expanding access to grants, and strengthening partnerships to bolster entrepreneurial support structures.
Highlights from the courtesy call.
Following the meeting, MSEA Enterprise Development Officer Ian Leparan represented the Authority at the Be Green Recognition Ceremony, where young entrepreneurs and innovators in waste management and Kenya’s circular economy were celebrated.
Be Green Africa is a youth-led initiative focused on transforming Africa’s environmental, social, and economic landscape through sustainable green entrepreneurship. Supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the program provides $1.1 million in seed capital to help 220 young entrepreneurs scale their green business ideas. It features a specialized green business management curriculum and operates in five pilot countries; Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, targeting youth under 35. The initiative offers training, mentorship, and economic empowerment while building evidence on the impact of youth entrepreneurship in high-growth green sectors.
Mr. Ian Leparan addressing the youth during the Be Green Africa ceremony
Speaking at the event, Mr. Leparan emphasized MSEA’s commitment to supporting MSMEs by promoting market linkages that connect them to local, regional, and international markets. He highlighted the importance of capacity building through training and mentorship, equipping MSMEs with the skills necessary to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience.
Additionally, he underscored the significance of business formalization, noting that registration grants MSMEs access to government support, legal recognition, and greater market opportunities. Through these efforts, MSEA continues to foster an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.
