On 17–18 October 2025, Youthmakers Hub and InterafBase brought together over 100 participants and 22 speakers from Africa and Europe for The Africa-Greece Entrepreneurship (AGE) Summit 2025. The two-day event, themed “Future-proofing entrepreneurship through digitalization,” created a space where entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and youth leaders could engage directly on the opportunities and challenges shaping cross-continental cooperation.

From the opening session, the tone centered on connection and shared purpose. Participants were invited to reflect on what links Africa and Greece, with answers such as “bridge,” “entrepreneurship,” and “networking” capturing the spirit of the event. This idea of connection was reflected throughout the programme, which balanced voices, experiences, and perspectives from both regions.

A key strength of the Summit was its strong Africa–Greece speaker line-up.  Experts such as Dr. Esther Kagure Munyiri and Dr. Florence Wanjiku Njau from Kenyatta University, and institutional voices like Vasiliki Alexandraki, Honorary Consul of Uganda in Athens, engaged in dialogue with Greek and European experts, including Dimitris Fatouros from the United Nations Regional Information Center and Andreas Galanis from Entrepreneurship Talks. This combination created a dynamic exchange where policy, research, and entrepreneurship intersected with regional insight and real-world experience.

One of the most discussed moments came during the panel on entrepreneurial partnerships between Greece and Africa. Speakers explored concrete pathways for collaboration –  from investment and infrastructure to cultural exchange and market access. Dimitris Fatouros highlighted that Africa imports significant volumes of food despite its agricultural potential, pointing to a clear space for innovation. The discussion emphasized the need for long-term, balanced cooperation models driven by local knowledge and youth-led initiatives. 

The Summit also connected entrepreneurship and academia through discussions on EU–African academic collaborations, reinforcing the importance of linking knowledge systems across continents. Dr. Wardah Rajab from Kampala University, Prof. Betty Tsakarestou from Panteion University, Dr. Edna Thangu from Kenyatta University, Prof. Asteris Huliaras from the University of the Peloponnese, and Dr. Jaume Guia from the University of Girona reflected on the role of education, research, and mobility in driving innovation.

Parallel workshops explored ESG frameworks for SMEs, the role of AI and digital tools in business growth, and marketing strategies in uncertain global environments, allowing participants to move from theory to practical application.

A highlight was the series of power talks, where John Kourkoutas, Founder of MrExportToAfrica, emphasized building “digital bridges” that connect not only markets but people and ideas. Other sessions highlighted resilience, leadership, and access to European funding mechanisms as key drivers for scaling innovation across borders.

The Summit concluded with forward-looking announcements, including strengthened partnerships and new initiatives to deepen Africa–Greece collaboration. Among these, Youthmakers Hub announced plans to establish a local presence in Kenya, reinforcing its commitment to building long-term, on-the-ground connections that extend beyond events to sustained impact.