Kenya will host a high level international discussion on 'innovating in Africa' on the 30th of September 2014 at the Serena Hotel Nairobi. The event organized by the economist events is looking to explore the role of the state and private sector in nurturing and furthering innovation across the African continent.

This is part of the wider programme of meetings that are taking place in Jakarta, Seoul and Brazil as part of the 'Look Ahead' programme which is produced by The Economist and sponsored by GE. Look Ahead provides a daily look at the innovations transforming global business.

Senior participants from the Kenyan private sector, the international business community, the Kenyan government, media and international institutions will all convene with an aim of working together to nurture innovation and optimize growth.

Kenya has been in the headlines for its continued growth in the ICT sector and innovation that has spurred substantial growth over the recent years. With Kenya being the pioneer of one of the most developed mobile money transfer systems in the world, the country is a hub for all things technology in Africa, hence the choice of Nairobi as the venue for this discussion.

ICT cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'I is expected to open the briefing that will be chaired by Simon Baptist the Chief Economist and Regional Director, Australia and Asia at The Economist Intelligence Unit. (EUI).

Speakers at the event include Jay Ireland, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Africa, Abdel Bendoua, Head of Enterprise EMEA Emerging Markets, Google and  Safaricom's CEO Bob Collymore Who will discuss his ideas on how private enterprises can best leverage the skills potential of Africa's burgeoning youth, and what the state needs to do to further incentivize the private sector to engage in innovative projects and processes.

Guest speakers will include Josiah Mugambi, iHub Executive Director and Michael Macharia the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Seven Seas Technologies Group among other individuals. The meeting is set provide a platform to gain insights, exchange views and compare strategies to  deliver objective and informed analysis.