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Investment Multiplier: How One Ecosystem Actor Scaled to Transform 300+ Businesses All Stories Position: Owner Company: Jane Namara Programme: Grow Lab Programme Country: Uganda MEETING ENTREPRENEURS AT THE LAST MILE : A STORY OF CONFIDENCE Long before joining AMI in November 2023, Jane was already a hands-on champion for SMEs and MSMEs across Uganda. She didn't offer consultation services, she lived the entrepreneurial hustle alongside her clients. By navigating the daily grit and grind firsthand, she gained an authentic understanding of their realities, allowing her to support them in moving their businesses forward. However, as more entrepreneurs sought her support, a new challenge emerged. The demand was growing, but her time wasn't. Much of her work relied on manual planning and processes that consumed valuable hours. Proposal development often felt like an uphill task, making it difficult to compete for larger opportunities. Scaling that impact sustainably proved to be challenging. "I knew I could help more businesses," Jane recalls. "The challenge was finding a way to do it effectively without stretching myself too thin." Joining AMI marked a turning point. Equipped with practical training and research-backed Business Development Services (BDS) tools, Jane finally found the structure she had been missing. From financial diagnostics and cash flow management to proposal development and capacity building, she gained a robust toolkit, one she instantly integrated into her daily practice. Since then, planning and budgeting have become more streamlined. Her training delivery has become more structured. Instead of building approaches from scratch each time, Jane began relying on consistent, evidence-backed methodologies that improved the quality of support, enabling her to manage multiple projects simultaneously. "Finally, I have systems that feel like partners," she reflects, her eyes lighting up. "The structure isn’t just organizing my work. It has given me a new level of confidence in the quality and delivery of my work." She secured four new contracts, including partnerships with MTN Foundation and KCB Foundation, organisations that once felt beyond reach. In addition, by partnering with Movit Products, she has trained more than 300 salon and beauty entrepreneurs across Eastern Uganda in customer care, marketing, and record-keeping. She is currently working with Pureflow Company in delivering financial literacy training to boda boda riders, equipping an entirely different group of entrepreneurs with practical business skills. For Jane, impact has never been about having all the answers. "Sometimes impact looks like walking alongside someone until confidence takes the lead in their own story," she says. Today, Jane is serving more businesses, managing her work more effectively and delivering high-quality support while building a stronger future greater than herself.

Equipping upcoming female leaders in the Energy Access Sector with the skills to thrive. This programme is funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform (TEA). Future Females in Energy Programme The Future Female Leaders in Energy Programme is specifically tailored to equip young women in entry level roles in the Energy Access Sector with the skills they need to be future senior leaders. All Programmes Open Enrolment Pan-African Future Females in Energy Equipping upcoming female leaders in the Energy Access Sector with the skills to thrive. This programme is funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform (TEA). CATEGORY Workplace Learning & Professional Growth DESIGNED FOR Designed for women at entry to mid-level positions in the energy sector FORMAT Virtual DURATION 6 Months COST $50 NEXT COHORT START June 2025 Apply Today Overview The programme combines online courses and experiential workshops, led by industry experts with a proven track record in leadership and management, to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in this rapidly growing sector. Delivered in a supportive learning environment tailored to the energy access sector , the programme meets the unique needs of participants, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their roles. The Energy Access Talent Initiative project has been funded with UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform. Key Outcomes Equip participants with the resources and tools to be future leaders. Support more women to pursue careers in Energy Access. Create a supportive community of emerging female leaders. Inspire more women to take on leadership roles in the sector. Focus Areas Accountability & Ownership Active Listening Emotional intelligence Goal-setting & planning Influence & communication Influencing Others Personal Productivity Working in teams Learning Journey PHASE 1 Getting Set Up for Growth PHASE 2 Leading for Growth PHASE 3 Innovation: Identifying Growth Opportunities PHASE 4 Financial Analysis: Key Drivers of Business Growth PHASE 5 Building the People and Processes for Success PHASE 6 Plan for Growth PHASE 7 Growth Network What's Included 6-month virtual programme that includes: Robust online courses with ongoing access to AMI’s online platform and mobile app Practical tools and coaching that can be applied on-the-go to real workplace challenges Who Can Enroll? Qualified participants must meet the standard eligibility below: Female Between 20 and 35 years of age 1 to 2 years of work experience in the energy sector Entry to mid level management Internet enabled- Smartphone/internet connection to access programme resources Proficiency in English Working and/or residing in an African country Guided & Supported Learning Journeys Cohort-Based Groups of learners are guided by AMI’s facilitators through experiences that emphasize peer-to-peer learning, action learning projects, and networking. Tech-Enabled AMI’s web and mobile apps support learners anytime and anywhere with access to video content, downloadable tools and engagement, throughout their journey. Explore AMI's Learning Approach Africa First Our approach and content is built for Africa’s ambitious professionals and teams. With content in 7 languages, African case studies, and experiences led by Africa’s finest facilitators, we put Africa first in everything we do. The programme is engaging and well delivered. As someone new to the energy field with only basic knowledge, I appreciate how it simplifies complex topics without being overwhelming. The content is clear, concise, well-illustrated, and easy to follow, making learning both enjoyable and insightful. Live Kataborwa These tools are incredibly powerful—I see them as gold. The programme has transformed my understanding of storytelling and its impact. I now fully appreciate how we can craft and use our stories to secure investment and funding opportunities. The Speak Up and Lead course, in particular, has helped me harness storytelling to highlight the values behind our work. Jackie May Founder & Editor TWYG The "Speak Up and Lead" has helped me in my networking sessions. I have used it to practice with my team which led to winning a pitching competition. It made me realise the importance of story telling for my business. The scenario planning tool has been very useful, as it prepares me for the worst-case and best-case scenarios. These tools have helped me think beyond the next three months, rather than focusing on short-term planning. Samkelwe Gqomo Business Owner Womandla Global Network Start Your Learning Journey Today Apply Today

Joselyne Nzayisenga District - Nyaruguru The Impact Footprint Growth Guide: Clementine Nirere, 28 Location: Southern Province, Nyaruguru DIstrict, Munini Sector, Ngarurira Cell, Akarehe Village Total Ecosystem Portfolio: 202 Youth MSMEs Trained & Mentored Demographic Breakdown: 127 women, 75 men, 3 persons with disabilities Joselyne Nzayisenga’s journey as a Growth Guide is rooted in her upbringing in a rural community, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges farmers faced in accessing markets and earning fair value for their produce. This experience shaped her desire to use the knowledge she gained to support others, particularly farmers and young people, to improve their livelihoods and create more sustainable sources of income. Her impact began close to home. Within her own family, she identified a pattern of spending without structure, which made it difficult to achieve any meaningful financial progress. She introduced simple but practical solutions, helping her parents create a household budget and start a small savings system. By setting aside 2,000 RWF each week, the family was able to save 144,000 RWF in six months, which they later invested and began generating returns from. This experience demonstrated how small, consistent actions can lead to tangible financial improvement. She extended this same approach to young people in her community, where unemployment was common and many spent their days without productive activity. Joselyne brought them together to form a group focused on small income-generating activities combined with regular savings. Each member contributed 1,000 RWF weekly, building a shared fund that is now being prepared for investment. This initiative not only created a sense of purpose among the youth but also introduced them to discipline, collaboration, and financial planning. Through her work, Joselyne has reached over 3,000 young people, focusing on building foundational habits such as saving, working consistently, and recording business activities. While the youth she supports have not yet accessed loans, largely because funding opportunities have not reached them, she continues to prepare them so they are ready when access becomes available. Her approach emphasizes readiness, ensuring that once financial opportunities arise, they can be used effectively. One of the key lessons she has taken from this role is the importance of hard work combined with discipline, especially the habit of recording business activities. She believes that without structure and accountability, growth is difficult to sustain, regardless of the opportunities available. Looking ahead, her hope is that young people in her community will gain access to financial support that enables them to expand their efforts and improve their lives. She believes they already have the potential and the willingness to work, and that access to capital would unlock even greater progress. Her message to young people is direct and empowering: they should take initiative, stop waiting for external support, and start building with what they have. She believes that real change begins when young people recognize their own ability and take responsibility for their growth. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Back to News Product Update Africa Update to AMI's Learning Platform & AMI Learn App Released for iOS 29 Apr 2021 There are few journeys more difficult than running a business, managing a team, and even starting a business or new career. There are few as rewarding. With the release and updates to our platforms and apps, AMI programme participants now have even more tools to help move closer to their final destination. As part of the updates and release all user experiences are oriented with AMI's unique “Learning Journey” experience arcoss all web and mobile platforms. The AMI Learn app is also now available for iOS (App Store) and updated for Android (Google Play Store) . If you're not a current programme participant, here's how you can start your learning journey today. Explore AMI's Learning Journey; A Compass & Map to Growt h Whether it’s business as usual or the user is operating more in a virtual world, we know our users and programme participants are busy and want learning on the go, wherever they are. Our new Learning Journey allows the user to see a visual map of all their key programme requirements, view progress, revisit successes and be reminded of what’s coming next. From beginning to end, users can follow their path to growth - no matter if they're at their desk or on the road. Watch the video below to take a tour of AMI's Learning Journey. Learning Journey, Front and Center - All journeys start at “Home” which is first on their menu as a home icon and is your new home and dashboard. When users log in you’ll now always start with a view of what’s next on Your Learning Journey. Under My Courses, Resources, Activity and Calendar of Events, the users see the latest and most important content to explore. A Map of Your Journey - “Journey” is next to the home button on the menu (or click on the “My Learning Journey” from your dashboard) and users will find a comprehensive calendar view to see what’s coming up in a programme, easily plan their time and never miss an opportunity to learn and grow, from courses to upcoming events. Learning On the Go (Offline) - When connecting to a mobile network or data is an issue, the AMI Learn apps for iOS and Android allow the user to sync content for online or offline use. The user is able to download parts of their journey for offline access – bookmark, save, download courses (or lessons), tools, toolkits to review and use when they need them at work. When the user gets back online, they’ll be able to sync their progress with our servers. Connect to Others - Users can easily connect with others in their programme through the “Wall” - the platform’s improved social networking feature - where they can share insights and learning, as well as making new business connections, either directly or with the whole group. Stay Focused with Navigation & Notifications - Thanks to mobile push notifications and improved navigation, the user shall have one-click access to their next learning step - Learning Labs, growth goal tracking and review, practical tools, courses, surveys and even peer-meetups. Additional Feature Improvements Journey Jumps - Some users, not all, are on multiple “Journeys” as part of their programme(s). If the user needs to jump between their separate Journeys, navigate to the easy to use the drop-down to switch and make the jump. Social Login / Sign Up The user shall be able to use their social media login. And when they log in they’ll land on your new dashboard Information about AMI Learn can always be accessed at africanmanagers.co m /learn To learn how to start your own learning journey with AMI visit africanmanagers.co m /getstarted DOWNLOAD THE APP

Back to News News Kenya Co-operative Bank of Kenya and African Management Institute (AMI) Partner to Equip MSMEs with a World-Class Business Growth Programme 9 Apr 2025 Kenya’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are set to gain a competitive edge through a partnership announced today between the Co-operative Bank of Kenya and the African Management Institute (AMI). This strategic collaboration brings Co-op Bank’s MSME clients access to The Aspire Business Growth Programme , a world-class programme designed by AMI in collaboration with Stanford Seed to accelerate business growth and equip entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to scale. Aspire blends AMI’s practical business learning approach with the expertise of Stanford Seed , offering a unique learning journey for growth-stage businesses. MSME owners will join a dynamic community of business owners from across Africa, engaging in interactive virtual workshops, practical online courses, and peer-learning experiences. A highlight of the programme is a live guest lecture from Stanford Graduate School of Business Faculty , providing exclusive insights from global business experts. “We are proud to partner with AMI to offer our MSME clients more than just financial solutions. We are equipping them with the knowledge and skills to grow and sustain their businesses,” said James Nduati, Head of Micro Enterprises, Co-operative Bank. “This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the long-term success of Kenya’s entrepreneurs, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation.” Fatma Nasujo, Chief Operations and People Officer, African Management Institute , added, “MSMEs are the real heroes of Kenya’s economy, yet many lack the resources for sustainable growth. Traditional training often takes entrepreneurs away from their businesses and puts them in a classroom with an expert. Research shows that this doesn’t deliver real impact. At AMI, we’ve spent a decade refining a data-driven, practical approach that equips MSMEs with the right tools at the right time to scale and create jobs. Through this partnership with Co-op Bank, we’re providing MSMEs with the support they need to thrive.” Beyond the programme, the top 15-20% of high-performing businesses in each cohort will receive pro bono access to Stanford Seed mentors , further strengthening their growth trajectory. MSME owners will learn: Effective business systems and structures for sustainable growth Clear customer segmentation and targeted marketing strategies Improved financial reporting and cash flow management Measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) Strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled employees This partnership also strengthens MSME-bank relationships, ensuring businesses not only survive but thrive, leading to improved loan repayment rates, higher profitability, and long-term financial stability. Enrollment for Co-op Bank MSME clients into the Aspire Business Growth Programme begins in April 2025. For more information, please visit https://www.africanmanagers.com/aspire-stanford-seed About African Management Institute (AMI): The African Management Institute (AMI) enables ambitious businesses across Africa to thrive through practical tools and training. AMI has trained over 37,000 businesses and participants across 39 African countries, helping them drive growth, improve leadership, and strengthen teams. With offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda, AMI is a recognized leader in business learning, having been ranked by the Financial Times as the second fastest-growing company in Africa’s education sector in 2024. Learn more at www.africanmanagers.com About Co-operative Bank of Kenya: The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Limited is a leading financial institution providing a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across Kenya and the region. The bank is committed to supporting MSME growth through financial solutions, capacity building, and strategic partnerships that drive economic development. Learn more at www.co-opbank.co.ke

In 2020, AMI's primary mission was to help businesses survive the pandemic. Discover how we provided practical tools and resources to micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across Africa. Download AMI’s 2020 Impact Report A year of struggle, hope & resilience In 2020, we made it our primary mission at AMI to help micro, small and medium size businesses survive the effects of the pandemic, through practical tools and resources. This report provides a snapshot of AMI’s impact in 2020, drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from businesses and individuals across Africa. As the outlook remains uncertain and challenging for even the most resilient entrepreneurs, our goal is to paint a picture of hope, despite the struggle. Download the 2020 Impact Report to read the stories of struggle and hope as told by African entrepreneurs and their teams. View previous AMI Impact Reports

Enabling ambitious businesses across Kenya to thrive. Discover our range of learning programs and resources designed to support ambitious leaders and entrepreneurs in Kenya. Start your Growth Journey Today Enabling ambitious businesses across Kenya to thrive AMI’s business support and workplace learning programmes are powering the growth of Kenya's ambitious businesses, managers, and workforce. Kenya’s trusted training & learning partner We believe that skilled people build thriving businesses, thriving businesses create quality jobs, and quality jobs drive prosperity and dignity. Kenya Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Programmes AMI Kenya collaborates with development partners to empower small and medium-sized businesses, including youth-owned and women-led businesses, through comprehensive training programs. Grow Your Business Kenya A practical blended programme to empower SMEs with tools and habits for the next level of growth. Learn More Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Strengthen micro-enterprises by developing effective organizational practices for resilience and growth. Learn More Aspire With Stanford Seed This 4-month program will enable you to boost revenue, reduce costs, and create a plan to scale your impact. Learn More Kenya Workplace Learning Programmes Practical learning solutions for established and growth-stage organizations in Kenya with programs on productivity, communication, teamwork, and sector-specific skills. Management Development Programme AMI's 4-6 month flagship programmes in management, leadership and workplace performance. Learn More Enterprise In-House Academy A solution that provides online, on-demand and self-paced learning for 1-4 months in a cohort-based format. Learn More Empowering Managers Are you a manager in the Energy Sector? This programme equips you with the skills you need to address sector-specific challenges and manage geographically dispersed teams. Learn More Focus Area Partnering for Impact Across Kenya AMI Kenya works to scale impact across the country working with partners, government, and investors to scale small and medium sized businesses with our programmes. Learn More Learning that powers growth. Our practical programmes drive individual performance, business growth, and organizational success. The AMI Learning Approach Featured Story The Leadership Transformation at Spring Valley Coffee Kenya-based Spring Valley Coffee Limited, renowned for its high-quality beans and rich, aromatic coffee, was looking to inspire new management approaches. Learn how they worked with AMI Enterprise to brew a better future with our programmes. Read the Full Story Latest from AMI Kenya News & Updates Articles & Insights View all News 9 April 2025 Co-operative Bank of Kenya and African Management Institute (AMI) Partner to Equip MSMEs with a World-Class Business Growth Programme News 9 November 2022 AMI partners with KEPSA to power business growth in Kenya News 24 January 2023 AMI and Kenya Pharmaceutical Association Sign Agreement to Boost Business Growth in Africa View all Entrepreneurship 21 March 2024 Which African Countries Promote Entrepreneurship Best? Leadership 11 October 2023 How to Embed a Leader’s Vision in the Company Business Management 4 September 2023 Telling the Truth is the Lubricant for Good Business Upcoming Events Building Leadership Credibility that Drives Performance Learn more Event Recap What CEOs Need to Know About Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence See all events About AMI Kenya We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering exceptional service. Constantly innovating and going the extra mile, we look forward to working with you. AMI Kenya Office Kanha Towers Lower Kabete Rd, Nairobi +254 712 266 102 Patricia Maina Director of Partnerships Chebet Alaro Head of Business Development Meet the AMI Kenya Team Ambitious learning for an ambitious Africa Whether you’re looking for workplace learning for five to five hundred, or customized programmes that drive impact locally or across Africa, AMI’s learning solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Connect with our learning advisors to discover how our ambitious learning programmes can help you achieve your ambitious goals. Connect with AMI in Kenya

Back to News News Africa Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture Launches Inaugural Leadership Programme with Virtual Leadership Forum 24 Aug 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nairobi, Kenya With Africa’s food security and sustainability playing a central role in the continent’s economic growth and adaptation to climate change, the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA), an initiative led by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), officially launched its first cohort of 80 leaders from eight focus countries across sub-Saharan Africa. To support agriculture leaders deliver on policy priorities across the continent, this week CALA’s inaugural Advanced Leadership Programme: Collaborative Leadership for Africa’s Food Security and Sustainability kicked off with individuals from government, the private sector and civil society from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. CALA has been established with funding from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through the KfW Development Bank and led by AGRA in collaboration with the African Management Institute (AMI), the Centre’s lead implementer and learning partner, and USAID’s Policy LINK, which has led the design and rollout of the leadership programme’s coaching component. The first cohort of 80 leaders from across government, the private sector, and civil society were selected from nearly 1,000 applicants. An application process for the programme’s second cohort will open in early 2022. CALA’s first three-day Leadership Forum held virtually, began this past Monday with live remarks from AGRA’s Board Chair and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, AGRA’s President Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AMI’s CEO Rebecca Harrison and USAID Policy LINK’s Regional Director Robert Ouma. “The complexity of agriculture transformation requires collaborative and coordinated effort amongst all stakeholders, and that is why these kinds of initiatives (like CALA) are important,” noted AGRA’s Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn in his remarks. AGRA President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata added, “To move steadily towards an inclusive Agriculture Transformation in Africa, we need strong networks of leaders who can learn together and from one another on how to advance our food systems in a way that is inclusive, equitable, sustainable and climate sensitive. CALA is an opportunity to bring agriculture leaders together to share knowledge across government, private sector and civil society, to support the implementation of agriculture sector priorities and hone leadership skills with the aim of enhancing the delivery of our commitments for the sector to contribute to ending hunger and malnutrition, poverty and improving livelihoods.” The 16-month Advanced Leadership Programme learning journey is designed for established and emerging sector leaders spearheading priority country-level agriculture strategies to effect change. The programme focuses on developing the competencies of leaders in four core interrelated dimensions, including management skills for improved implementation, honing of leadership skills, institutional development and over time, systems change where leaders can effect change on a broader scale. The programme will also profile environmental sustainability practices which contribute to sustainable farming, food production, and resilient food systems in the face of increasing climate change impacts. “For transformation, we know that it is collaborative leadership that will unlock results and progress for the continent in terms of food security and sustainability. Without strong and collaborative leadership, good ideas go unrealised, plans stagnate, and ultimately the opportunity for transformation can slip away,” said AMI CEO and Co-Founder, Rebecca Harrison. “Good leadership is a factor of production, and in Africa, we need good, inspired leadership to transform our agricultural sector through motivation and influence,” said Policy LINK Regional Director Robert Ouma. “To support them in their learning and growth as leaders of their countries’ agricultural transformation, CALA’s leadership coaching will draw upon successful models of executive and team coaching.” In addition to kicking off their practical leadership programme with facilitators and coaches, the inaugural cohort heard from agriculture Permanent Secretaries during a roundtable to discuss sector implementation issues, and from sector experts who work together to unblock implementation challenges. Speakers included: During its first three years, CALA’s Advanced Leadership Programme will work with 160 participants from the eight focus countries. Participants will engage in Leadership Forums held once every four months, regular virtual learning labs, elective and scheduled online courses which will highlight adaptive leadership skills, case studies of agriculture transformation and performance management skills to enhance implementation skills. Over the course of the 16 month programme, CALA’s participants will partner with professional leadership coaches in a high-impact process to harness the individual’s and the team’s strengths and experiences to catalyze learning, growth and results. Participants will also develop Action Learning Projects derived from participants’ ongoing work priorities and opportunities to apply learning from the program in real-time to on-the-job challenges within country-level agricultural priority programs. Information about CALA’s Advanced Leadership Programme and upcoming application dates can be found at http://cala.agra.org . Founded in 2006, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), is an African-led African-based organization that seeks to catalyze Agriculture Transformation in Africa. AGRA is focused on putting smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. As the sector that employs the majority of Africa’s people, nearly all of them small-scale farmers, AGRA recognizes that developing smallholder agriculture into a productive, efficient, and sustainable system is essential to ensuring food security, lifting millions out of poverty, and driving equitable growth across the continent. For more information visit: www.agra.org AMI enables ambitious businesses and leaders across Africa to thrive, through practical tools and training. We equip leaders with tools to build their business, help companies train their teams and run work readiness programmes for young people starting their careers. AMI’s programmes combine online and mobile tools with interactive workshops and on-the-job practice and support. During the COVID period AMI is delivering fully virtual programming across the continent. AMI has worked with a range of businesses and organisations to support entrepreneurs and managers build and grow their businesses across Africa including Uber, Nestle, Radisson Blu, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, Shell Foundation and Equity Bank. AMI has directly trained over 30,000 people in over 35 countries. AMI has offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information on AMI visit: www.africanmanagers.com Policy LINK is a global Feed the Future program to advance leadership and collaboration for better policy systems. Feed the Future is America’s global hunger and food security initiative, led by USAID. With regional activities in East Africa as well as an in-country presence in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, Policy LINK supports individuals and organizations to work better together by centering the people driving policy change, the platforms that bring them together, and the participatory learning that they generate. For more information about Policy LINK, please visit: www.policylinkglobal.org Download press release: https://cala.agra.org/wp-content/uploads/CALA-press-release_19_August_Final.pdf Hixonia Nyasulu, AGRA Board Member and Chairperson AECF; Jean Claude Musabyimana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda; Karima Babangida, Director: Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Department (FMARD), Nigeria; Erica Maganga, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Malawi; Eden Getachew, Centre of Government and Delivery Lead, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) Joyce Nyamweya, Executive Director at The Results for Africa Institute

Transforming MSME Support in Uganda: A New Standard for Business Development Services All Case Studies Case Study BDS Strengthening Transforming MSME Support in Uganda: A New Standard for Business Development Services Background In 2019, the African Management Institute (AMI), the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), and the Mastercard Foundation launched an initiative to set national standards for Business Development Services (BDS) in Uganda, ensuring quality support for MSMEs and promoting sustainable growth. Challenge Uganda's BDS landscape is fragmented, mainly benefiting urban areas, with limited support for rural businesses. MSMEs are reluctant to invest in BDS due to inconsistent quality, which hinders growth. The lack of unified standards can misallocate development funding, reducing resource effectiveness. Solution AMI and PSFU launched the AMI GROW program to implement BDS standards through practical training and tools. A nationwide roadshow equipped providers with diagnostic resources via an online academy, enabling them to effectively meet MSME needs. Results The program improved the BDS sector, with 94% of providers seeing better service quality in three months. It supported over 46,000 MSMEs, empowered women like Immy Nakyeyune of Mkazipreneur, and set a strong foundation for MSME support in Uganda, serving as a model for Africa. Goal setting was something we hadn’t focused on before. Now, whenever a woman comes to us, we start with setting clear, actionable goals. Immy Nakyeyune Founder Mkazipreneur The story behind the journey In 2019, the African Management Institute (AMI) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) set out to transform how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda access support. Uganda’s entrepreneurs, spread across diverse regions, often lacked consistent, quality guidance to grow their businesses. Recognizing this gap, AMI, PSFU, and the Mastercard Foundation embarked on an ambitious initiative to establish national standards for Business Development Services (BDS). This effort aimed to create a more cohesive support system for Uganda’s MSMEs, helping them achieve sustainable growth. The BDS landscape in Uganda was fragmented and lacked a clear quality benchmark. Many small BDS providers were concentrated in urban centers, while rural areas struggled with limited access. MSMEs were often reluctant to pay for services, citing disappointing past experiences with inconsistent support. This dynamic resulted in an ecosystem where billions in development funding were being spent on ineffective MSME training programs. It was clear that a new approach was needed to raise the standard of support for MSMEs, helping them to overcome barriers to growth and thrive. AMI’s extensive experience in developing scalable and evidence-based training solutions provided a strong foundation for the project. Together with PSFU, they initiated the AMI GROW program, a comprehensive, practical approach to setting national standards for BDS providers. Instead of simply drafting standards, AMI and PSFU designed a system that would equip BDS providers with diagnostic tools and resources they could apply immediately to their work with MSMEs. In 2022, AMI and PSFU took this initiative on the road. Through a cross-country roadshow, they reached BDS providers in Kampala, Gulu, Mbale, and other regions, delivering training to 200 providers and introducing them to AMI’s digital academy. The program offered practical tools tailored to diagnosing and addressing MSME needs and included licenses for providers to share the resources with the MSMEs they supported. The response from BDS providers was overwhelmingly positive. For many, this training was their first opportunity to receive structured support and connect with peers facing similar challenges. Over 1,000 BDS providers applied, eager to participate in the pilot training, and 94% of those trained reported improvements in service delivery and increased confidence in running their businesses. One participant, Immy Nakyeyune, the founder of Mkazipreneur, shared how the program transformed her approach. Before the training, her team offered one-off support to women entrepreneurs, lacking a continuous support model. Now, with tools like the goal-setting toolkit, Immy’s organization could guide women entrepreneurs through a structured growth path. "Goal setting was something we hadn’t focused on before,” she said. “Now, whenever a woman comes to us, we start with setting clear, actionable goals.” Lessons Learned and Key Takeaways The project unearthed essential lessons for implementing BDS standards effectively: Build Local Ownership : By involving a wide array of local stakeholders from the start, AMI and PSFU fostered a sense of ownership, increasing buy-in and ensuring the standards addressed Uganda’s unique needs. Standards Alone Aren’t Enough : Effective standards require practical tools. AMI’s diagnostic tools allowed BDS providers to make immediate improvements to their MSME support services, transforming abstract standards into actionable practices. Engage Rural Providers : In Uganda, as in much of Africa, quality BDS access is often limited outside of urban areas. AMI’s outreach beyond Kampala ensured that rural and peri-urban providers could access quality training and join a supportive network. Encourage Community Building : BDS providers, eager to improve their skills, benefited from the chance to engage with peers. This sense of community and shared purpose was essential for building long-term commitment to the standards. Create Incentive Models for Sustainability : AMI is currently exploring sustainable incentive models, such as compliance checks and the potential for a digital community, to encourage ongoing standards adoption among BDS providers. With the standards under public review and anticipated for publication in 2024, AMI and PSFU are now focused on supporting the broader adoption of the standards. There is ongoing work to design a scalable compliance model that incentivizes providers to adhere to the standards over time, ensuring that MSMEs across Uganda benefit from high-quality support. This initiative has already shown that standards, when implemented with the right tools and local involvement, can significantly impact MSME growth and resilience. AMI is now looking at ways to apply these learnings in other African countries, with Uganda’s success as a model for improving BDS ecosystems across the continent. To read the full case study, click bellow. AMI-Case-Study-Unlocking-Africas-Entrepreneurial-Ecosystem-2024 .pdf Download PDF • 5.70MB

CATEGORY Sales DESIGNED FOR Sales Professionals FORMAT Virtual DURATION 6 - Weeks COST $ 250 NEXT COHORT START 12th November 2026 Apply Now How Behaviour Is Built Our approach is grounded in proven behaviour-change techniques and real workplace communication challenges. Facilitated Learning Labs Grounded in real workplace performance challenges and applied learning methodology. Practice & Application Practical performance tools you can apply immediately, with guided practice between sessions. Behaviour Embedding One core performance behaviour embedded through repeated use and reflection. For African Organisations High-Performance Customer Experience Stop inconsistent service and start building customer trust at every touchpoint. This is a practical programme for customer-facing teams and supervisors who need to deliver high-quality, reliable service across both digital and in-person environments. How Behaviour Is Built Our approach is grounded in proven behaviour-change techniques and real workplace communication challenges. Facilitated Learning Labs Grounded in real workplace communication challenges and applied learning methodology focused on what actually works. Practice & Application Practical communication tools you can apply immediately, with guided practice between sessions using real work scenarios. Behaviour Embedding One core communication behaviour embedded through repeated use and reflection, building sustainable habits. What Will Be Different in Practice Anticipate true needs: Learn to identify a customer's underlying needs rather than just reacting to surface-level requests. Navigate friction: Confidently handle difficult, emotional, or escalated conversations with greater empathy and structure. Take complete ownership: Stop passing the buck. Participants will take clear ownership of follow-through and final resolution. Deliver consistency: Apply the exact same high standard of service behaviours across both digital channels and in-person interactions. Why It Matters Communication Isn't Clear When communication isn't clear, decisions slow down, accountability weakens, and momentum is lost. Managers Rely on Instinct Many managers rely on instinct, without simple structures that help messages land and lead to action. Influence Remains Inconsistent Without consistent communication approaches, influence across teams and stakeholders becomes unpredictable. Why It Matters Performance Issues Go Unaddressed Many managers struggle to address performance issues early and effectively, allowing problems to compound over time. Unclear Expectations Team members often don't understand what good performance looks like, leading to misalignment and frustration. Inconsistent Feedback & Coaching Feedback is avoided or inconsistent, and coaching conversations don't lead to sustained improvement. Weakened Accountability Over time, this weakens accountability and team performance across the organisation. Why This Approach Behaviour-Led Learning Focused on real work, not theory. We teach you what actually works in practice. Practical Tools Communication tools you can apply immediately to your team, not frameworks that sit unused. African Context Designed for African organisational contexts and the everyday leadership realities you face. Programme Details Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? What's Included Two live facilitated learning labs Practical performance tools and resources Guided practice and application materials Certificate of completion Access to AMI learning platform and community Who Can Enroll? This programme is designed for anyone responsible for service quality and customer satisfaction, including: Customer-facing and frontline staff who interact with clients daily. Support and back-office teams whose work directly impacts the final customer experience. Supervisors and managers tasked with maintaining service standards and handling escalations. Your Learning Journey Week 1 & 2: Kick-off: Setting a baseline Week 3 & 4: Laying the ground work Week 5 & 6: Trouble shooting and embedding changes After Week 6: Sustainability & further growth Investment $250 Comprehensive programme including live sessions, practical tools, and ongoing support Apply Now Click to download the portfolio Why It Matters The Consistency Gap: Sales teams are often expected to deliver results without a shared, repeatable approach. Variable Performance: Prospecting can be inconsistent, conversations vary in quality, and follow-up discipline weakens over time. Pipeline Stagnation: Without clear selling behaviours, opportunities stall and performance becomes unpredictable. The Foundations of Success: Sales effectiveness depends on structure, listening, and disciplined follow-through. Who It's For This programme is designed for anyone responsible for service quality and customer satisfaction, including: Customer-facing and frontline staff who interact with clients daily. Support and back-office teams whose work directly impacts the final customer experience. Supervisors and managers tasked with maintaining service standards and handling escalations. 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. Raphael Opiyo Obiero Business Owner & Entrepreneur East Africa I have attended business programs in some of the best schools in the world. To say that the Aspire program is the most eventful and practically enriching program is an understatement! As a company, we owe you, AMI and Stanford a lot. Dankishiya Saleh Hadi Dankish & Associates Ltd Nigeria Hear From Other Industry Leaders "I have attended business programs in some of the best schools in the world. To say that the Aspire program is the most eventful and practically enriching program is an understatement! As a company, we owe you, AMI and Stanford a lot." Dankishiya Saleh Hadi Dankish & Associates Ltd. Nigeria "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." Raphael Opiyo Obiero Business Owner & Entrepreneur East Africa Programme Details Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? What's Included Two live facilitated learning labs Practical performance tools and resources Guided practice and application materials Certificate of completion Access to AMI learning platform and community Who Can Enroll? Senior Managers: Experienced managers leading teams or functions who want to strengthen their performance management approach. Team-Leads: Managers navigating difficult leadership transitions and learning to manage performance effectively Your Learning Journey Phase 1 & 2: Kick-off: Setting a baseline Phase 3 & 4: Setting expectations and giving feedback Phase 5 & 6: Trouble shooting and embedding changes After Phase 6: Sustainability & further growth Investment $250 Comprehensive programme including live sessions, practical tools, and ongoing support Apply Now View the AMI Pan Africa 2026 Calendar Click to download the calendar Why This Approach Behaviour-Led Learning Focused on real work, not theory. We teach you what actually works in practice. Practical Tools Communication tools you can apply immediately to your team, not frameworks that sit unused. African Context Designed for African organisational contexts and the everyday leadership realities you face. Ready to Elevate Your Customer Experience? Equip your frontline teams and supervisors with the practical habits they need to resolve issues faster and build lasting customer loyalty. Get Started Today Schedule a Conversation

Grow your business in South Africa with AMI's Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Programs. We offer impactful training programs and resources designed to empower South African leaders and entrepreneurs. Learn more and unlock your potential today! Enabling ambitious businesses across South Africa to thrive AMI’s business support and workplace learning programmes are powering the growth of South Africa's ambitious businesses, managers, and workforce. South Africa’s trusted training & learning partner We believe that skilled people build thriving businesses, thriving businesses create quality jobs, and quality jobs drive prosperity and dignity. ESD PARTNERS DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES Launched in May 2025, the Kasipreneur Impact Project (KIP) is a bold new initiative by AMI in partnership with ANDE to reimagine how corporate SA, government, and support organisations engage township entrepreneurs. KIP tackles systemic gaps in existing enterprise support and puts Kasipreneurs at the centre of a more inclusive, impactful approach to local business growth. Why Now? Townships generate over R900 billion in annual consumer spend, yet the entrepreneurs driving this activity remain overlooked by most development efforts. It’s time to change that. The Gap Most enterprise programmes serve formal, B2B SMEs. Kasipreneurs, who work in informal, B2C sectors, are excluded from these opportunities, especially in retail, food, beauty, transport, and services. The Missed Opportunity Many ESD initiatives focus more on visibility than value. KIP offers a new model for meaningful engagement, supporting last-mile entrepreneurs while unlocking real market growth and local resilience. Apply Now South Africa Workplace Learning Programmes Practical learning solutions for established and growth-stage organizations in South Africa with programs on productivity, communication, teamwork, and sector-specific skills. Management Development Programme AMI's 4-6 month flagship programmes in management, leadership and workplace performance. Learn More Enterprise In-House Academy A solution that provides online, on-demand and self-paced learning for 1-4 months in a cohort-based format. Learn More Enterprise Tailored Solutions Tailored company-wide learning for ambitious businesses and teams, designed to improve performance & drive growth. Learn More South Africa Entrepreneurship & Business Growth Programmes AMI South Africa collaborates to deliver Enterprise Supplier & Development programmes to empower businesses and entrepreneurs through comprehensive training programs. Grow Your Business A practical blended programme to empower SMEs with tools and habits for the next level of growth. Learn More Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Strengthen micro-enterprises by developing effective organizational practices for resilience and growth. Learn More Aspire with Stanford Seed This 4-month program will enable you to boost revenue, reduce costs, and create a plan to scale your impact. Learn More Focus Area Partnering for Impact Across South Africa AMI South Africa collaborates with ESD implementers in sectors such as mining, agriculture, food and waste management to provide practical, evidence-based learning to entrepreneurs at all stages. We also partner with development agencies to deliver programs at scale. Connect with Us Learning that powers growth. Our practical programmes drive individual performance, business growth, and organizational success. The AMI Learning Approach Featured Story Uber Eats & AMI Empower Restaurant Entrepreneurs with Practical Tools & Cash Prizes! AMI and Uber Eats empower entrepreneurs with practical tools for growth, boosting financial practices, team engagement, and revenue. Read the Full Story Latest from AMI South Africa News & Updates Articles & Insights View all News 23 May 2025 Kasipreneur Impact Project Launches to Transform Township Enterprise Support in South Africa Updates 14 November 2024 Empowering South African SMEs: AMI’s ESD Partnerships and Practical Training Solutions News 26 July 2024 Uber Eats & AMI Empower Restaurant Entrepreneurs with Practical Tools & Cash Prizes! View all Opinion 25 July 2024 Transcending loyalty is a condition for the survival of organisations and humanity Business Management 21 March 2024 The Power of Infrastructure to Boost Business Leadership 1 October 2023 Creating Heritage is Every Business Leader’s Responsibility and Opportunity Upcoming Events Talent Leaders Forum Learn more Event Recap AMI SA Lunch & Learn See all events About AMI South Africa We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering exceptional service in South Africa and Lesotho. Constantly innovating and going the extra mile, we look forward to working with you. AMI South Africa Office 138 West Street, Sandton, Workshop 17, +27 11 568-7468 Start Your Learning Journey Today Theo Mabaso Country Lead, South Africa Meet the AMI South Africa Team Ambitious learning for an ambitious Africa Whether you’re looking for workplace learning for five to five hundred, or customized programmes that drive impact locally or across Africa, AMI’s learning solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Connect with our learning advisors to discover how our ambitious learning programmes can help you achieve your ambitious goals. Connect with AMI in South Africa

Empowering African Leaders for Sustainable Impact: The Hatch Africa Story All Case Studies Case Study Empowering African Leaders for Sustainable Impact: The Hatch Africa Story Background Hatch Africa, founded in 2010, is driven by a powerful purpose: to make Sub-Saharan Africa households healthier and wealthier by distributing high-yielding, tropically adapted chicken. Hatch Africa aims to distribute one chicken per person per year in each market, ensuring every family has enough affordable protein in the home. Challenge Hatch Africa identified critical areas for development, focusing on supporting their managers to delegate effectively, foster two-way communication, and embrace proactive leadership Solution They enrolled 5 managers in AMI’s Management Development Programme. This programme focused on equipping Hatch Africa’s middle managers with practical leadership and operational tools, accountability frameworks, and targeted communication techniques to translate strategy into immediate, measurable on‑the‑job improvements. Results Managers turned their teams into proactive and accountable units that not only met but often surpassed their targets. They embraced structured recruitment and onboarding practices, which made operational workflows much smoother. Deadlines were consistently met as teams fostered clear communication, enhanced collaboration, and cultivated a culture of continuous improvement. AMI gave me a special mix of self-reflection, useful tools, and leadership training. I found it inspiring and full of energy. It helped me grow, not just in what I know, but also in my confidence and in understanding the kind of leader I want to become in the future. Ndyona Patricia Regional Sales Manager Hatch Africa The story behind the journey The story behind the journey Imagine achieving a 30% reduction in missed deadlines, increasing task completion rates from 60% to 80%, and seeing sales growth in 5 out of 7 countries, all within months. This isn't just a hypothetical; it's the tangible impact Hatch Africa, a leading distributor of high-yielding chickens across six Sub-Saharan African countries, realised after investing in strategic corporate training. Hatch Africa, founded in 2010, is driven by a powerful purpose: to make Sub-Saharan Africa households healthier and wealthier by distributing high-yielding, tropically adapted chicken. Hatch Africa aims to distribute one chicken per person per year in each market, ensuring every family has enough affordable protein in the home. Contributing over $520 million in additional profit for smallholder farmers in 2024, Hatch Africa understood that scaling their profound impact on 2.6+ million farmers annually hinged on equipping their leaders for real-world results. Nurturing Leadership for Scalable Growth As Hatch expanded into Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, and Ivory Coast, middle managers faced challenges balancing corporate strategy with on-the-ground realities. As is typical of many first-time or new managers, leaders defaulted to doing the work themselves, issuing one-way directives, or firefighting daily crises. Unaddressed, these challenges could hinder Hatch Africa's ability to efficiently scale operations and maximise its profound impact on rural communities. A critical need emerged to support its management team with advanced leadership and operational skills. A Transformational Journey: The Management Development Programme Hatch Africa implemented AMI Enterprise’s comprehensive Management Development Programme , focused on the practical, real-world application of leadership principles. A core element was the "Change Challenge", where managers identified and directly tackled critical issues within their teams. Through this practical application and peer feedback, participants immediately translated learning into measurable on-the-job improvements. Impact Enhanced Accountability and Ownership : Euniter Jemutai, a Regional Sales Manager in Kenya, wanted to build leadership skills to help her rally a successful team. “What stood out as amazing during the online courses was how directly it addressed the real challenges I was facing as a Regional Sales Manager,” she remarked. “ One standout moment was realising how much of our performance gaps were linked to unclear communication and lack of structured follow-through. After applying the planning tools and accountability frameworks, I noticed my team became more focused, responsive, and aligned.” At the end of the programme, she successfully built accountability and ownership within her sales team, leading to increased ownership in 5 out of 7 team members and improved KPIs in 3 months. Team actions now align with regional goals, and sales growth was observed in 5 out of 7 counties. Improved Recruitment and Sales Performance Ndyona Patricia, a Regional Sales Manager in Uganda, wanted to build her team. After the programme, her efforts in recruiting quality Area Sales Managers (ASMs) resulted in the recruitment of 3 new ASMs and a consistent onboarding of 2+ Direct Sales Representatives per month by ASMs. Sales also crossed 10,000 day-old chicks per month. This was achieved through clarifying communication goals and tailoring messages using AMI's "Getting the Message Across" tool. Optimized Procurement Efficiency The true measure of a program lies in its ability to transform individuals, a sentiment perfectly captured by Sabrine Izibyose, the Senior Procurement Officer in Rwanda. "AMI gave me a special mix of self-reflection, useful tools, and leadership training. I found it inspiring and full of energy. It helped me grow, not just in what I know, but also in my confidence and in understanding the kind of leader I want to become in the future."She significantly improved procurement approval efficiency by setting clear guidelines, providing team training, and utilising AMI tools like "Managing Up" and "Sources of Influence". This led to reduced approval errors, improved team responsiveness, faster procurement approvals, and increased on-time processing of purchase orders. Improved Operations and Project Delivery Kofi Annan, the Operations Manager in Ghana, was keen on managing his direct reports efficiently to meet set organizational targets. With guidance from the programme, he focused on improving cross-functional collaboration, utilizing AMI tools like the Work Empowerment Questionnaire and Goal Planner Template, which resulted in a 30% reduction in missed deadlines and increased task completion rates from 60% to 80%. Task reassignment was cut by 60% through clearer roles, and team assessment scores reached 100% last quarter due to improved collaboration. Tangible Results The Management Development Programme yielded significant and measurable improvements across various operational aspects at Hatch Africa , demonstrating the direct correlation between investing in leadership and achieving organizational goals. Increased Sales & Onboarding : Sales crossed 10,000 DOCs per month, with ASMs consistently onboarding 2+ DSRs per month. Enhanced Team Ownership : 5 out of 7 team members showed increased ownership in 3 months. Improved Sales Performance : Sales growth was observed in 5 out of 7 counties. Reduced Missed Deadlines : A 30% reduction in missed deadlines was achieved. Higher Task Completion Rate : Task completion rate increased from 60% to 80%. Reduced Task Reassignment : Task reassignment was cut by 60%. Improved Team Assessment Scores : Team assessment scores reached 100% last quarter. The success of the Management Development Programme at Hatch Africa underscores the profound impact of investing in human capital. By empowering its managers with essential skills and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, Hatch Africa is not only achieving its ambitious business goals but also strengthening its core mission of making farmers healthier and wealthier across sub-Saharan Africa.