Innovating for Africa’s Future: MKU Nairobi Campus Students Drive Innovation in GBSN Challenge 2026
Students from the School of Business and Economics and the School of Computing and Informatics formed multidisciplinary teams to participate in the GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge 2026, an initiative aimed at nurturing innovative and practical solutions to real-world challenges across Africa. Through their participation, the students demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking in addressing community and sustainable development challenges.
The initiative reflects Mount Kenya University’s continued commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in line with its role as the custodian of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure for the period January 2025 to December 2027. Through student-led initiatives and multidisciplinary collaboration, the university continues to champion impactful solutions that contribute to sustainable development locally and globally.
The GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge 2026, organized by the Global Business School Network, seeks to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among African students while promoting solutions aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Conducted virtually over a five-week period beginning on 30th March 2026, the competition brought together student teams from across the continent in a highly engaging and competitive environment.
The Nairobi Campus was represented by three teams;
- ZERO DELAY Team: Arek Bol, Judy Wairimu , Waddell Simiyu, Rebecca Aluel, Meaza Misgina Sibhat
Faculty mentor :Ms. Victoria Mwendwa
- NDAI Team : Jason Muthomi ,Lewis Mutwiri ,Ashley Tsuma, Steve Nyasimi
Faculty mentor : Dr. David Odera
- ASILI 360 Team : Oliver Jackson, Baraka Elishama, Ashley Tsuma, John Kennedy
Faculty mentor : Ms.Christine Kiboori
These teams composed of dedicated student members, a team leader, and a faculty advisor who provided mentorship throughout the competition. The teams entered the challenge with innovative ideas and consistently refined their concepts as they progressed through various stages of evaluation. Their participation demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and a strong commitment to addressing community-based challenges through entrepreneurial solutions.
Despite the demanding academic calendar, particularly ongoing examinations during the competition period, the teams displayed remarkable resilience and discipline. They successfully balanced their academic responsibilities with the rigorous requirements of the challenge by attending sessions, meeting deadlines, and actively engaging with mentors and evaluators. Their commitment under pressure reflected determination, adaptability, and effective teamwork.
Throughout the competition, the teams advanced through several rounds and performed commendably at every stage. Although they narrowly missed qualification for the final stage, their participation provided valuable exposure to real-world business development processes, pitching techniques, innovation strategy, and professional feedback from experienced evaluators across Africa.
The teams also encountered several challenges, including limited time to fully develop and refine their business concepts, balancing academic commitments with competition demands, and competing against highly innovative teams from institutions across the continent. However, these challenges became important learning opportunities that strengthened their resilience, enhanced time management skills, and deepened their practical entrepreneurial experience.
On 15th, the Director of Nairobi Campus – Dr. Charles Karuga hosted the participating teams during a recognition session where team leaders presented their projects. Certificates were awarded to the student teams and their faculty mentors in recognition of their dedication and efforts throughout the competition. During the event, the Director commended the students for their brilliance, courage, and willingness to step forward with impactful solutions aimed at addressing societal challenges. He further encouraged the teams to continue refining their projects for future presentations and opportunities.
In conclusion, the Nairobi Campus participation in the GBSN Africa Business Concept Challenge 2026 was both impactful and enriching. Although the teams did not advance to the final stage, their performance demonstrated immense potential and highlighted the capability of Mount Kenya University students to compete effectively at a continental level. Importantly, all participating teams: NDAI, ZERO DELAY, and ASILI 360—received certificates of participation in recognition of their hard work, innovation, and valuable contribution to the competition.
Compiled by Ms.Victoria Njogu
