Over three days (1-3 October 2025), hundreds of participants from more than a dozen countries gathered at Strathmore University in Nairobi for the BeDoCare Conference, the first edition of the global initiative held in Africa.
Born in Rome in 2022 as a space for dialogue on education, development, and human dignity, BeDoCare seeks to foster collaboration among people who believe that integral human progress begins with caring for others at work, in education, and in social life. The Nairobi edition, entitled “Africa’s Destiny,” built on that vision, bringing together scholars, business leaders, young entrepreneurs, and NGO professionals to share experiences on how the continent’s growth must be rooted in entrepreneurship, care for people, creativity in work, and faith in God’s providence.
Education and the African story
The opening day, dedicated to education, set the tone for the conference. In his welcoming address, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice-Chancellor of Strathmore University, encouraged participants to look at Africa not only as a land of challenges but of immense opportunity: “We need to form young people who are creative, ethical, and compassionate; capable of shaping their nations with integrity.”
education is about awakening the desire to serve and to care.
The keynote talks echoed this forward-looking spirit. Francis Okello, Chairman of the Serena Group of Hotels, offered a long-term view in his address, urging young Africans to dream boldly, building institutions that can last. Dr. Julie Gichuru, President and CEO of the Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute, followed with a passionate call to “tell Africa’s story from within,” reclaiming the narrative of a creative and resilient continent.
Afternoon workshops explored how universities can act as engines of social progress and how NGOs can overcome barriers to education in rural and low-income communities. “Education is not just about transmitting knowledge,” one speaker said, “but about awakening the desire to serve and to care.”
A culture of gift
The second day, 2 October, the anniversary of the foundation of Opus Dei, focused on work, a theme deeply connected to St. Josemaría’s message about finding God in daily life.
It opened with a keynote address from Fr. Javier del Castillo, Vicar General of Opus Dei. His talk invited participants to rediscover human dignity through generosity and care. “The world changes when each of us begins to treat the people around us as gifts,” he said. “This is the heart of Christian development.”
The world changes when each of us begins to treat the people around us as gifts.
Later in the morning, Prof. África Ariño (IESE Business School) spoke about governance, competitiveness, and how companies can contribute to the common good. Afternoon workshops ranged from youth leadership and entrepreneurship to vocational training and the future of agriculture. “Africa’s young people are not waiting for opportunities,” said one panelist. “They are creating them.”
The day closed with the presentation of the Transform Africa Network, a Strathmore initiative promoting cross-sector collaboration, and with remarks that tied the discussions to the feast day’s spiritual significance: work, when done with competence and love, becomes a way to sanctify the world.
Creativity and service
Prof. Luis Franceschi (Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth) began the third day with a dramatic keynote, presenting justice and ethical leadership as the “invisible infrastructure” Africa needs most.
The morning’s sessions also highlighted the Church’s contribution to social progress, with Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri and Sr. Rosemary Ndege among the panelists. Afternoon workshops showcased successful grassroots initiatives in entrepreneurship, healthcare, sustainable energy, and the arts. Speakers from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and the DR Congo presented projects ranging from green technologies and women’s enterprises to cultural initiatives that promote social awareness.
BeDoCare 2025 closed with the presentation of the BeDoCare Hub, a new network that will connect participants and projects across Africa to continue fostering dialogue and cooperation.
As participants said their farewells, many spoke of the Nairobi edition as a visible sign that Africa’s energy and faith are at the heart of global conversations about human development. Dr. Vincent Ogutu summarized the meaning of Be Do Care in the final session: “Africa’s future will be built by men and women who are authentic, do their work well, and care for others. That is the spirit we want to spread.”
🎥 Watch the keynote addresses from each day on Strathmore University’s YouTube channel.