Foundry’s Post

I want to celebrate an extraordinary AMI team of 100 dedicated people (we call ourselves AMIgos) led by my co-founder Rebecca Harrison. Today we released our 2023 Impact Report which I would love you to look at. It's beautiful! In the ten years we have had impact in 39+ countries, and recorded 💼 37,000+ SMEs supported 💪 Over 97,000 direct and indirect jobs created 🌱 1,464,800 livelihoods improved, using a recognised multiplier statistic 💰 $130M added to African economies In 2023 it is particularly gratifying that half of our participants were women (whose businesses grew more, employed more and raised more capital than the men) and 81% were younger than 35. That's a taste of what's in the report, plus we review five lessons we have learned over ten years, and five insights to guide our increased impact in the future. Would love to hear your views on those "Ten from ten". Download the 2023 Impact report, titled "10 YEARS AS AN AFRICAN CHAMPION FOR AFRICA'S BUSINESS CHAMPIONS," at https://lnkd.in/eK6KnnHn #AMITurns10 #AMIImpactReport2023 #FutureOfAfrica #Growingbusiness

I am excited and proud to be part of the launch of AMI’s latest Impact Report, celebrating ten years of learning, experimentation and and commitment to empowering SMEs and transforming workplaces - being an African Champion for Africa's business champions! Key highlights include: • 📈 Empowering SMEs: How our targeted, scalable and research-backed programs have boosted business growth, enhanced skills, and fostered resilience in small and medium-sized enterprises. • 🌍 Reach: Our expansion into new markets and diverse communities has ramped up and we continue to drive solutions locally that scale. • 💡 Impact!: The cutting-edge methods and technologies we’ve implemented to deliver unparalleled learning experiences and drive measurable results. • 🤝 Collaborative Success: Partnerships and collaborations have been instrumental in amplifying our impact and reaching even more individuals and organizations. This report is more than just a collection of data and achievements; it is a celebration of the hard work, creativity, and passion of the entire AMI team. Explore the full report (it's not just inspiring, it's also beautiful!) and join us in celebrating this milestone. Together, we will continue to experiment, empower, and transform the future of skills development and business transformation across the continent! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dNxJ-rx2 #ImpactReport #Innovation #SMEDevelopment #WorkplaceTransformation #AMI 

Today is a big day... We're celebrating a decade as an African Champion for Africa's Business champions, with the release of a special 10-year anniversary edition of our Annual Impact Report! 💼 37,000+ SMEs supported 🌎 Impact in 39+ countries 💪 Over 97,000 direct and indirect jobs created 🌱 1,464,800 livelihoods improved 💰 $130M added to African economies ⬆ Women outpace men on every business metric Jonathan Cook and I founded AMI back in 2013 to address the lack of effective and scalable learning for Africa’s ambitious business owners and teams. We knew that traditional training couldn’t achieve real change. We needed a new approach, obsessively focused on practice - providing business owners and their teams with practical tools to underpin the daily habits and behaviors needed to build strong companies that drive growth and create jobs. In this report, we reflect on our journey to date, and our ambitions for scaling our proven model for massive jobs and livelihood impact in the coming decade. I have read and re-read this report, and get goosebumps every time. I couldn't be prouder of the team behind the impact we create every day with Africa's business champions - from the micro-entrepreneur in Ethiopia, to the corporate executive in Kenya, to the ambitious young person just starting their career in Nigeria. A huge thank you to all the partners who have journeyed with us. I hope you'll take a look - not just at the numbers, but at the stories of grit and ambition, from business leaders across the continent. And I hope you'll join us for the next decade of impact. Download AMI’s 2023 impact report: https://lnkd.in/dKBW3JCG Et en francais, ici - https://lnkd.in/d_Cb8TB2 #AMITurns10 #AMIImpactReport2023 #FutureOfAfrica Argidius Foundation Nicholas Colloff Harry Devonshire Mastercard Foundation Rica Rwigamba Atsuko Toda M. Esther Dassanou Stan Getui, CFA Fiona Lukwago Amolo Ngweno Aude Anquetil Fonds d'Innovation pour le Développement AGRA Hedwig Siewertsen Livelihood Impact Fund Vitol Foundation Jane Kelly DAI Kristi R Ragan Nora Brown Moses Sitati Ricardo Michel MBA, CPA Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Investisseurs & Partenaires - I&P Jeremy Hajdenberg Marguerite Tall

Empower the potential of women entrepreneurs across Africa and the diaspora! Our social enterprise in Ireland is passionately committed to uplifting black and immigrant women entrepreneurs who are eager to launch their businesses. In Africa, women entrepreneurs face distinctive challenges, with social networks playing a pivotal role in connecting them with customers, suppliers, and finance professionals. Despite Africa boasting a higher percentage of women in the labor force, navigating local regulations and societal norms presents additional hurdles for these entrepreneurs. Your key to success in 2024 lies in investing in the HGA Mastermind Network. As the Business Coordinator in Uganda for HergenuityAfrica, I spearhead strategic initiatives, offering comprehensive business support services and overseeing the dynamic HGA Mastermind Network. Our suite of services also encompasses impactful business development, advisory, mentoring, and coaching services. During my recent submission in a meeting with African women entrepreneurs, I emphasized the transformative growth potential within our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Join forces with HergenuityAfrica, and your investment won't just nurture businesses; it will cultivate the flourishing landscape of women-led entrepreneurship in Africa. Seize this opportunity to partner with us and be part of the success story. Reach out today, and let's propel your business to new heights in Africa! #Africa #doingbusiness #enterpreneurship #womeninbusiness #womenempoweringwomen #businessanalyst

In these challenging times,South Africa faces its share of socio- economic adversities. We must not overlook the power of entrepreneurship and business leadership to pivot the narrative. Businesses, big and small, form the country's economic backbone. By strengthening small businesses we directly impact job creation, innovation and wealth distribution at a local level. My goal is to make your business the star of digital world.

We have been with the Small Business Institute since 2021. I was sent to NEDLAC (National Economic Development and Labour Council) by SBI. • An 80-year-old, not-for-profit organisation • Member of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) • Constituted to promote the economic and business interest of its more than 75 chamber organisations, members and thousands of SMEs in the wider economy. • Stands for sustainable, market-led job creation, inclusive economic growth, transformation and ethical leadership • Positioned as the Big Voice for Small Business More than 95% of registered businesses in the world are small in size, employing fewer than 250 people and account for 60%-70% of the entire working population. Not in South Africa. That should worry us and we need to change that. To create employment for over nine million unemployed people, policy makers and regulators must support in practice, an enabling environment for SME to grow and flourish. We must engage on potential solutions in open discussions using facts and evidence.

Around 15% of Americans identify as being a part of the African diaspora, highlighting the rich cultural, socioeconomic, and commercial ties connecting the United States and Africa. As the countries and economies of Africa rapidly grow, U.S. diaspora communities are vital to accessing new trade and investment opportunities with the continent. The U.S. Chamber's “Advance with Africa” roadshow highlights the vast commercial opportunities in Africa, a rapidly urbanizing and industrializing continent that will be home to 1 in 4 of the world’s citizens by 2050. Read more on our recent partnership with the President's Advisory Council for African Diaspora Engagement, which brought a special edition of “Advance with Africa” to Atlanta: https://lnkd.in/eeDAyNhE

Africa BIZ: Striking the Balance Between Price and Quality in African Businesses In the quest for a brighter future, African businesses are tasked with creating solutions that address fundamental needs while considering the delicate balance between price sensitivity and quality. From addressing necessities to fostering education and combating issues like smuggling and unfair resource distribution stemming from colonial legacies, the focus must be on sustainable product development and transparent marketing strategies. Understanding consumers' purchasing power and credit availability is crucial in navigating production challenges without an established market. By inquiring about consumer opinions, entrepreneurs can refine their strategies, embrace capitalism, and support creative projects tailored to the African terrain. Striving for quality companionship over quantity, businesses must navigate challenges such as violence and media trends organically, aligning with market demands and bridging the significant skill gap. By targeting the right audience and emphasizing value, businesses can set realistic pricing expectations and build a solid reputation in the market.

Africa BIZ: Striking the Balance Between Price and Quality in African Businesses In the quest for a brighter future, African businesses are tasked with creating solutions that address fundamental needs while considering the delicate balance between price sensitivity and quality. From addressing necessities to fostering education and combating issues like smuggling and unfair resource distribution stemming from colonial legacies, the focus must be on sustainable product development and transparent marketing strategies. Understanding consumers' purchasing power and credit availability is crucial in navigating production challenges without an established market. By inquiring about consumer opinions, entrepreneurs can refine their strategies, embrace capitalism, and support creative projects tailored to the African terrain. Striving for quality companionship over quantity, businesses must navigate challenges such as violence and media trends organically, aligning with market demands and bridging the significant skill gap. By targeting the right audience and emphasizing value, businesses can set realistic pricing expectations and build a solid reputation in the market.

Unlock the Secrets of the African Business Landscape: Transform Your Business with Our Expert Guidance Are you struggling to navigate the complex web of policies and laws that govern business in Africa? You're not alone. Many entrepreneurs like you face the same challenges, but the truth is, there are proven strategies to overcome them. Introducing An Exposè on Navigating the Policy Constraints in Penetrating the 5 Regions across Africa - your ultimate guide to understanding the policies, laws, and regulations that drive growth, productivity, and profitability in the 5 African Regions. With this valuable resource, you'll gain insights * Into the business policies and laws that boost growth and productivity in each African Region * Understnd how to access and navigate governmental institutions and agencies that enforce these policies * Learn about at least 2 key laws/policies in each African Region and how to apply them to your business, and * Discover the limitations and potential roadblocks, and how to navigate them successfully. Our team of experts has put together this exclusive expose to help you unleash your business potential in Africa. With years of experience in Africa's business landscape, we've identified the proven strategies and secrets to success. This Exposè is guaranteed to help you: - Navigate the complex web of policies and laws with confidence - Expand your operations into new markets and increase your customer base - Build strong relationships with governmental institutions and agencies - Stay ahead of the competition and achieve long-term success Don't let policy uncertainty hold you back any longer. Download your FREE copy of "Demystifying Business Policies" now and start transforming your business today via this link https://lnkd.in/dp9fPSjH This Exposè was sponsored by Mqondisi Emmanuel Gumede, TheOMG Speaking , Jumanne Mtambalike, Sahara Ventures , Felista Aku, MBA, AfriLabs, Evans EDEBOR, PABL SOLUTIONS , TIP Fellowship, Just Omomo Ibe and The Just Ibe Company #TAASAfrica #TAASSymposium #AfricaEconomicAdvancement #Africa #Africanstartups #africanentrepreneurs #businessexpansion #RegionalExpertise