Hon. Incoming Member of Parliament for Roysambu, Dr Faith Mwaura, welcomes launch of Nova Garage, a new Pan-African innovation platform

he Hon. Incoming Member of Parliament for Roysambu, Dr Faith Mwaura, has welcomed the launch of Nova Garage, a new Pan-African innovation platform aimed at spotlighting and supporting the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs ahead of the Africa Forward Summit scheduled for May 11–12, 2026 in Nairobi.

Dr Mwaura described the initiative as a bold and forward-thinking step that underscores Africa’s growing influence in global innovation and technology. She noted that the platform comes at a critical time when young Africans are increasingly driving transformative solutions across key sectors of the economy.

The initiative, spearheaded by the French-African Foundation and the Autonomous Advancement Initiative in partnership with Concerto and Nuvision, seeks to bring together young innovators, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers to accelerate Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Organized under the High Patronage of William Ruto, Nova Garage will serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge solutions in energy, agriculture, mobility, and finance.Welcoming the development, Dr Mwaura emphasized the importance of creating inclusive platforms that empower young people to turn their ideas into impactful enterprises. She observed that many youth across Kenya, particularly in urban constituencies like Roysambu, possess immense potential but often lack access to opportunities that can elevate their innovations to the global stage.“This initiative reflects the confidence the world has in Africa’s youth and their ability to shape the future through innovation. It is a powerful platform that will enable our young people to showcase their talent, attract investment, and scale their ideas,” she said.

Dr Mwaura also echoed sentiments expressed by Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, who noted that it is time to create space for those actively building Africa’s future. She said such thinking is essential in redefining Africa’s development narrative, shifting from dependency to self-driven growth powered by innovation.The platform will be hosted in Nairobi, widely referred to as the “Silicon Savannah,” further cementing Kenya’s reputation as a leading innovation hub on the continent. With a thriving startup ecosystem, Kenya has attracted significant venture capital investment and continues to lead in digital transformation across Africa.Dr Mwaura highlighted that Nova Garage is not just an event, but a long-term investment in Africa’s future.

She praised its focus on fostering collaboration between African innovators and international stakeholders, particularly strengthening ties between Africa and France in areas of technology and investment.A total of 15 entrepreneurs under the age of 35 will be selected through a competitive pan-African application process. These innovators will have the opportunity to present their solutions before a global audience at the summit, gaining exposure, mentorship, and potential funding opportunities.Applicants are required to have a functional prototype or a minimum viable product that addresses real-world challenges and is ready for live demonstration. The deadline for applications has been set for April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM (EAT).

Dr Mwaura encouraged young innovators from Roysambu and across Kenya to seize the opportunity and apply, noting that such platforms are critical in unlocking economic growth and job creation.“Our youth are not just participants in the digital economy—they are leaders and creators. We must support them by providing platforms like Nova Garage that nurture their ideas and connect them to global opportunities,” she stated.She further reaffirmed her commitment to championing youth empowerment and innovation-driven policies once she assumes office, pledging to advocate for stronger support systems for startups, including access to funding, infrastructure, and skills development.

The launch of Nova Garage also introduces the Autonomous Advancement Initiative, which aims to position African nations as co-owners of emerging digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This shift, Dr Mwaura noted, is crucial in ensuring that Africa is not left behind in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.As Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a gateway for innovation in Africa, Dr Faith Mwaura expressed optimism that initiatives like Nova Garage will play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and self-reliant future for the continent.