The Executive Chairman of the Alibaba Group – the world’s largest retailer and one of the largest Internet companies – Jack Ma will be part of a high level event on digital transformation, intended to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3 – Chinese business magnate Jack Ma is set to jet into Kenya in two weeks time, en-route to Kigali, Rwanda for a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Youth Empowerment Summit.
The Executive Chairman of the Alibaba Group – the world’s largest retailer and one of the largest Internet companies – Jack Ma will be part of a high level event on digital transformation, intended to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners.
He will also be attending the event in his capacity as the Special Advisor for Youth Entrepreneurship and Small Business.
Dubbed ‘YouthConnekt Africa Summit’ the event will focus on matters policy, programs and partnerships, according to the event’s website.
A delegation of more than 1,500 who includes top executives from multinational companies operating in Africa, civil society organisations, development partners, entrepreneurs and youth opinion leaders are expected at the three-day summit.
Others will also be attending the event include UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, Director of UNDP Regional Bureau Abdoulaye Mar Dieye and Rwandese President Paul Kagame.
During his Nairobi stop-over scheduled on July 19, Jack Ma is expected to meet young Kenyan entrepreneurs.
His net worth is estimated to be US$41.8 billion, making him the richest person in Asia and 14th in the world. He is also one of the world’s most visible icons in business and entrepreneurship, and was ranked second in Fortune Magazine’s ‘World’s 50 Greatest Leaders List.’
