Harnessing the power of youth entrepreneurship to create a generation for change

A summit with purpose

The Global Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2024 was not just a conference – it was a celebration of young entrepreneurs and the impact they have on the world.

Held in Nairobi and hosted by Youth Business International, the summit brought together over 200 participants, including young entrepreneurs, supporters and ecosystem builders from more than 50 countries. The purpose was to share ideas, build partnerships and recognise the power of youth-led change.

The theme, Generation for Change, ran through every element of the experience. From responsible entrepreneurship and inclusive support to innovation and sustainability, this was a summit grounded in purpose.

The programme included keynotes, policy discussions, field visits, a marketplace of youth-led businesses and the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

It was a gathering that blended action, learning and celebration in equal measure.

Designing for global consistency and local character

Our challenge was to create an identity that remained true to YBI’s global brand while embracing the culture and context of the host city.

We researched local visual languages and brought those influences into the palette, pattern, typography and imagery. The result was bold and expressive, but rooted in place.

This attention to cultural detail didn’t just inform the visuals – it influenced the tone and structure of the entire experience.

We designed materials and content around the summit’s key themes, climate action, innovation and inclusion and helped carry those ideas through every visual and written expression, from social content to event signage to the design of the awards themselves.

Bringing it to life

Our work extended beyond the screen and into the space itself. We created digital displays, signage, merchandise, wayfinding and event materials that helped shape the in-person experience.

Every detail was considered, from the tone of the welcome signage to the feel of the printed items in a participant’s hands.

We also produced a summit showreel and a series of highlight videos, capturing key sessions, stories and energy across the three days.

A platform for connection

We designed and developed the summit website to serve as the digital home of the event. Built for clarity and accessibility, it gave visitors a place to explore the programme, meet the speakers and buy tickets.

The site also featured real stories from the entrepreneurs at the heart of the movement – stories that made the values behind the event feel tangible. By highlighting the lived experience of young founders from around the world, the website helped ground the summit in the realities of entrepreneurship.

A celebration with real impact

Over three days in Nairobi, attendees took part in keynotes, policy sessions, workshops, a youth-led marketplace and the Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

More than 25 young entrepreneurs showcased their work in the marketplace. Delegates also visited youth-led businesses across the city to see how local support programmes are helping entrepreneurs grow sustainable ventures.

The summit marked the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Trends and Policy Framework, a practical resource for policymakers and ecosystem leaders focused on inclusive economic development.

The awards recognised nine finalists across climate, social and sustainable entrepreneurship. Among them was Adaeze Akpagbula, whose work with FarmSpeak Technology is helping smallholder farmers in Nigeria access affordable agritech tools.

This wasn’t just a showcase – it was a reminder of what’s possible when young people are encouraged to lead.