The Possible’s Post

At the tender age of 21, I challenge the conventional notion that potential is tethered to age. My unwavering commitment lies in shaping Africa's destiny—a collective responsibility we all share. I choose to put my voice out there. Since the age of 16, I've immersed myself in endeavours aimed at effecting change. Despite setbacks and failures encountered while establishing my startup, my optimism remains unshaken. Currently, I serve as the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development at B&B Global Investments, Inc., a role that deepens my resolve. Here are the critical steps I believe will spearhead Africa's transformation: 1. Comprehensive Insight: - Understand the diverse challenges and prospects across African regions. - Recognize that each community has unique requirements and predicaments. 2. Tailored Solutions: - Formulate strategies directly addressing specific community needs. - Innovate with purpose, considering local context. 3. Validation and Implementation: - Rigorously validate solutions through feedback and real-world testing. - Scale successful initiatives to maximize impact. Even as I continue building my dream, I continuously draw Inspiration from these Visionaries: 1. Fred Swaniker: - Fred Swaniker, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and educationist, is a beacon of hope for Africa's youth. His passion lies in transforming education and leadership on the continent. - Swaniker's belief in the power of education to shape Africa's future resonates deeply. His commitment to developing ethical, innovative, and pan-African leaders inspires countless others. 2. Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R: - Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian economist, philanthropist, and business tycoon, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship. His philosophy centres on "Africapitalism"—the idea that the private sector can drive Africa's development. - Through The Tony Elumelu Foundation, he empowers entrepreneurs across Africa by providing mentorship, training, and seed funding. His commitment to supporting 10,000 startups over a decade is remarkable. - Elumelu's vision extends beyond profit; he emphasizes sustainable businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and uplift communities. 3. Karl Nchite and Luke Mostert: - Karl Nchite, co-founder and CEO of CatalyzU, is leading an African talent-tech startup at the intersection of training and job placement. CatalyzU vets, trains, and places Africa’s leading non-technical talent at global startups. - CatalyzU bridges the gap between talent and global opportunities. Remember, these trailblazers started with a vision and turned it into impactful action. As I continue my journey, their stories has is and will serve as guiding lights. I am staunch in my belief that the future of Africa is brimming with promise. Through unflagging resolve and convergent effort, we can effect the change required to propel #Africa towards progress.

The full-scale invasion has presented immense challenges to Ukraine, but it has also sparked new opportunities for social entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions. How can they transform their ideas into successful businesses that generate both profit and lasting social impact? We had the opportunity of interviewing Martin Vogelsang, former director of Bundesinitiative Impact Investing & co-founder of Social Synergy, to gain insights into the world of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine. Here are the main thoughts: 🔵Self-awareness is key. Entrepreneurs must accurately assess their investment readiness & stay true to their mission when seeking funding. 🔵Ukraine's potential. Martin sees great potential in Ukraine's social entrepreneurship ecosystem, particularly in post-war reconstruction. 🔵Impact investing, while a nascent field, is growing globally. Ukrainian entrepreneurs should be patient, leverage international support & maintain their vision. 🙌Martin's insights highlight the importance of balancing mission and profit, and the transformative power of impact investing in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for Ukraine.

Yesterday, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), announced it has awarded a catalytic grant to Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to accelerate the growth of social impact entrepreneurship in Africa. Over the next four years, the Foundation and its partners, The Amahoro Coalition and GrowthAfrica, will find and support 140 new social impact entrepreneurs across six African countries over the next four years. "Africa’s vast potential lies in the hands of local untapped visionaries who understand their communities’ needs,” says Jim Bildner, CEO of DRK Foundation. “This grant arrives at a crucial moment in time, providing funding for critical, strategic, on-the-ground investments that can drive economic growth, job creation, and a brighter future for Africa, led by Africans. The SDC has always been one of the most strategic impact investors, and this award affirms the impact our portfolio has demonstrated over the past two decades. We are honored to partner with them on this work.” This partnership builds upon DRK’s existing impact in Africa: In 2024, more than a quarter of DRK Foundation’s portfolio organizations reported serving constituents in countries across Africa, and collectively, these organizations have impacted more than 130 million lives across the continent. "Africa stands on the brink of substantial global growth,” says Kanini Mutooni, DRK’s Senior Managing Director for Africa. “This project embodies our commitment to fostering transformative change and expanding support for local founders across Africa who are tackling some of the continent's toughest challenges. We are now poised to not only champion emerging social entrepreneurs but also foster impactful collaborations that will undoubtedly reshape the future and the trajectory of the continent.” #socialentrepreneurship #partnership #socialchange

🤝 Our friends at Dechomai Ltd, Firstport, and Social Investment Scotland have investigated the challenges faced by ethnic minority social entrepreneurs in accessing finance. 📈 The report reveals key insights such as: - 70% of investment providers lack specific goals for engaging with ethnic minority entrepreneurs. - 76% of investors offer 'one size fits all' products, ignoring the unique needs and challenges faced by social entrepreneurs from black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds.  - The barriers identified include low awareness of the social investment market, little or no wraparound support during the application process, low levels of trust in financial institutions and difficulty navigating the business support ecosystem.  The report outlines strategic recommendations to improve awareness and access to social investment, ensuring a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. 📄 Read the full report here: (https://lnkd.in/emEr9vfz)

Catalyst Fund, a Kenyan pre-seed accelerator, is set to receive over KES33 million as part of the Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Africa program. This initiative, led by Village Capital and funded by Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to support 30 climate-focused startups across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2025. • Catalyst Fund joins four other African VCs—Reach for Change from Ghana, Ennovate Ventures from Tanzania, Emerge Livelihoods from Malawi and ideiaLab from Mozambique. • The program builds on a strong foundation. Phase 1 supported 14 ecosystem builders across five countries. • Village Capital has already backed 120 startups and 78 Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past 12 years. Climate innovation in Africa has been persistently underfunded. This program directly addresses that critical gap by creating structured avenues for sustainable entrepreneurship. Pay attention to climate-tech opportunities. This sector is set for massive growth, especially in underserved regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa’s green future is an investment opportunity. Be a part of it. PS - Follow me Ben David for more finance industry insights

Nurturing Innovation Afrigrow Global Fund - Your Partner in Africa's Growth Story In the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship, where innovation and ambition converge, Afrigrow Global Fund stands tall as a beacon of opportunity and growth. As the heartbeat of Africa's burgeoning startup ecosystem, Afrigrow catalyzes the dreams of visionaries, propelling them towards unprecedented success. At Afrigrow, our ethos revolves around fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving impactful change across the continent. With a dedicated team of seasoned experts, we navigate the intricacies of the investment landscape, meticulously identifying and nurturing the brightest gems within Africa's entrepreneurial tapestry. Our approach transcends mere financial backing; we forge enduring partnerships with entrepreneurs, offering strategic guidance, operational expertise, and unparalleled access to a vast network of industry leaders and thought pioneers. We understand that true growth extends beyond capital infusion; it requires mentorship, support, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing visionary ideas into transformative realities. What sets Afrigrow apart is our unwavering focus on innovation. From groundbreaking fintech solutions to disruptive agritech ventures, we believe in the power of innovation to drive sustainable growth and foster positive change. Our portfolio reflects a diverse array of industries, each imbued with the promise of revolutionizing Africa's socioeconomic landscape. Moreover, Afrigrow is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and social responsibility. We actively seek out ventures that not only generate financial returns but also create meaningful impact, uplifting communities and driving inclusive growth across the continent. With Afrigrow, your investment isn't just a financial transaction; it's a catalyst for positive change, shaping the future of Africa for generations to come. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, Afrigrow Global Fund stands ready to be your trusted partner and steadfast ally. Whether you're a visionary founder with a transformative idea or an investor seeking to be part of Africa's growth story, Afrigrow offers a gateway to unparalleled opportunities and boundless potential. Join us in shaping the future of Africa – together, we will unleash the continent's full potential, one innovation at a time. Welcome to Afrigrow Global Fund, where dreams take flight, and the future is limitless. #africa entreprenuers#venture capitalism #Africa

Unlocking Africa’s Investment Potential: The Role of Angel Networks and Diaspora Collaboration Africa is fast emerging as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities. With its youthful population, rapidly growing tech ecosystems, and a burgeoning middle class, the continent presents an undeniable opportunity for economic growth and development. However, to fully realize this potential, Africa needs strategic investment frameworks, including the critical roles played by angel networks and diaspora collaboration. A recent survey by the African Business Angel Network (ABAN) on its annual Africa’s Angel Report, offers a comprehensive analysis of trends shaping the angel investment landscape across Africa. The report underscores the importance of angel capital in supporting early-stage startups, especially in emerging markets. It reveals a significant opportunity to expand angel investments by formalizing contributions from Africa’s diaspora communities. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/dQxjnpAT

💡 StartUp4Good online incubator: applications are now open! Who can take part in the program? 👩🏻💼 Initiative groups or registered organizations that have the idea of starting a social business aimed at solving social or environmental problem of community/ Ukrainian society. 📝 The format of incubator includes working through a video course with practical tasks, 10 online sessions lasting three hours, weekly individual consultations for teams with mentors, and homework assignments aimed at preparing business plans for social enterprises. Participants will pitch their business plans during the Demo Day at the end of the program. 🎉 Based on the team's participation in the incubator and pitching, an independent committee will select 5 projects to receive financial support of up to $12,000 to launch their businesses! 👉 More details about the program and opportunities it provides:  https://lnkd.in/egq9NJdT Application deadline: April 28, 2024 at 11 PM (Kyiv time) To apply, fill out the form: https://shorturl.at/bcfB1   ______ The program is implemented by Ukrainian Social Venture Fund with the financial support of Western NIS Enterprise Fund and in partnership with SILab Ukraine. Funds to support 5 winning companies will be provided as part of the #Collaborate4Impact project, which is funded by the EU and implemented by Impact Europe.

Rebuilding Ukraine: The Crucial Role of Social Entrepreneurship As Ukraine navigates the complexities of post-war recovery, the role of social entrepreneurship has never been more pivotal. These dynamic businesses are not just filling economic voids; they are fundamentally reknitting the social fabric of communities shattered by conflict. In the heart of this transformation are social entrepreneurs—visionaries who merge innovation with an acute awareness of their community's deepest needs. Their ventures go beyond mere profit; they are lifelines to regions where traditional businesses dare not tread, providing not only jobs but also essential services and a path to stability. Consider the story of a tech startup in Eastern Ukraine that employs local youth to develop sustainable farming technologies. This initiative not only cultivates local talent but also ensures food security and economic resilience. Or take the example of a community center in a small town that was rebuilt from the ruins, now offering vocational training and mental health support, funded by a social enterprise cafe run by war veterans. These stories underscore a broader narrative: social entrepreneurship is a beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. It’s about more than recovery; it’s about reimagining the future. The pathway is fraught with challenges, from scarce resources to regulatory hurdles. Yet, the promise of a revitalized, diverse economy—powered by the grassroots and shielded from the risks of monopolization—compels us forward. This call to action is not just for entrepreneurs but for all stakeholders: international donors, local governments, and global networks. Let’s champion the growth of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine. Join the movement to foster innovation, support community-driven projects, and invest in a sustainable future. Your partnership can ignite change and help us turn adversity into opportunity. #SocialEntrepreneurship #RebuildUkraine #InnovateForChange

Unleashing Change: Social Innovation's Role in Transforming Ukrainian Communities In the rapidly evolving field of social entrepreneurship, social innovation emerges as a transformative force, creatively resolving some of society’s most persistent challenges. It redefines business paradigms by marrying purpose with profit, paving the way for sustainable community benefits. In Ukraine, the context of recovery post-conflict and economic upheaval presents a unique canvas for social entrepreneurs. These visionaries employ innovative strategies to rebuild and revitalize, introducing services and products that not only generate economic growth but also foster social and environmental well-being. Consider how local enterprises have adapted to post-war realities, devising solutions that nurture both the economy and the community. These entrepreneurs are not just business owners; they are community builders implementing sustainable practices that address the immediate needs of displaced populations and war-impacted zones. Their efforts are pivotal in knitting the fabric of society back together, making substantial impacts in areas like job creation, environmental conservation, and social cohesion. Through social innovation, Ukrainian businesses are crafting a future where economic activities directly contribute to community resilience and development. Initiatives range from educational programs that equip the youth and vulnerable groups with entrepreneurial skills to platforms that enhance dialogue and collaboration across sectors. These efforts underscore the dual focus on immediate recovery and long-term sustainability. The drive towards a robust social economy in Ukraine underscores the need for continuous support and investment. It's an invitation to local and international stakeholders to partake in a movement that not only rebuilds but reimagines the potential of communities through the lens of social entrepreneurship. Join us in this transformative journey. Support, collaborate, and invest in social enterprises that are pioneering change and resilience in Ukraine. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for a sustainable and inclusive future. #SocialInnovation #PlatformForSocialChange #SustainableUkraine