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The YEAR OF RETURN AFRICA 2025

YORA Summit & EXPO 2025

 Fueling the Future: Unlocking Africa’s Entrepreneurial Potential

Africa's fastest growing network for Diaspora Investors Entrepreneurs Business Leaders

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AFRICA’S FASTEST GROWING ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION SUMMIT & EXPO

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WHAT IS

The YORA Summit?

The First Year Of Return was a campaign pioneered by the president of Ghana in 2019 as a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad to reconnect, heal and rebuild the homeland.

Africa is blessed with a wealth of natural resources and vibrant young minds. The Year of Return, Africa Summit & EXPO 2025, aims to empowering African youth & businesses through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill-building initiatives.

You will connect with the industry’s top innovators, gain expert-level insights from dynamic stage sessions, and explore an exhibition hall filled with opportunities to accelerate your career.

YORA Summit & EXPO Kenya, 2025 is a three-day event taking place from Oct 15th -16th at Sarit Expo Centre and YORA Awards in Kilifi on 17th – 19th Oct 2025.

Themes That Will Paint YORA

YORA Summit, Expo & Awards 2025, we focus on three powerful themes that capture Africa’s future. Each theme combines high-level dialogue, masterclasses, deal-making, and global partnerships, driving both inspiration and action.

NexGen Africa

#1

Aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs. By providing access to critical resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Focus:

Facilitate market access for 5,000 African startups and SMEs

Organize 50 trade missions annually to key international markets

Secure $50 million in funding and investment opportunities

Establish a network of 20,000 African and international entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors.

Launch of the YORA Youth Fund to back scalable ventures.

Nurture Gen Z-led companies in entertainment, sports management, and digital media.

Tech Diplomacy & Cybersecurity

#2

Africa is entering a new era of digital sovereignty and global tech engagement. Through YORA, leaders in government, academia, and business come together to shape Africa’s digital future.

Tech Diplomacy Roundtables with Purdue University’s Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy.

Cybersecurity Masterclasses to equip Africa’s next 1,000 digital security specialists.

AI, Smart Infrastructure & Policy Dialogues bridging African startups with global partners.

Exclusive Deal Room pipeline targeting $100M in investible tech solutions.

Creative Business (Film, Media & Sports)

#3

The creative economy is one of Africa’s greatest untapped assets. YORA is helping transform it into a global force, while positioning Kenyan Counties as a creative hubs for film, arts, and cultural tourism.

 

Collaboration with Kilifi Artists and Film Makers and with YORA Awards to honor filmmakers.

Business of Sports Diplomacy — connecting African leagues with global brands.

Creative Business Masterclasses in film production, financing, and distribution.

Long-term vision for a Creative Hub & Residency in Kilifi, scaling to other regions.

Main Program Highlights

Billion Dollar foundations

AI & Maximizing ROI

Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Industry

Access to Africa Markets

Upcoming African Unicorns

Monetizing & Blueprints of Africa’s Film and Theater Industry

Real Estate and Smart Cities

Scaling & Funding Blue Economy

Speakers at YORA Summit & EXPO

They will present actionable insights, data-driven knowledge and innovative ideas on trade, ecommerce, real estate, creative economy and more.

Hon. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley - YORA Speaker
Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley

Minnesota State Representative for District 38A,

Len Khodorkovsky - YORA Speaker
Len Khodorkovsky

Senior Advisor to the Chairman - Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue

Zahoor Ahmed YORA Speaker
Zahoor Ahmed

Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships at MIE Group

Sudi Wandabusi - YORA Speaker
Sudi Wandabusi

Chairman - Kenya Film Commission

Peter Macon YORA Speaker
Peter Macon

American Actor

Lisa “The Landstronaut” Alcindor - YORA Speaker
Lisa Alcindor

Founder, Landstronaut | US Senator, World Business Angel Investment Forum

Peter YORA speaker
Rev. Peter Kegode

Trade Specialist & Special Advisor Abana International

Vera Songwe - YORA Speaker
Dr. Vera Songwe

Global Economist, Finance Innovator, and Advocate for a 21st Century Financial Architecture

Jimmy Gathu - YORA Speaker
Jimmy Gathu

Actor | TV and Radio Host

Hiba Abdelsalam
Hiba Abdelsalam

Executive Director of the Business and Professional Women Voluntary Organization (BPWVO)

Charles Ellison - YORA Speaker
Charles D. Ellison

Principal & Chief Strategist of B|E Strategy

Solomon Mahinda - YORA Speaker
Solomon Mahinda

Vice President TATU city

Martin Keino - YORA Speaker
Martin Keino

Managing Director of Keino Sports Events

Ronald Bukusi - YORA Speaker
Ronald Bukusi

Chief Executive Officer Cricket Kenya

Vaughn Parker - YORA Speaker
Vaughn Parker

Founder of Caribbean Kitchen Foods

Gerry Gitonga - YORA Speaker
Gerry Gitonga

Partner at Bryants Law, Advocates LLP

Doris Ratego - YORA Speaker
Doris Ratego

Co-founder and CEO of Funlings Entertainment

Sammy YORA speaker
Sammy Ombogo

CEO Media One Limited

Soraya Smith - YORA Speaker
Soraya Smith

Leads the Westchester County Digital Equity Project

Victor YORA Speaker
Victor Mayeya

Cypace Marketing LLC

Michelle Barry - YORA Speaker
Michelle Barry

PhD — Co-Founder & CEO, CTI Africa, LifeHealth

Marcos Brandalise - YORA speaker
Marcos Brandalise

Group C.E.O and Founder of Brazafric Group of Companies (BGC) & Chairman and C.E.O of L.E.A.F. Africa

Cate YORA speaker
Catherine Nkirote

CEO Brundhut Ltd

Nii Shippi Quaynor YORA Speaker
Nii Shippi Quaynor

Founder & Managing Partner, Loft Real Estate Partners

Olivia Kimani - YORA Speaker
Olivia Kimani

Director of Partnerships and Services for Kenya at Worldreader

Sharon Wata - YORA Speaker
Sharon Wata

Deputy Executive Director of the Kenya Copyright Board

Erastus Mongare - YORA Speaker
Erastus Mong’are

Founder and CEO, StartUpAfrica

Nellie Odera
Nellie Odera

Chairperson of the Kenya Basketball Women Commission and a Member of the Kenya Basketball Federation Board

Josh SB - YORA Speaker
Josh SB

Founder of ArtX

ZIPPY KIMUNDU - YORA Speaker
Zippy Kimundu

Director (AFROFILMS)

SAITABAO KAIYARE - YORA Speaker
Saitabao Kaiyare

Co-Director (BARUU)

Mumo Liku - YORA Speaker2
Mumo Liku

Producer (BARUU)

KEVIN MWACHIRO - YORA Speaker
Kevin Mwachiro

Festival Director

Betty YORA Speaker
Betty Bakari

Senior Environmentalist

Bruno YORA Speaker
Bruno Smadja

Producer of Advocacy Videos

Caroline Ameyo - YORA Speaker
Caroline Ameyo

Partner at Onyango & Ameyo Advocates.

Christopher Nyalwal - YORA Speakers
Christopher Nyalwal

Founder and CEO of Craft Your Future

Sally Ngoje - YORA Speaker
Sally Ngoje

Founder of Maua Organics

Shannon Mujera - YORA Speaker
Shannon Mujera

Founder & Technology Entrepreneur

Arthur Muiruri Ann - YORA Speaker
Arthur Muiruri

President of the Kenya Agricultural Students Association (KASA)

SAMUEL SANJOTZ THUO - YORA Speaker2
Samuel Thuo

The Senses Architect

Micah YORA Speaker (2)
Micah Balucci

CEO & Co-Founder Abanaverse

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Empowering African Startups

FOSTERING INNOVATION

Innovation can lead to the creation of new ideas, products, or services that can address existing challenges or opportunities in the ecosystem. 
Meet other ecosystem members and collaborate to generate new solutions that can drive growth and competitiveness.

PROMOTING COLLABORATION

Collaborate with the leaders and visionaries spearheading the future of innovation with different perspectives and expertise. 
Share ideas and leverage each others strengths and resources, close deals with new partners spur innovation, and foster economic growth as we build a thriving ecosystem.

STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

Engage with 500+ innovative startups from early-stage to unicorns and centaurs. Connect with a diverse network of 1,000+ investors, including venture capitalists, investment funds, and angel investors. Secure new funding, partnerships, accelerate your growth, and level up.

Who You Will Run Into

1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors

Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more

Who You Will Run Into

1M+ per month businesses & startups
Fastest-growing companies in Africa
Celebrities in business & sports, film, and theatre
Successful Investors and venture capitalists & thought leaders
Innovative Entrepreneurs in all sectors

Plus gurus, employees and owners of many of our partner companies and more

ONE PASS. THREE GAME-CHANGING DAYS.

GET ACCESS TO:

(Lion's Den)

Exhibitions

Roam freely through the Lion’s Den – the exhibition area where groundbreaking innovations and startups are showcased. Witness the pride and strength of Africa’s entrepreneurship.

(Your Majesty)

Wisdom

Join the Elephant’s Wisdom Circle for exclusive access to panel discussions and keynotes exploring the latest trends and insights. Gain a panoramic view of the entrepreneurial landscape.

(Elevate)

Networking

Elevate yourself at the Giraffe’s Lounge, a networking area where attendees connect with industry giants and thought leaders. Forge alliances that leave an indelible mark.

(Sprints)

Side Events

Sprint into adventure and experience the event from  a unique vantage point with numerous  side events and exclusive activities. Get a holistic view of Africa’s transformative journey.

YORA Awards 2025
Celebrating Excellence and Impact

🌟 17th – 19th Oct in Kilifi,  Kenya

End the YORA by honoring outstanding individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the development of the African continent.

*LIMITED CAPACITY. Open to YORA attendees only. List will be verified to check ticket purchases.

*Entry Submission Ends on September 20, 2025

Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.

Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery

“We must prioritize creating and selling locally made goods, leveraging Africa’s abundant raw materials.”

Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST

Showcasing innovation around health and wellness tailored for Africa’s future.

Flo Maina
Kilimani Wellness Gallery

“We must prioritize creating and selling locally made goods, leveraging Africa’s abundant raw materials.”

Peter Kegode
CFO of AVATIST

BUY TICKETS

Your ticket is the key to all YORA has to offer – marketplace, stage, and networking events.

Regular

GENERAL

SALE PRICE

KSH 9,000
$ 75 USD
Sale

FULL PRICE

$ 300 USD

ONLY FOR GENERAL ACCESS

Identified as attandee

Entry to all the conferences

Entry to the exhibition hall

Your logo on badge (black & white)

2-Day exhibition

35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As

Official Networking Event (17 Oct)

Invitation to the YORA Awards

Deal Room Access

Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge

YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle available on next step

VIP

EXECUTIVE

SALE PRICE

KSH 30,000
$ 250 USD
Sale

FULL PRICE

$ 810 USD

ONLY FOR EXECUTIVE ACCESS

Identified as Executive

Entry to all the conferences

Entry to the exhibition hall

Your logo on badge (black & white)

2-Day exhibition

35+ Live speeches, panels & Q&As

Official Networking Event (17 Oct)

Invitation to the YORA Awards

Deal Room Access

Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge

YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle available on next step

THE VENUE

The Sarit Expo Centre
Westlands, Nairobi

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Each Executive Pass admits one participant only. Additional team members will need separate passes.

Yes! YORA Summit 2025 will feature exclusive networking sessions  throughout the event, including:
✔️ Investor & Speaker Networking Lounge
✔️ VIP Cocktails & Private Deal Rooms
✔️ Official YORA Awards Celebration

Details will be announced closer to the event!

Our tickets are already discounted for early bird buyers, and we also provide bundle discounts at checkout. No additional discounts are available beyond these offers.

YORA Summit connects Africa’s entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and innovators under one roof. Popular attendee backgrounds include:
✔️ Startup Founders & Scale-ups
✔️ Corporate Executives & Industry Leaders
✔️ Angel Investors & Venture Capitalists
✔️ Government Officials & Policymakers
✔️ Creative Industry Leaders & Tech Innovators

Yes! Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can request an official invitation letter via our Attendee or Exhibitor Portal. This document will help with your visa application, but we strongly recommend checking your country’s visa requirements before applying.

To upgrade to a YORA 2025 Ticket Bundle, select your desired ticket and click “Buy Now” at checkout. The bundle option will appear before payment.

As per our terms & conditions, refunds are not available. However, you may transfer your ticket to someone else.

Yes! You may reassign your ticket up to 48 hours before the event through our portals:

  • Attendee Portal
  • Company Portal
  • Exhibitor & Sponsor Portal

📍 Venue: Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

📍 Venue:  Pwani University and Vipingo Ridge Beach Club in Kilifi, Kenya

🔹 General Pass – Ideal for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals looking to network, attend keynote sessions, and gain insights from top industry experts.

🔹 Executive Pass – Designed for corporate executives, investors, and high-level decision-makers. Includes premium networking access, exclusive business lounges, and brand visibility opportunities.

🎟️ Secure Your Spot Now! 🚀

Yes! We are always looking for industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. If you’d like to nominate a speaker or apply, please fill out our Speaker Application Form.

Yes! We accept crypto payments via USDT with a 7.5% processing fee. If you're interested in paying with crypto, please email us at payments@yorasummit.com for details.

📩 Still have questions? Contact us at: support@yorasummit.com 🚀

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early bird discounts, and the latest speakers added to the roster.