There is need to empower the youth to lead transformation and shape the future of the Blue and Creative Economies.
Truly Kenya Limited Chairperson Alex Chesosi says the Truly Kenya Digital — the country’s first Ethical Social Media Platform in partnership with ImagineBC seeks to empower digital content creators by promoting transparency, fair compensation, and responsible digital engagement.
Speaking at sixth edition of Pwani Innovation Week (PIW) 2025 in Mombasa, Chesosi said that Pwani Re-imagined is about charting a forward-looking transformation of the coastal region by unlocking resilience and prosperity through diversification and youth-led innovation.
“There are two sides to the youth bulge: the youth dividend and youth disruption. When empowered, youth drive growth; when neglected, they drive instability,” he said.
Chesosi says that PIW 2025 builds on the success of last year’s event, which established regional collaborations with Tanzanian partners through the Tanga Yetu Initiative.
Held under the theme “Pwani Re-Imagined: Youth Agency, Innovation & Sustainability of Coastal Economies,” this year’s forum brings together youth, innovators, policymakers, and development partners to drive inclusive growth and sustainability across Kenya’s coastal region. The forum seeks to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions.
This year’s edition broadens participation to include innovators, investors, and policymakers from across the East African coastline, fostering stronger cross-border partnerships for sustainable development.
Organized annually by the Swahilipot Hub Foundation, PIW has evolved into a premier regional platform for innovation — fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment in transformative ideas across the Blue, Green, and Creative Economies.
Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination has lauded Truly Kenya and ImagineBC for promoting a transparent and inclusive model for the Creator Economy.
“The future of advertising is creator-led. Truly Kenya and ImagineBC are piloting a model where viewers are rewarded for their engagement while ensuring creators earn fairly — a structure that aligns with Kenya’s goal to make the creative economy globally competitive and transparent,” Itumbi posted on X.
Key speakers at the event include Dr. Kevit Desai, Chairperson of Pwani Innovation Week 2025; Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports; Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation; and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir.