AidEx, already an established brand in Europe, where it is the only event dedicated to the specialised needs of aid professionals, has launched AidEx Africa – a regional conference on Innovation and Development, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross. After three successful years in Brussels, AidEx is showing further commitment to not for profit agencies and commercial supporters who operate in the developing regions of the world.

“In addition to our main AidEx event in Brussels, we want to hold satellite events in support of the aid community at work in the field,” says Nicholas Rutherford, AidEx Event Director.

The first such event will be held on June 5^th and 6^th at The Boma Nairobi hotel.

In partnership with the Kenya Red Cross

AidEx is proud to announce that it is organising AidEx Africa in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross. “The KRC is a very highly respected organisation, at the heart of the community and with lots of experience in organising relevant events,” says Nicholas.

Dr Abbas Gullet, MBS, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross adds, “Kenya Red Cross is pleased to partner with AidEx in delivering the first AidEx Africa Conference.   In our commitment to humanity and improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable, innovation and change plays a major role in the way we do business and offer services.  Innovation and change also informs our policy development, as well as our engagement with the private sector and the development sector.”

“AidEx Africa and Kenya Red Cross are bringing together the humanitarian aid sector, private sector and development aid sector together for a common good – alleviating human suffering through innovation and change.” Susan Ng’ong’a, General Manager, Supply Chain & Eplus, Kenya Red Cross

Holding the event at the Boma Nairobi means that all the hotel’s operational profits from AidEx Africa will be channelled back to the Kenya Red Cross to help with the Society’s humanitarian activities. The Boma is a recently constructed hotel, very well suited to hosting conferences and offers a leisurely haven from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi.

Innovation and Development

Aidex Africa is a conference for two hundred delegates who will come to hear experts talk on the theme ofInnovation and Development. Participants will be from government, the United Nations, Red Cross, NGOs and businesses with an interest in the further development of the East African economy. Delegates will come from Kenya and neighbouring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda.

“This is a very timely event,” says conference author, Rob McConnell. “The innovation theme will not simply focus on technical innovation but innovative new approaches to all aspects of A&D activity as the community struggles to meet an increasingly challenging and complex environment.”

Innovation as an overarching theme certainly fits with the current mood.  But what are those innovations? The role of the private sector and how it should grow.  Technology – in particular satellite data and mobile phone technology (and the links between them).  For example, farmers can now get current prices for their crops – and be paid rapidly and securely through Mpesa (and similar). Distribution – i.e. ColaLife who use the same principles and networks that Coca-Cola and other commodity producers use, to open up private sector supply chains for ‘social products’.

“There are some massive ‘ideas battles’ going on and considerable change taking place” says Nicholas. “And, where better to hold a conference on this topic than in Kenya; the de facto hub for the aid and development sector in Africa.”

The conference will take place over two days and be opened by a senior Kenyan government official.

Please follow the link to find out more about AidEx Africa –  www.aid-expo.com/africa

AidEx is organised by Centaur Media plc in London with the support of UKT&I and Platinum Sponsors are Kenya Red Cross and Toyota Kenya Limited.