MOMBASA, Kenya—Indonesia is seeking to deepen its partnership with Kenya by expanding cooperation in digital entrepreneurship, youth innovation and emerging technologies, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people in both countries.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi has called for stronger collaboration between African and Asian innovators, saying exchanges in skills, technology and practical solutions could help accelerate entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.
Speaking during the recent concluded Pwani Innovation Week 2026 in Mombasa, Indonesian Information, Social and Cultural Affairs Minister Counsellor Raden Wisnu Lombardwinanto, said the two countries could leverage their youthful populations and expanding digital economies to advance innovation and economic opportunities.
He said bilateral cooperation should move beyond conventional diplomatic engagements to establish practical partnerships involving young entrepreneurs, universities, technology hubs and creative industries.
“The next challenge is therefore not only to increase connectivity, but to transform digital access into opportunity, productivity, inclusion, and shared prosperity,” Lombardwinanto said.
He identified digital and creative industries, renewable energy, food security and the blue economy as potential areas for collaboration, alongside academic exchanges and partnerships between innovation hubs in the two countries.
The event attracted more than 2,500 participants from across the East African coastal region and coincided with the 10th anniversary of Swahilipot Hub Foundation, an organisation that has supported young people in developing skills, innovations and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Lombardwinanto said the success of innovation should be measured not only by technological advancement but also by its ability to address everyday challenges and create tangible opportunities for communities.
Highlighting Indonesia’s experience in digital transformation, he cited internet penetration in the country at 74.6 per cent, compared with 48 per cent in Kenya in early 2025.
The diplomat also pointed to existing education and youth exchange programmes as evidence of the potential for stronger cooperation between the two countries.
He said Kenya was the second-largest recipient of the Indonesia Aid Scholarship among 16 participating countries, with 40 Kenyan students having benefited from the programme.
Earlier this year, the Indonesian Embassy partnered with universities in Kenya and Indonesia to organise a youth-to-youth dialogue that attracted more than 150 physical participants and approximately 200 online participants.
Lombardwinanto further called for stronger South-South cooperation, invoking the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, which brought together countries from the two continents around shared principles of solidarity and cooperation.
He said reviving the spirit of Bandung could encourage young people from Africa and Asia to establish partnerships, develop innovative solutions and address challenges affecting their communities.
“As fellow countries of the Global South, Indonesia and Kenya can learn from one another, exchange practical solutions, and connect our young people and communities,” he said.
He challenged innovation platforms such as Pwani Innovation Week to move beyond discussions and translate ideas into practical initiatives that strengthen cross-border partnerships, empower young entrepreneurs and create sustainable economic opportunities.
