My name is Sukaina Tantaoui and I am a graduate student in the Master’s program in International and Diplomatic Sciences, specialising in International Politics and Security, at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna.
While searching for a curricular internship, I came across the E4Impact page and immediately knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. My academic interest has always been focused on sub-Saharan Africa, and the idea of working in an environment dedicated to developing entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting growing local businesses represented a unique opportunity. This is how I arrived at the E4Impact Entrepreneurship Centre in Nairobi, where I worked on several projects that allowed me to understand the variety and complexity of the foundation’s initiatives.
One of the most significant projects I participated in was AFR100, implemented in collaboration with FAO. This initiative aims to connect local start-ups engaged in environmental restoration with potential investors, facilitating access to financing for green and sustainable enterprises. For this project, I supported the preparation and review of the participating start-ups’ pitch decks ahead of the final event.
During these three months, I was also involved in the AYuTe NextGen Project, supported by Heifer International, which aims to promote innovative solutions in the agritech sector. In addition to creating and reviewing pitch decks, I managed the organisation and documentation of the judgment assessment, the evaluation process for the candidate companies. Through this project I gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of an acceleration program, and had the chance to observe the impact of agricultural technologies on rural communities up close.
In addition, I also took part in several activities organised by the KIEP-SKIES program, which supports technological bootcamps and scholarships for students interested in developing digital skills. Thanks to this project, I was able to visit the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County, attend classes together with the students and directly observe the results of their projects.
The sense of personally participating in something so tangible and impactful left a deep impression on me. I met many motivated and passionate people, observed their day-to-day dedication and listened to the challenges they face. All of this has given me a new and authentic perspective on the real value of the projects I contributed to and helped me realise what I want to do after I finish my studies.
But Kenya was not only about work: it was also about discovery, encounters and unforgettable landscapes. At first glance, the people who live here may seem reserved, but once you get past their initial shyness, they are extremely welcoming and friendly, always ready to share a smile, a story or a meal.
I still remember a night train from Nairobi to Mombasa for a weekend at the beach: chatting and laughing with people I had just met, whom I will never forget.
This experience taught me that development begins with listening to and collaborating with those who face local challenges on a daily basis. In the future, I wish to continue working in this direction: combining my international training with concrete, high-impact projects on the African continent.
I would like to thank David Cheboryot, Isabella Tenai and Bernadette Mutinda for their invaluable support throughout this experience, and all my colleagues for their cooperation and enthusiasm, which made this internship truly unforgettable.
Sukaina Tantaoui