Call for Application Scalepath-Beyond Incubation Program We’re looking for innovative, high-potential startups in Rwanda with scalable solutions that are post-incubation and are ready to grow. Secure your spot today. Apply Now Overview You’ve launched. You’ve got traction. Now it’s time to scale up, go regional, and become investment-ready. Scalepath – Beyond Incubation is a high-impact programme powered by the African Management Initiative (AMI) and ScaleChanger , and funded by the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) . It is designed for bold Rwandan tech startup founders who are ready to take their ventures to the next level. Whether you're building a digital platform, an AI-enabled service, a manufacturing solution, or any scalable product with regional ambitions — this is your path to scale . Top-performing startups will also compete for a $15,000 Technical Assistance Grant , awarded to the three ventures that demonstrate the strongest growth and scale potential. What You Can Expect Structured Growth Support Go beyond hustle. Get expert-led, hands-on support through: A 2-month virtual bootcamp A 4-month advanced scale-up programme 1:1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and growth strategists Investment Readiness You will turn your strategy into a story that attracts funding: Pitch at a high-impact investor linkage event The top 3 startups receive a $15,000 Technical Assistance Grant Tailored Learning Journey No two startups are the same. We adapt to your stage: Diagnostics to identify your growth gaps Curated learning tracks & tools Specialised mentor support for your unique challenges Join a Powerful Peer Network Connect with Rwanda’s most promising founders Join AMI’s Growth Network of 1,200+ entrepreneurs in 20+ countries Quarterly masterclasses, toolkits, and networking pods Championing Women Entrepreneurs 50% of selected startups will be women-led Inclusive facilitation, support systems, and visibility for women founders Who Should Apply We are looking for bold, visionary startups that are ready to go beyond incubation and into real, scalable impact: Post-incubation or growth-stage startups Early-stage (post-seed) startups looking to expand Tech-enabled and innovation-driven solutions Already generating revenue (even modest) Led by committed founders ready to scale 50% of spots reserved for women-led ventures Start your journey today Overview The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), in partnership with the African Management Institute (AMI), is proud to launch Cohort 1 of the Hatana Technical Assistance (TA) Programme - a powerful, seven-month journey tailored for Rwanda’s high-potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Programme is designed to unlock business growth and build finance-readiness through a rich, practical experience that includes: Expert-led coaching sessions Peer learning and support networks Tailored tools and content designed for real-world SME challenges Hands-on strategies to scale your business sustainably Start your journey Business Growth Whether you’re looking to enter new markets or scale your operations, FIRST+ II Financial Inclusion will provide the strategies and resources to help you succeed. Financial Access Learn how to secure the financing and investments needed to fuel your growth. Networking Opportunities Connect with a powerful network of peers, and agribusiness experts across Africa. What You Can Expect Structured Growth Support Go beyond hustle. Get expert-led, hands-on support through: A 2-month virtual bootcamp A 4-month advanced scale-up programme 1:1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and growth strategists Investment Readiness You will turn your strategy into a story that attracts funding: Pitch at a high-impact investor linkage event The top 3 startups receive a $15,000 Technical Assistance Grant Tailored Learning Journey No two startups are the same. We adapt to your stage: Diagnostics to identify your growth gaps Curated learning tracks & tools Specialised mentor support for your unique challenges Join a Powerful Peer Network Connect with Rwanda’s most promising founders Join AMI’s Growth Network of 1,200+ entrepreneurs in 20+ countries Quarterly masterclasses, toolkits, and networking pods Championing Women Entrepreneurs 50% of selected startups will be women-led Inclusive facilitation, support systems, and visibility for women founders Who Should Apply We are looking for ambitious, post-incubation startups that are: Less than 5 years old Tech-enabled startups Generating revenue (even modest!) Led by committed founders ready to scale regionally Open to feedback, learning, and action 50% of spots reserved for women-led ventures Tailored Support through FIRST+ II Financial Inclusion How to Apply? Your next stage starts here. Apply now to take your startup Beyond Incubation and into regional growth. Apply Now Deadline: AUGUST 23RD, 2025 About AMI The African Management Institute (AMI) is Africa’s leading learning and development company, with a decade of experience in powering the performance of the continent's ambitious businesses, organizations, and people. We provide practical programmes, tools, and training that target specific business, organizational and individual performance outcomes. We believe... skilled people build thriving businesses thriving businesses create quality jobs and quality jobs drive prosperity and dignity. Learn more about AMI. Backed by Proven Partners This programme is brought to you by: African Management Institute (AMI) – Africa’s leading practical business learning provider ScaleChanger – Expert mentors and advisors to impact entrepreneurs RISA – Rwanda’s national driver of innovation and digital transformation

Powering the growth of Africa’s ambitious companies and talent with practical business learning solutions. AMI offers business growth and workplace learning solutions for African entrepreneurs, enterprises, and professionals to catalyze the outcomes and individual performance that businesses and organizations need to thrive. The Trusted Business Learning & Development Partner for Africa Since 2014, AMI has partnered with hundreds of leading African and global companies, organizations, and impact partners to deliver business learning programmes to over 40,000 businesses in more than 39 countries, micro businesses to corporates. AMI for Enterprise, Employers & Teams Workplace learning to upskill leaders and employees, powering the growth of your organisation. Learn More AMI for Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Business growth & entrepreneurship programmes to take your small business to the next level Learn More AMI for Impact at Scale & Partnerships High-impact solutions at scale to drive business growth, job creation & leadership, in collaboration with development partners. Learn More An African champion for Africa's business champions We believe that Africa’s champions - ambitious entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals - are a force for the continent's growth and innovation. AMI supercharges the ambitions and performance of these champions through practical, action-based learning and business growth support. Our targeted learning solutions catalyze the business outcomes and individual performance that businesses and organizations need to thrive. Learn about AMI Explore AMI's Offerings Latest News & Updates AMI Charts a Path for MSME Growth in Rwanda Kasipreneur Impact Project Launches to Transform Township Enterprise Support in South Africa Co-operative Bank of Kenya and African Management Institute (AMI) Partner to Equip MSMEs with a World-Class Business Growth Programme AMI Nigeria Recognised for Driving SME Growth at BusinessDay Top 100 SMEs Conference All News & Updates Latest from AMI on Instagram Connect with AMI AMI Across Africa AMI has offices in 6 major countries across the continent and a total on-the-ground presence in 10 countries. Connect with us to learn how our result-driven approach is fueling business growth. Send Kenya Send Nigeria Send Rwanda Send Senegal & FR West Africa Send South Africa Send Uganda When our team shifted to a hybrid work setup, we had fewer staff in the office while others worked remotely. By learning from the programme how to communicate effectively, I became confident to empower my teammates to accomplish their daily tasks properly irrespective of us being in the office Anthony Gatsinzi RwandAir Cargo Planning and Pricing Manager AMI used its blended learning approach to ensure the programme translated into actual on-the-job practice and performance improvement. My sense is that the value generated from the team projects alone has more than paid for the programme itself. We’ve had a great experience with AMI over the last 4 years and consider them a valuable learning partner. Jesse Moore M-KOPA CEO and co-founder The tools were a game changer. Before Aspire, we kept postponing decisions while managing daily operations. Now, we have a clear process for making both big and small decisions. As a result, our revenue has grown, and our business continues to thrive, thanks to Aspire. Raphael Opiyo Obiero Nawiri African Sprouts Ltd Founder There’s plenty of training content and tools available online, but very little is tailored to the African context. That’s what makes AMI stand out. The facilitators and participants bring local insights into every discussion, ensuring that feedback and guidance are relevant and practical. This has made me more likely to recommend AMI. As an admin at Workpay, I also appreciated their excellent customer service. Boris Maguire Workpay VP Operations I learned how to delegate effectively and build trust within my team using practical coaching tools. The Growth Mindset Learning Lab also helped me improve my presentation skills, making our meetings more engaging. As a result, attendance grew from 100 to 695 in a short time. Anne Njoroge M-GAS Learning & Development Assistant Enabling ambitious businesses accross Africa to thrive. Learning that equips entrepreneurs, teams, and managers with the tools and training they need to succeed. I want to... Upskill my team Go Add a Title Learning that equips entrepreneurs, teams, and managers with the tools and training they need to succeed. I want to... I want to... for Impact at Scale & Impact Partners Enterprise Workplace learning that drives business outcomes & individual performance I want to... I want to... Explore Programmes Powering the growth of Africa’s ambitious companies & talent. Learning that equips entrepreneurs, teams, and managers with the tools and training they need to succeed. I want to... Upskill my team & workforce Train SMEs & Entrepreneurs Grow my own business Build my professional skills

Sivula Ambathuba Are you a Kasipreneur running a business eKasi? Kasipreneur is for you. Join the Waitlist CATEGORY Entrepreneurship & Business Growth DESIGNED FOR Entrepreneur FORMAT Virtual DURATION 12 Months COST Fully-Sponsored NEXT COHORT START September 2026 Join the Waitlist Our Partners You've built the business. KIP supports your growth across amaKasi The Kasipreneur Impact Project (KIP) backs township foodpreneurs who are serious about growth. We bring real support, skills, networks, and opportunities, so your business can scale, make more money, and succeed. You will also connect with a powerful network of support across amaKasi. You’re not alone. Practical Training Mentorship for Foodpreneurs Administration Support Business Capacity Building Learning Journey Phase 1: Kickstart – Know Your Customer, Grow Your Sales Identify your ideal customer, sharpen your brand, and attract new buyers with a clear marketing strategy. Phase 2: Money & Management – Make Every Rand Work Gain financial control with simple budgets, pricing, cash flow tools, and funding-ready financial habits. Phase 3: Structure – Build Systems for Consistency Set up daily routines and simple systems to reduce chaos, manage stock, and improve reliability. Phase 4: Scale – Grow Boldly and Reach More Customers Explore growth strategies, digital platforms, and sales channels to expand your customer base. Phase 5: Food Safety & Hygiene – Comply, Protect & Build Trust Learn practical hygiene systems to meet food safety regulations and build customer trust. Phase 6: Talent – Build a Team That Works With You Take the first steps to hire, train, and manage a team that supports your business growth. Mindset Development – Build the Confidence to Lead and Grow Strengthen your mindset, leadership, and communication skills to lead with clarity and confidence. What's Included Our structured 12-month programme develops essential entrepreneurial skills through focused phases. The programme includes: 5 Learning Labs facilitated by AMI 5 Reflection Pod Sessions facilitated by AMI 10 Online courses and several practical business tools Access to mobile app for tools that support implementation 5 Personal Mastery sessions Who Can Enroll Township-based food entrepreneurs in South Africa Owners of small or informal food businesses (e.g. kota shops, food trailers, home-based catering) Powering the Growth of South Africa's Local Township Ambitious Companies & Talent. We believe in local KASI champions - ambitious entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals - are a force for local's growth and innovation. KIP supercharges the ambitions and performance of these champions through practical, action-based learning and business growth support. Our targeted learning solutions catalyze the business outcomes and individual performance that businesses and organizations need to thrive. Learning that equips entrepreneurs, teams, and managers with the tools and training they need to succeed. Meet the Team Boiketlo Thobakgale Marketing Associate Ivy Njeri Lead, Brand and Communications Nokubonga Zwane Learner Success Associate Nomakhaya Ntshobane Senior Programme Manager Siya Ralawe Head of Solutions Themba Nkomo Learner Success Manager Theo Mabaso Country Lead, South Africa KIP Programme KIP for Enterprise, Employers & Teams Workplace learning to upskill leaders and employees, powering the growth of your organization. KIP for Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Business growth & entrepreneurship programmes to take your small business to the next level KIP for Impact at Scale & Partnerships High-impact solutions at scale to drive business growth, job creation & leadership, in collaboration with development partners I really enjoyed the hands-on approach of the programme, making it practical and easy to apply. I would definitely recommend it! Abigail Goschen Operations Manager UCook KIP in Numbers Kasipreneurs applied for the programme Qualified for the programme Shortlisted for the programme Join the waitlist today Don’t miss an opportunity to be part of the next Kasipreneur Impact Project cohort. Join the waitlist to receive early updates and stay connected to opportunities designed to help township entrepreneurs grow.

African banks are competing to capture the underserved SME market but fragile businesses weaken portfolios. Too many SMEs remain underprepared, leading to low loan uptake, high defaults, and missed opportunities. The evidence is clear: targeted non-financial support (NFS) changes this equation. By pairing financial products with practical training and coaching, banks strengthen SME capacity and unlock measurable returns. For banks, NFS is not philanthropy. It’s a proven strategy to reduce risk, grow deposits, and build lifetime value. Please fill your details below to download AMI's NFS Whitepaper

We talk a lot about leadership, strategy, execution, and high performance. But here’s what we don’t talk about enough: the invisible needs driving human behaviour at work and what happens when those needs go unmet.  In today’s environment, where employee satisfaction is tightly linked to business results, understanding and meeting those needs is a core business priority. I've been studying the Six Human Needs framework by Tony Robbins and exploring how it applies to today’s leadership scene. What I discovered shifted everything for me, and it might   shift how you lead . At first glance, Tony Robbins’ Six Human Needs framework sounds like something you'd hear at a personal development workshop. But the more I sat with it, the more I realised that this is the missing layer in so many leadership challenges. It’s not culture, performance, or toxicity, but misaligned needs ; unspoken, unmet, and completely misunderstood. The Six Human Needs  Tony Robbins identifies six core human needs  that drive all human behaviour. Every person has all six, but two usually dominate our decisions and reactions. Certainty : I need to feel safe, grounded, and secure. Variety : I need a challenge, novelty, surprise. Significance : I need to feel seen, important, and valued. Love & Connection : I need belonging and relationship. Growth : I need to learn, stretch, and evolve. Contribution : I need to matter beyond myself. These needs shape how we lead, how we follow, how we communicate, and how we shut down. And when they are unmet,  we don’t always rationally explain it; we act out. Sometimes in ways that look like underperformance, aggression, or withdrawal. But at the core, it’s about a fundamental human need not being met. The Hidden Misalignment That Kills Teams Yes, leaders and teams often have different dominant needs. And when those needs are unspoken, unconscious, or unmet, they clash. Not because people are difficult , but because   they’re trying to survive  or feel fulfilled in different ways, often without realising it. Let’s break it down with a few examples: Leader's Dominant Need Team’s Dominant Need The Clash Actionable Solution for Leaders Certainty (control, stability) Variety (innovation, challenge) Leader resists new ideas; team feels stifled. 1. Acknowledge  the idea (“I appreciate this fresh approach.”) 2. Frame  a small‑scale pilot (“Let’s test it on Project A.”) 3. Agree  on metrics & timeline (“If successful, we’ll roll out next quarter.”) Significance (results, being right) Connection (being heard, belonging) Leader focuses on performance; team feels unseen or undervalued. 1. Praise  the outcome (“Fantastic results on Q2 revenue.”) 2. Ask  about their journey (“What obstacles did you overcome?”) 3. Celebrate  team wins publicly (“I’d like you to showcase your project at the next staff meeting.”) Growth (big vision, scaling) Certainty (clear roles, job security) Leader moves fast; team feels anxious or left behind. 1. Outline  the vision in plain language (“Here’s where we’re headed.”) 2. Map  each person’s role changes (“You’ll focus on X, Y, Z.”) 3. Set  check‑in points (“Let’s review progress bi‑weekly.”) Contribution (purpose, legacy) Significance (recognition, visibility) Leader talks about mission; team says, “What about me?” 1. Connect  their work to impact (“Your analysis on Project X enabled…”) 2. Highlight  individual stories (“Jane’s insight led to a 5% cost saving.”) 3. Invite  them to share (“Would you present this at our next board meeting?”) Most people don’t have the language to name these needs. So instead of talking about the real issue , we talk around it: “This place is toxic.” “They just don’t listen.” “They’re micromanaging me.” “No one here takes initiative.” “They’re slow and lazy.” All of these are protection or protest behaviours , but underneath each is a human need not being met . A Real-World Picture Picture this: You’re a team leader or founder, driven by Growth  and Contribution . You ’re thinking about business expansion, market impact, and long-term positioning. You want the team to be adaptable, to run with things, to share your hunger. But your team is driven by Certainty  and Connection . They’re craving clarity, direction, consistency, and psychological safety. They’re unsure where the ground is, and they’re doing their best to hold things together while the environment keeps shifting. Here’s what happens: You interpret their caution as resistance. They interpret your pace as chaos. You feel unsupported while they feel unseen. And everyone walks away from the week feeling misunderstood. No one is broken or underperforming. They’re just operating from two different internal engines, leading to leadership challenges  that surface as team dysfunction. Why This Matters More Than Ever We are in a time where people are questioning everything. They are rethinking what work should feel like, whether it’s worth staying, what they’re willing to give, and at what cost. They’re reconsidering what kind of leaders they want to follow, and what kind of work environments they’re willing to be part of. As we move deeper into complex, hybrid, purpose-driven workplaces, the surface-level tools of leadership simply won’t cut it anymore. Performance dashboards won’t reveal when someone feels disconnected. Team engagement surveys won’t detect when someone’s deep need for growth is being quietly ignored. This is the soft stuff that shapes hard results. The teams that thrive in this new landscape won’t just be technically skilled, they’ll be deeply understood. The leaders who rise won’t just know how to build strategy, they’ll know how to meet human needs. They’ll know what truly drives people. Three Ways to Lead Through Human Needs 1. Know Yourself First Start with your own dominant needs. What’s running your leadership right now? Do you thrive on growth and start pushing for speed, even when your team’s not ready? Do you crave certainty and over-control your team when things get unpredictable? Do you need significance and get frustrated when you’re not acknowledged? Self-Assessment:  Think of a recent team conflict or a challenging decision you faced. What was your dominant feeling or reaction? What underlying need might you  have been trying to meet?  Understanding your own drivers is the first step in empathetic leadership. 2. Get Curious About Your Team If you don’t know, ask. And if you think you know, ask anyway. What makes them feel safe? What makes them feel valued? What makes them feel like they’re growing? Ask directly:  In one-on-one meetings or team discussions, use open-ended questions like: "What makes you feel most secure and stable in your role here?" (Certainty) "When do you feel most challenged and excited by your work?" (Variety) "What makes you feel most valued and important as part of this team?" (Significance) "What helps you feel most connected and supported by your colleagues?" (Love & Connection) "What kind of opportunities help you feel like you're learning and growing?" (Growth) "How would you like to see your work contribute to the bigger picture or to others?" (Contribution) Observe behavior:  Watch for patterns. Does a team member consistently seek new projects (Variety)? Do they thrive on public praise (Significance)? Do they prefer clear deadlines and detailed instructions (Certainty)? Have this conversation regularly. You’ll be surprised how much is beneath the surface, waiting to be named. 3. Design for Both Great leadership is the ability to hold multiple truths at once: the need for pace and the need for clarity. The desire to innovate and the importance of consistency. The push for results and the power of recognition. What does that look like in practice? It starts with designing environments where fast-moving projects are supported by clear structure. Where people aren’t left guessing, but instead know where they’re headed and how their role fits into the bigger picture. When we as leaders build an environment of trust and support, performance doesn’t need to be forced. It becomes a natural outcome. Structure for Growth & Certainty:  It starts with designing environments where fast-moving projects are   supported by clear structure.  If you have a 'Growth'-driven vision but a 'Certainty'-driven team, implement agile sprints with clear, short-term deliverables and regular check-ins, where people aren’t left guessing, but instead know where they’re headed and how their role fits into the bigger picture. Recognition for Significance & Connection:  Create a culture of diverse recognition. Public praise for those needing Significance, and private, heartfelt thanks for those valuing Connection. Regularly highlight how individual contributions tie into the team's overall success and purpose. Empowerment for Variety & Safety for Certainty:  When introducing new challenges (Variety), ensure there's a safety net or clear support system in place (Certainty) so team members feel confident to take risks. For example, "We're trying a new approach here, and it's okay to experiment. I'm here to support you through any challenges." When Leadership Meets Human Needs When leaders begin to understand and meet the deeper needs of their teams, things start to shift. Conflicts become doorways. Tension becomes insight.  This is the real work of leadership today. Not louder. Not faster. But deeper. More human. AMI’s   Leadership Development Programme  is built for leaders who want more than quick fixes. It is designed to develop winning behaviours, tools, and habits needed to   lead through complexity  and connect with teams in a way that lasts. Because leadership isn’t just about knowing what to do. It’s about becoming the kind of person others want to follow.

Esther’s journey from a small community in Rwanda to a key player in the hospitality industry is a testament to resilience and ambition. With Rwanda’s burgeoning reputation as a global travel destination, Esther dreamed of making a meaningful impact in the tourism sector—not just for herself, but for her community. However, like many aspiring professionals, she faced barriers that seemed insurmountable. In 2023, everything changed when Esther enrolled in AMI’s Thrive at Work program. This transformative initiative equips individuals with practical skills and fosters confidence, giving participants the tools to excel in their chosen fields. “The Thrive at Work program helped me discover my potential,” Esther reflects. “It was about more than just learning; it was about gaining the courage to step out of my comfort zone.” Through a dynamic mix of workshops, hands-on experiences, and personalized coaching, Esther gained critical skills in customer service, communication, and problem-solving. These competencies became the cornerstone of her professional journey. Upon completing the program, Esther secured an internship at Serena Hotel, one of Rwanda’s premier hospitality establishments. This role presented her with a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities, as she worked in a fast-paced environment serving international guests and striving to deliver exceptional service. “The internship at Serena Hotel was demanding, but it pushed me to grow,” she explains. “I learned to adapt quickly, interact with diverse guests, and uphold the highest standards of service.” This experience not only refined Esther’s abilities but also bolstered her confidence, transforming her into a well-rounded hospitality professional. Her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed; by the end of her internship, she received a full-time job offer from Serena Hotel—a moment that validated all her efforts. “When I was offered a full-time position, it felt like everything I had worked for had come to fruition,” Esther recalls. “AMI provided the skills and confidence I needed to succeed, and now I’m proud to contribute to Rwanda’s growing tourism sector.” However, Esther’s journey does not end here. With her background in finance, she has chosen to refocus her career within the hospitality sector, leveraging her financial expertise to drive efficiency and innovation at Serena Hotel. Esther is committed to creating pathways for young professionals, encouraging them to enhance their skills and become more competitive in the job market. “I want to inspire the next generation,” she says. “By sharing my experiences and encouraging young people to develop a diverse skill set, we can strengthen our community and contribute to Rwanda’s economic growth.” Esther’s story is not just one of personal achievement; it embodies the transformative power of education and skill development. Through AMI’s Thrive at Work program, she not only secured employment but also emerged as a role model for other young professionals aspiring to thrive in Rwanda’s tourism industry. Her success highlights AMI’s mission to empower individuals across Africa with the practical tools they need to flourish in their careers. As Esther continues to inspire others, she stands as a symbol of the potential that lies within every young person willing to learn and adapt. Her journey reflects a broader movement across Rwanda. By fostering practical training and building confidence, AMI is cultivating the next generation of leaders in industries vital to Rwanda’s economic future.