Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

AMA, Business, Education

Open Startup Launches Third Cohort of GROW Program to Help African Startups Scale and Fundraise

MaraviPost

TUNIS, Tunisia, 23rd October 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Open Startup (OST) announces the launch of GROW 3.0, the third cohort of its flagship Investment Readiness Program designed to empower advanced African startups to scale their businesses and secure funding.

Now in its third cohort, GROW reflects continuous learning and iteration. With each edition, OST has refined its model to deliver a more hands-on, tailored, and practical investment-readiness experience that directly addresses founders’ go-to-market, fundraising, and growth challenges.

GROW 3.0 continues to build a stronger pipeline of investor-ready African startups, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and global connections needed to scale confidently and secure funding.

Building on the success of previous cohorts, supporting 32 startups across 13 industries in 10 countries, with $10.7M+ raised to date and $12M+ in accumulated revenues, GROW continues to accelerate Africa’s most ambitious entrepreneurs on their journey toward sustainable growth and global exposure.

Now in its third cohort, GROW reflects continuous learning and iteration. With each edition, OST has refined its model to deliver a more hands-on, tailored investment-readiness experience that addresses founders’ go-to-market, fundraising, and growth challenges. Startups are supported through structured mentorship and biweekly office hours, curated investor matchmaking, international-exposure fellowships, and access-to-talent placements. In GROW 2.0, this support was delivered at scale—106 mentorship sessions, 31 targeted training sessions, 75+ investor meetings, 4 VC clinics, engagement of 40+ experts, 18 international-exposure fellowships, and 13 access-to-talent fellowships. Building on these learnings, GROW 3.0 is even more hands-on and tailored, equipping startups with the tools, mentorship, and global connections to scale confidently and secure funding.

About the GROW Program

GROW is a 12-month program supporting African Startups in their investment readiness and their capacity to scale, sell and fundraise.

Developed in collaboration with AfricaGrow, Africinvest Group, BPI France, and Go Ventures, the program provides founders with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to expand into new markets and achieve their growth goals.

Program Benefits

  • In-person bootcamp focused on investment readiness, with practical clinics on data rooms, metrics, and investor storytelling.
  • Investor access via curated introductions, pitch reviews, and deal-readiness support.
  • Global exposure through international immersions and fellowships across leading startup ecosystems.
  • Talent support to help hire key roles, backed by targeted stipends and expert referrals.
  • Hands-on program support for go-to-market, partnerships, and market entry throughout the 12-month journey.
  • Tailored training blending business strategy, product, growth, and fundraising, led by international experts.
  • Personalized mentorship matched to stage and needs, with structured milestones and actionable feedback.
  • Community & network integration into OST’s pan-African founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners across Africa and beyond.

Eligibility

  • Seed-stage startup operational for less than 4 years.
  • 2–4 co-founders, with at least one African co-founder.
  • Operating in or impacting Africa, with a strong team and proven execution capacity.
  • Raised up to $350K USD.

Apply Now

Applications for GROW 3.0 are now open. Interested startups can apply via this [link] before November 2nd, 2025.

Disclaimer:

Startups selected as finalists will be asked to allocate a symbolic 1% equity to Open Startup (OST) to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the program across Africa.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Open Startup (OST)

About Open Startup (OST)

Open Startup (OST) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering innovation and capacity building through entrepreneurship, education, and cross-cultural exchange. By building vibrant communities and connecting ecosystems across Africa and beyond, OST is at the forefront of driving entrepreneurial success on the continent.

Media Contact:

For more information, please contact:

 📩 grow@open-startup.org | achref.mattar@open-startup.org

 🌐 Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Open Startup Launches Third Cohort of GROW Program to Help African Startups Scale and Fundraise appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business, Education, Technology

Open Startup Launches Fifth Cohort of BRAIN Accelerator to Support African DeepTech Startups Become Investment- and Market- Ready

MaraviPost

TUNIS, Tunisia, 23rd October 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Open Startup (OST) announces the launch of BRAIN 5.0, the fifth cohort of its flagship accelerator program empowering African DeepTech startups to become investment and market-ready.

This milestone marks five years of continuous learning and iteration, during which BRAIN has refined its model to provide more hands-on, tailored support addressing founders’ technical and business challenges. Each edition builds on the previous one, shaping a program that bridges science and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Over the last five years, in collaboration with a strong consortium of global partners, BRAIN has supported more than 40 DeepTech startups across 10 African countries and 12 industries and to date, 25 startups have been accelerated, 60% have raised investment, and together they have secured over $5 million dollars in funding in multiple sectors.

As the fifth cohort launches, the program introduces a stronger focus on Health and Climate, aiming to provide deeper, more specialized support that advances impactful DeepTech innovation across Africa.

Stories of Impact

BRAIN’s alumni continue to demonstrate how African science can thrive globally:

  • Reme-D (Egypt): Developing affordable diagnostic testing solutions using locally sourced materials. The company has secured $2 million, earned 10+ international awards, and expanded to the US, Kenya, and Greece, employing 25 women scientists and achieving $800K in annual revenue.
  • Fluorobiotech (South Africa): Pioneering protein production technology to enable affordable biotechnology research. The startup has raised $1 million, generated $100K in early revenues, and partnered with WHO and CERI to scale its technology across new markets.

These stories illustrate BRAIN’s mission: to support science-based founders building solutions for Africa and the world.

About the BRAIN Program

BRAIN is a 12-month hybrid accelerator tailored for deeptech and science-based African startups in health and climate deploying advanced AI technologies or complex hardware.

Developed in collaboration with AfricaGrow, AfricInvest Group, and the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), and in partnership with Steve Madden, Digital Africa, MIT-Africa, the MIT Executive MBA Program, Bpifrance, Sanofi, and InstaDeep, BRAIN provides founders with the tools, expertise, and networks needed to bridge the gap between the lab and the markets

Program Benefits

  • In-person regional intensive bootcamp in South Africa, co-delivered with MIT Executive MBA students and global DeepTech experts.
  • Global exposure through international immersions across Africa, the US, and Europe (labs, research centers, and industry partners).
  • Investor access via exclusive pitch clinics and meetings with top DeepTech investors.
  • Tailored training and personalized mentorship combining business strategy and technology development delivered by global experts. 
  • Access to world-class talent, including fully funded internships and technical support from MIT, École Polytechnique, and Télécom Paris.
  • Integration into OST’s DeepTech ecosystem, fostering collaboration between startups, universities, corporates, and policymakers.

Disclaimer

Startups selected will be asked to allocate a symbolic 1% equity to Open Startup (OST) to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the program across Africa.

Eligibility

  • Startups focused on climate or health;
  • Incorporated in Africa;
  • Seed-stage with a validated MVP;
  • DeepTech solutions grounded in scientific research, deploying advanced AI or complex manufacturing processes;
  • Early grants or initial funding secured;
  • Demonstrated early traction (customers, revenue, or market adoption);
  • Minimum of 2 co-founders fully committed to an intensive acceleration journey;

Apply Now

Applications for BRAIN 5.0 are now open. Interested startups can apply via this [link] before November 2nd , 2025.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Open Startup (OST)

About Open Startup (OST)

Open Startup (OST) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering innovation and capacity building through entrepreneurship, education, and cross-cultural exchange. By building vibrant communities and connecting ecosystems across Africa and beyond, OST is at the forefront of driving entrepreneurial success on the continent.

Media Contact:

For more information, please contact:

 📩 brain.program@open-startup.org | hello@open-startup.org 

 🌐 Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Open Startup Launches Fifth Cohort of BRAIN Accelerator to Support African DeepTech Startups Become Investment- and Market- Ready appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business

SA young entrepreneur honoured as Anzisha opens 2026 fellowship

MaraviPost

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 13 October 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Young entrepreneurs are the key to transforming economies on the African continent. Where some only see challenges, they view an untapped canvas for innovation and, should they be equipped with the right knowledge, network and skills, they can reshape our communities for the better. 

With the 2025 Entrepreneurship Education in Africa Summit now concluded, Anzisha announced that applications for its 2026 Fellowship will open on 7 October. The Fellowship backs Africa’s youngest founders with venture-building support, coaching and a continent-wide peer community to help them build their leadership skills, scale their businesses and create jobs.

The summit, hosted at the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, brought together educators, policymakers, investors and business leaders to reflect on best practices in entrepreneurship education. The day closed with the Anzisha Awards Gala, where four outstanding entrepreneurs under the age of 25 were recognised for their achievements and each awarded $10,000.

Cebolenkosi Gcabashe (22), founder of G Khula Trading in KwaZulu-Natal, won the Revenue Growth Award after building a profitable property services company from a single high-pressure cleaner. The gala also honoured Nigeria’s Bunmi Esther Olalude with the Job Creation Award for empowering women and youth; Zimbabwe’s Tafadzwa Manyanye with the Systems of Delivery Award for building efficient agricultural services; and Nigeria’s Christianah Madu, who received the Storytelling Award for raising the visibility of her venture through communication.

A blueprint for Africa’s future of work

Throughout the day, panel discussions and breakout sessions explored how very young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of work. Topics included repairing the broken link between education and jobs, recognising informality as innovation rather than failure, and finding financing solutions for founders often overlooked by investors.

In her closing address, Anzisha Managing Editor Didi Onwu urged stakeholders to rethink how they approach entrepreneurship: “Youth entrepreneurship isn’t the backup plan, it’s the blueprint. For too long, we have treated entrepreneurship as plan B, the path we take when ‘the real’ systems fail you. But this summit is a reminder that youth-led enterprise isn’t what happens when things go wrong, it’s what happens when young people take control of their futures.” 

Fellowship applications open 7 October

Since its launch in 2011, Anzisha has supported nearly 300 very young entrepreneurs across the continent. 

The multi-year programme combines funding, mentorship and peer-to-peer learning to help ventures grow sustainably while creating jobs in their communities.

The 2026 Anzisha Prize Fellowship is open to applicants between the ages of 15 to 22 who are running ventures in Africa.

Successful applicants will join a growing network of innovators and compete for a shared prize pool of $50,000.

Anzisha’s work is underpinned by research, advocacy and storytelling that highlights the impact of young entrepreneurs and challenges policymakers, educators and investors to build an enabling environment.

Anzisha’s YouTube series, The Journey, documents the realities of very young entrepreneurs and the communities they are transforming.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Anzisha.

About Anzisha

Anzisha is a multi-year fellowship for very young African entrepreneurs (ages 15–22). Since 2011, Anzisha has been dedicated to transforming African economies by creating youth-led, job-generating businesses. The organisation’s vision is to make entrepreneurship a first-choice career path for Africa’s youth. Through strategic partnerships and storytelling, Anzisha influences key stakeholders – including parents, educators, investors, and policymakers – to support youth entrepreneurship.

Facebook: @The Anzisha Prize | Twitter: @Anzisha Prize | Instagram: @Anzisha Prize | LinkedIn: @The Anzisha Prize I TikTok: @The Anzisha Prize I YouTube: @The Anzisha Prize

Follow the journey on YouTube (The Anzisha Prize)

Media Contact

Gaopalelwe Laka

gaopalelwe@weareirvinepartners.com

The post SA young entrepreneur honoured as Anzisha opens 2026 fellowship appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business

Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors Announces Seasoned Technology Leader, Sewit Ahderom, as Next President and CEO

MaraviPost
  • Deep expertise in agrifood systems and technology; exemplifies the values of the Foundation
  • Committed to scaling impact of the Foundation’s programs in Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada, prioritizing local solutions and partners
  • Assumes leadership in early 2026

TORONTO, Canada, September 29th, 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The Board of Directors of the Mastercard Foundation today announced that Sewit Ahderom has been selected to serve as its next President and CEO. The appointment follows the decision by Reeta Roy to transition from the Foundation after 18 years of transformative leadership and impact. Both leaders will work closely on a seamless transition process. Roy will continue to serve as President and CEO through 2025, and Ahderom will officially take on the role on January 1, 2026.

Earlier this year, the Board of Directors embarked on a global search for its next leader, who exemplifies the values of the Mastercard Foundation, brings a global perspective, possesses substantial experience working in Africa, and demonstrates the capability and commitment to scale the Foundation’s impact across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada.

Following a rigorous search process and interviews with many accomplished candidates, the Board concluded that Ahderom was the clear and exceptional choice to lead the Mastercard Foundation into its next era of impact.

A Values-Based Leader with Deep Expertise

“Sewit is a highly talented global executive with a deep understanding of the African continent. Her career spans the development and private sectors, with expertise in agrifood systems and technology – areas closely aligned with the Foundation’s work. Most importantly, Sewit embodies our values. She is a thoughtful listener, fosters strong relationships, and is focused on delivering impactful results,” said Zein Abdalla, Chair of the Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors.

Abdalla added, “Sewit’s career as an investor and an entrepreneur provides invaluable lessons in agility, resilience, and the realities of scaling complex systems. Her first-hand experience is an asset that will enable us to support the journeys of entrepreneurs.”

Understanding the Mission

For the past two years, Ahderom has served as a valued member of the Mastercard Foundation’s Board of Directors and understands the organization’s mission.

“I am truly honoured to be in service of the Foundation’s mission. Building on the extraordinary work of Reeta Roy, whose leadership has embodied partnership and purpose, it is both humbling and inspiring to carry this work forward. The Foundation’s commitment to helping young people access dignified and fulfilling work speaks to me on a deeply personal level. I am excited to listen and learn from young people, our staff, and our partners, and to strengthen the collaborations that will continue to shape meaningful change across Africa and within Indigenous communities in Canada.”

Ahderom is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in developed and emerging markets. She has most recently been advising on initiatives that apply emerging technologies to expand learning for displaced communities, and guiding organizations on the effective adoption of AI to address critical humanitarian challenges. Previously, she was a co-founder of Gro Intelligence, a data and analytics platform that delivered insights on agriculture, climate trends, and economic development. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Helios Investment Partners, an Africa-focused private investment fund.

Before joining Helios, she worked with Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), the investment arm of the Aga Khan Development Network, and as Vice President at Citigroup’s Investment Banking Division in New York. She holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University. Her career journey reflects a unique convergence of global finance, African investment, and technology entrepreneurship.

A Seamless Transition

“It’s been an honour to lead the Mastercard Foundation and to be part of an extraordinary journey of transformation in the lives of millions of young people and to know that this impact will endure over generations. That’s why I am thrilled about Sewit Ahderom’s appointment as the next President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation,” said Reeta Roy. “We have worked closely over the last two years. I respect her expertise, admire her leadership, and look forward to a smooth transition over the coming months.”

Committed to Africa and Indigenous Communities in Canada

The vision of the Mastercard Foundation is a world where everyone has the opportunity to learn and prosper. With more than $53 billion in assets, the Foundation is one of the largest and most impactful philanthropies in the world. It is currently implementing its Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030. In Canada, its EleV Program aims to enable 100,000 Indigenous youth to complete post-secondary education and transition into work by the end of this decade.

To date, these programs have equipped more than 66 million people with skills and tools and enabled nearly 18 million young people to access work opportunities. More than half of them are young women. The Board of Directors and Foundation’s leadership remain committed to staying the course with regards to these strategies, prioritizing local solutions and partners to achieve their ambitious goals.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of the Mastercard Foundation.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization. Its policies, operations, and programs are determined by its Board of Directors and Leadership team. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org.

Media Contact

Sconaid McGeachin

Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer

Mastercard Foundation

smcgeachin@mastercardfdn.org

The post Mastercard Foundation Board of Directors Announces Seasoned Technology Leader, Sewit Ahderom, as Next President and CEO appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA

TECA Heat Action Wave Launches in Nigeria to Tackle Growing Threat from Extreme Heat

MaraviPost

The new TECA Heat Action Wave (THAW) will back 12 early-stage ventures in Nigeria with capital and venture-building support to protect heat-vulnerable communities.

NAIROBI, Kenya, 27th August 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-TECA Heat Action Wave (THAW), a new initiative to address Nigeria’s escalating extreme heat crisis, was launched today by BFA Global, FSD Africa, ClimateWorks Foundation, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Nigeria. Together, the coalition has committed $1.1 million to support 12 early-stage ventures developing innovative solutions to protect climate-vulnerable communities from the growing impacts of extreme and chronic heat.

Extreme heat events are now at least ten times more likely in West Africa due to human-caused global warming. In Nigeria, millions of jobs and livelihoods are already at risk, with more than 60% of the population regularly exposed to dangerous heatwaves. Urban settlements like Lagos, Kano, and Abuja now experience heat indices above 50°C during peak months.

“Extreme heat represents perhaps the most overlooked consequence of climate change affecting Africa today,” said Juliet Munro, Early-Stage Finance Director at FSD Africa. “It’s not only a public health emergency, but a threat to livelihoods, productivity, and long-term economic resilience. Through this initiative, we’re making a strategic investment in African-led innovation, supporting scalable, context-specific solutions that deliver real impact where it’s needed most.”

THAW will support 12 early-stage ventures developing market-driven early warning tools, innovative financial instruments such as parametric heat insurance, emergency-centric finance tech, and ecosystem enablers and builders — tools and services that help individuals and small businesses operate more safely and efficiently in rising heat, preferably integrating early warning systems or fintech solutions.

Selected entrepreneurs will receive seed capital, venture-building support, and expert-led sprints on user research, product design, business modeling, and fundraising. Each startup will be matched with an embedded venture builder who will join their team to accelerate execution and strategy. Entrepreneurs will also gain access to a suite of technical specialists, female-focused mentorship, and local consultants to support prototyping and market testing. 

“Addressing the impacts of extreme heat requires bold, market-led innovation, and that’s exactly what this initiative delivers. By supporting local entrepreneurs to develop viable, scalable solutions, we’re strengthening the role of the private sector in driving climate resilience. FCDO is proud to back this partnership, which puts Nigerian-led innovation at the centre of solving one of the region’s most pressing climate adaptation challenges,” said Temi Akinrinade, Private Sector Development Advisor at FCDO Nigeria.

“Extreme heat is silently eroding lives, productivity, and economic opportunity,” said Tyler Ferdinand, TECA Director at BFA Global. “Through TECA, we’re not only funding ventures, we’re embedding the strategic support, networks, and capital they need to transform survival into resilience.”

“The world is racing against a closing window of time for investing in the ability of communities to withstand and recover from climate shocks. Adaptation is not only a response, but also a strategy for economic security, market stability, and shared prosperity in a warming world,” said Jessica Brown, Senior Director of Adaptation and Resilience at ClimateWorks Foundation.

The program will run through mid-2026, culminating in demo days and investor events. High-performing ventures may qualify for reinvestment and tailored follow-on support through 2027.

Implemented by BFA Global in partnership with FSD Africa, TECA is a venture-building program designed to spark exponential climate action by sourcing and accelerating bold, locally grounded solutions to emerging climate threats. This new heat-focused initiative reinforces TECA’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, gender-intentional design, and transformational funding, positioning Nigeria as a hub for scalable, investable climate innovations. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to join the Heat Action Wave.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of BFA Global

About BFA Global

BFA Global is an impact innovation firm that combines research, advisory, venture building, and investment expertise to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for underserved people and the planet. We partner with leading public, private and philanthropic organizations, global and local, to catalyze innovation ecosystems for impact across emerging markets. Since 2006, we have completed 646 projects completed in over 104 countries, supported 118+ ventures in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, who have collectively raised $815M+ in follow-on funding, and have a survival rate above 80% (global average is ~20%), and built a network of 100+ global and African investors, innovators, and funders focused on climate resilience. Learn more at https://bfaglobal.com/ 

About FSD Africa 

FSD Africa is a specialist development agency funded through UK Development operating in more than 30 countries working to help make finance work for Africa’s future. Based in Nairobi, FSD Africa’s team of financial sector experts work alongside governments, business leaders, regulators, and policymakers to achieve policy and regulatory reform, capacity strengthening, and improving financial infrastructure, to address systemic challenges in Africa’s financial markets. Since 2017, the organisation’s strategy has evolved to prioritise solutions to Africa’s most critical challenges: economic, social, and environmental. The organisation has worked to promote investment into the continent’s green economy, as well as its rates of financial inclusion and gender equality. FSD Africa – previously known as Financial Sector Deepening Africa – was founded in 2012 and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, please visit: https://www.fsdafrica.org  

About ClimateWorks Foundation 

ClimateWorks Foundation is a catalyst for accelerating climate progress, driving bold solutions that benefit people and the planet. We connect funders and implementing partners worldwide to co-create and scale transformative solutions across sectors and geographies, achieving faster, greater impact together. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $2 billion to 850+ partners in more than 50 countries and in collaboration with 80+ funders.

Media Contact:

Carmen Merab cmerab@bfaglobal.com

The post TECA Heat Action Wave Launches in Nigeria to Tackle Growing Threat from Extreme Heat appeared first on African Media Agency.

Travel & Tourism

Building Bridges For The Next Wave of Cape Town Creatives

Maravi Post Reporter

A Cape Town organisation, Bridges for Music, is nurturing the next wave of young creatives from under-resourced communities through innovative programmes in music, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness.

By bridging opportunity and talent, this organisation is transforming lives and shaping South Africa’s cultural future. We look at what’s on offer:

Harnessing the Power of Music to Uplift Communities

Tucked away on Washington Street in Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township, Bridges For Music stands as a beacon of hope and creativity. The state-of-the-art facility provides a safe and inspiring environment dedicated to nurturing talent and creating pathways to success.

Founded in 2013 by Valentino Barrioseta and Thulani Headman, the organisation has welcomed the support and visits of global music icons Black Coffee, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex, Msaki, and Zakes Bantwini. Their belief in the power of music as a force for good fuels the academy’s mission: changing lives through creative education.

A Holistic Learning Environment

Each day at the academy begins in the Ubuhlanti Room, a tranquil space where students set their intentions for the day. Meditation and journaling sessions are encouraged, fostering mindfulness and emotional resilience. An

in-house counsellor is also available to offer support when needed. Their Work Readiness Programme equips students with essential life and employment skills, including CV writing and interview techniques, leadership, communication, and project management. The academy partners with both local and international organisations to connect graduates with opportunities in the creative sector.

Destination Langa

Bridges for Music also offers curated tours and experiences for guests, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the academy’s work.

These include a range of immersive experiences, which include the Academy Tour to explore the campus and mission; hands-on Afrohouse/Amapiano DJing and dance workshops; the traditional AmaGwijo and drumming session; a guided Langa Heritage Tour; and a beading workshop celebrating local craft. The experiences are tailored to individual or group interests.

The organisation aims to expand these offerings and host more events to foster cross-cultural exchange and community collaboration. You may reserve tours in advance or request one using the booking form.

How To Get Involved

Bridges For Music depends entirely on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and supporters to continue its work. Whether you choose to donate, help raise funds in your community, or offer your time and skills, every action plays a part in empowering the next generation of creatives. You can also get involved by attending one of their events; a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, discover emerging talent, and witness the powerful role music and creativity play in uplifting youth from under-resourced communities.

Contact Details

To learn more or get involved, visit the Bridges For Music website or email connect@bridgesformusic.org

Related Articles

The post Building Bridges For The Next Wave of Cape Town Creatives appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

AMA, Business

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Headlines African Business Stories Roundtable on Mobilizing Diaspora Investment for Africa’s Growth at World Bank Spring Meetings

Maravi Post Reporter
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON, Director General, World Trade Organization and Ms. Yvonne Ike, Managing Director & Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (Ex RSA), Bank of AmericaKanayo Adibe | Photographer

Washington, D.C. 5 May 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- African Business Stories (ABS) convened the third edition of its Roundtable Series during the 2025 World Bank Spring Meetings, hosting a high-level dialogue titled “Leveraging Diaspora Investment for Africa’s Economic Growth.” The event featured WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other leading African and global voices in development and finance.

Launched in September 2024 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the ABS Roundtable Series convenes influential stakeholders to address critical barriers to scaling African businesses — with a focus on closing Africa’s $42 billion financing gap for women-owned enterprises and fostering sustainable growth.

Held at the Washington, D.C. offices of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, the ABS Roundtable was made possible through the generous support of Akin LLP, Bank of America, and Moneda Invest Africa. Their partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s economic growth through innovative investment, strategic collaboration, and inclusive development. Bank of America’s partnership in this event reflects its ongoing commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive finance across Africa. The firm continues to support initiatives that unlock capital, scale entrepreneurship, and build resilient financial ecosystems.

Opening keynote speakers President Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director of Trade & Development Bank, and Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Executive Director at the World Bank and former Nigerian Minister of Finance, set a powerful tone — challenging participants to move beyond traditional aid models and strengthen Africa’s investment readiness.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring Joan Manda (UNDP Timbuktoo Initiative), Barbara Iyayi (Unicorn Growth Capital), and Chidi Blyden (Culturally Bound), moderated by Kenechi Eze (Moneda Invest). The conversation centered on building trust, creating credible financial vehicles, and transforming Africa’s 44 million SMEs into engines of scalable investment.

President Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank Group , Ms. Florie Liser, President & CEO Corporate Council on Africa, Ms. Zainab Ahmed, Executive Director for Nigeria, Angola & South Africa, World Bank Group, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON, Director General, World Trade Organization, Ms. Akaego Okoye, Founder African Business Stories/Convener ABS Roundtable Series and Ms. Yvonne Ike, Managing Director & Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (Ex RSA), Bank of America.Kanayo Adibe | Photographer

The event culminated in an inspiring fireside chat with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, moderated by Ms. Yvonne Ike, Managing Director at Bank of America and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (ex-RSA). Addressing a room of investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala called for a decisive shift away from reliance on foreign aid, urging African countries to mobilize domestic resources, attract private sector investment, and build institutional trust. She emphasized the pivotal moment Africa faces in the global economy:

“Africa’s opportunity lies not in aid — but in adding value, building trust, and using our resources wisely,” said Dr. Okonjo-Iweala.

She stressed that Africa’s critical minerals must be leveraged strategically to drive industrialization rather than perpetuate dependence on raw exports:

“Our critical minerals are in demand — but instead of giving them away raw, we must negotiate smartly, add value locally, create jobs, and become a true hub of global manufacturing and innovation.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also addressed the impacts of global economic shifts — from trade disruptions to shrinking aid budgets — and stressed the urgency of regional collaboration, transparent governance, and strategic investment facilitation to attract both diaspora and global capital.

Closing the session, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala encouraged African entrepreneurs, leaders, and the diaspora to recognize their individual agency:

“Even solving one problem or building one enterprise can have ripple effects across the continent. Everyone has a role to play in building Africa’s future.”

“Events like this roundtable are vital platforms to foster collaboration, deepen trust, and unlock the entrepreneurial potential that exists both within Africa and among its global diaspora,” said Yvonne Ike, Managing Director and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa (ex-RSA) at Bank of America. “It was an honor to join this important dialogue and help shape conversations that will drive long-term impact.”

Participants committed to deepening collaboration with the African diaspora, creating credible financial structures, and expanding access to capital for the continent’s 44 million SMEs—key pillars for long-term growth.

Akaego Okoye, Founder of African Business Stories and Convener of the ABS Roundtable Series, added:

“Diaspora investment is not just about capital; it’s about building ecosystems and reshaping Africa’s economic narrative. We are proud to create a platform where action-oriented conversations drive real change.”

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Business Stories

About African Business Stories

African Business Stories (ABS) is a platform dedicated to unlocking investment for women-led businesses in Africa by telling their stories and connecting them to investors, resources, and key decision-makers. Through storytelling, strategic convenings, and ecosystem-building initiatives, ABS creates high-impact pathways that accelerate the growth and visibility of female entrepreneurs across the continent.

Press Contact

To explore collaboration opportunities or learn more about the ABS Roundtable Series, contact info@africanbusinessstories.com or visit www.africanbusinessstories.com.

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Technology

African-born startup launches education platform that encourages entrepreneurship

Maravi Post Reporter
African-born startup launches education platform that encourages entrepreneurship (1) (Source: Creative Crafting Club | 1 day ago)

The multifunctional online subscription site offers tried-and-tested creative crafting lesson plans, teaching resources and business acumen

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 28, 2020/ — A Cape Town based startup, www.CreativeCraftingClub.com bridges the gap between entrepreneurship for stay-at-home parents and education for tots-to-tweens. The multifunctional online subscription site offers tried-and-tested creative crafting lesson plans, teaching resources and business acumen for parents, educators and budding entrepreneurs, to kick start their own kids’ creative crafting club in their community.

The www.CreativeCraftingClub.com membership’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)-based lesson plans have been endorsed by occupational therapists, engineers, architects and artists to ensure the crafting topics are contemporary, child-friendly (for ages 2 – 12 years) and of international standards. They can be used to complement school curriculums, extramural activities or simply to run a creative at-home business.

South African sisters, Christelle (architect) and Stefanie (engineer) are the founders of the www.CreativeCraftingClub.com and brainchild, Canvas Club. It was through the success of their franchise Canvas Club, which has expanded to over 50 franchise locations across three countries in two years, that the powerful pair saw the need to develop a worldwide business model that not only encourages creativity in kids, but entrepreneurship for parents too.

Stefanie says: “one of the biggest struggles we see moms face is finding a flexible way to generate extra income. We’ve seen the sense of community and transformation that the membership platform is creating for these women first-hand.” Club member, Lili Probart, attests: “Creative Crafting Club gave me the tools to pursue my dream of teaching children, despite not being a schoolteacher.”

Achieving a healthy work-family balance is proving to be a challenge for mothers. Research shows that mothers are 79% less likely to be hired and earn 14 to 18% less than non-mothers. Furthermore, stay-at-home moms are half as likely to get a job interview as moms who were retrenched. The “motherhood penalty” suggests businesses are concerned about stay-at-home parents’ prioritising family over work.

Christelle says: “being a mom is a rewarding job, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose between parenting and a fulfilling career. The Creative Crafting Club membership not only tackles education but encourages entrepreneurship in communities, especially for stay-at-home parents in Africa who are often tasked with looking after not only their own children, but other children in their communities too.”

For more information or to enrol, go to www.CreativeCraftingClub.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Creative Crafting Club.

Regional, SADC

Parliament okays government to K17.2bn for youth in Agribusiness project

Maravi Post correspondent

Goodall Gondwe
The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Goodall Gondwe

Parliament on Tuesday allowed government to borrow K17.2 billion from the African Development Bank to finance the Agricultural Infrastructure and Youth in Agribusiness Project.

The Bill was initially rejected on Monday after some opposition argued that Bill has no specific areas and locations where the money would be channelled to once the loan has been authorized.

Continue reading Parliament okays government to K17.2bn for youth in Agribusiness project →