The Future Leaders Challenge Eastern Africa will convene students, teachers, industry executives and policymakers in Nairobi on 26–27 October 2026 to explore ways to improve youth employment and entrepreneurship in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Hosted at Strathmore University, the two‑day programme focuses on creating inclusive opportunities for young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, to acquire relevant skills, secure decent jobs and launch businesses.

Participants will spend nine weeks researching a challenge question that asks how the hospitality and tourism industry can develop accessible pathways for youth to gain skills, obtain employment and start enterprises.

The agenda includes student presentations before a business jury, industry workshops, property visits, a recruitment fair and panel discussions featuring students and members of the strategic board.

Former Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, patron of the challenge, urged stakeholders to invest in young professionals to help them navigate sector changes driven by technology, shifting consumer preferences and sustainability demands.

Organisers emphasise a community‑over‑competition ethos, encouraging participants to share knowledge, build networks and collectively devise solutions that benefit the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

The challenge is part of broader regional efforts to develop human capital and promote sustainable growth in tourism across Eastern Africa.