How IST Africa 2025 Brought Global Innovation Conversations to Nairobi
From 28-30 May, 2025, Kenya hosted one of Africa’s leading forums on research, innovation, and digital technology; the IST Africa Conference. Organised through the National Research Fund Kenya (NRF Kenya), the 20th edition of the conference welcomed researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the world to the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The five-day event explored the role of emerging technologies in driving sustainable development across the continent. It provided a platform for sharing ideas, showcasing solutions, and building partnerships that can help Africa harness the full potential of the digital age.
Discussions centred around key areas where innovation is already making an impact. In healthcare, delegates examined how digital tools are improving access to services and enhancing patient outcomes. Sessions on Artificial Intelligence highlighted its growing applications in sectors such as agriculture, education, and climate science. The topic of cybersecurity drew strong interest, with calls to strengthen protections for Africa’s expanding digital infrastructure.
Recognising that digital transformation must be inclusive, the conference also addressed the urgent need to build digital skills. Speakers emphasised the importance of equipping Africa’s workforce — particularly young people — with the knowledge required to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
Agriculture and environmental sustainability were other key themes. Presentations on eAgriculture demonstrated how digital platforms are helping farmers increase productivity and adapt to changing climatic conditions. The conference also explored how technology is supporting climate action and contributing to more sustainable management of natural resources.
Beyond the formal sessions, IST Africa 2025 served as a valuable space for networking and collaboration. Participants forged connections across sectors and borders, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives and research partnerships.
For NRF Kenya, hosting the conference aligned with its ongoing mission to promote impactful research and innovation. The event reinforced Kenya’s leadership in the African innovation landscape, while underlining the importance of international cooperation in shaping a more connected and prosperous future.
As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, the ideas and partnerships that emerged from IST Africa 2025 will help inform the next steps on this journey — ensuring that innovation drives progress that is both inclusive and sustainable.
[17:10, 6/9/2025] Ivy Baraiywo✨: Inaugural National Biennial Postgraduate Students Conference 2025 Brings Together Kenya’s Emerging Scholars
The National Research Fund (NRF), in partnership with Maasai Mara University, successfully hosted the Inaugural National Biennial Postgraduate Students Conference 2025, bringing together postgraduate students from across the country for several days of vibrant discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Held at Maasai Mara University, the conference provided a dynamic platform for young researchers to share their work, engage with peers and mentors, and contribute fresh perspectives to Kenya’s science, innovation, and development agenda.
Over the course of the event, students presented research papers across a wide range of disciplines — from agriculture and health sciences to engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. The sessions sparked meaningful dialogue around some of Kenya’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including climate change, sustainable development, technology adoption, and inclusive economic growth.
Beyond the formal presentations, participants took part in panel discussions led by academic and industry experts, workshops focused on emerging research methodologies, and interactive forums designed to promote networking and collaboration. The event fostered a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and cross-disciplinary learning.
One of the key outcomes of the conference was the strengthening of networks among Kenya’s postgraduate community. Many participants expressed that the connections made during the event will lead to future collaborations and joint research initiatives — helping to build a more cohesive and dynamic national research landscape.
At its core, the conference underscored NRF’s ongoing commitment to empowering young researchers and advancing Kenya’s knowledge economy. Supporting postgraduate students is a critical part of this mission, as they represent the next generation of scholars, innovators, and thought leaders driving sustainable development in the country.
As the conference came to a close, participants left with new ideas, expanded networks, and renewed motivation to pursue research that makes a real-world impact.
NRF extends its sincere gratitude to Maasai Mara University for their invaluable partnership, and to all the students, speakers, and facilitators who made this inaugural event a success.
Here’s to continued dialogue, deeper collaboration, and a brighter future for research and innovation in Kenya.
