The 3rd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium
On the 5th of October, the 3rd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium under the theme ” Building Financially Resilient Organizations through Social Entrepreneurship in Africa ” took place at our social entrepreneurship hub in Kajjansi. This hybrid event brought together visionary thinkers, passionate change-makers, and aspiring social entrepreneurs from around the world. The symposium featured enlightening panel discussions, inspiring exhibitions, valuable networking opportunities, and insightful breakout sessions, making it a remarkable success.
Participants at the symposium.
The event commenced with a welcome address from Ms. Jackie Namara Rukare, the CSL board chairperson and CEO of Iguru Consult. She stressed the importance of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in driving social change, encouraging active participation and collaboration among attendees. ” I encourage you all to actively participate in discussions, network with your peers, and seek out opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can foster a world where social entrepreneurs thrive, where financial resilience becomes the norm, and where we collectively shape a brighter future for Africa.” She stated.
Mr. Tassilo Von Droste, Head of Governance and Civil Society Programme at GIZ, the guest of honor, highlighted GIZ’s commitment to working with civil society organizations to promote sustainable models, with a keen interest in scaling social entrepreneurship as a financially resilient model.
Mr. Tassilo Von Droste giving his opening remarks at the 3rd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium.
The heart of the symposium was the diverse panel discussions where experts shared insights on achieving financial resilience through the social enterprise model. Attendees had the chance to interact, ask questions, and network, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Panelists at the symposium sharing their insights.
Networking sessions were informal and facilitated meaningful connections among attendees, providing valuable opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Some of the attendees networking.
One of the most exciting segments of the event was the exhibition where various social enterprises and startups showcased their projects and innovative initiatives, demonstrating the tangible impact of social entrepreneurship on local and global communities.
Social Entrepreneurs exhibiting their products at the event.
Two breakout sessions delved into specific aspects of social entrepreneurship, offering practical tools and strategies for attendees to implement in their own initiatives. Topics included “Financial access through impact investment” and “Opportunities for social entrepreneurs in the oil & gas sector in Uganda.”
Pictorials from the breakout sessions.
Mr. Richard Kityo, Senior Social Development Officer, delivered closing remarks on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, PS Aggrey David Kibenge, emphasizing the importance of innovation and strong public institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The 3rd Annual Social Entrepreneurship Symposium left participants inspired, informed, and motivated to advance their initiatives, reinforcing the idea that social entrepreneurship is a powerful force for positive change. As the event concluded, the future of social entrepreneurship holds great promise.
Some of the highlights of the 3rd annual social entrepreneurship symposium.