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Driving your business forward and making community impact All Stories Claudine Niyonzima Position: Co-founder Company: San Tech Ltd Programme: Country: Rwanda “I have learned that when a business is well managed, it cannot fail, and knowing your customers and their needs is the foundation of your business’s success.” Claudine Niyonzima is an entrepreneur and co-founder of SAN Tech, a smart application and networking technology service provider based in Rwanda that equips young IT technicians, especially young women, with innovation and development skills. She is one of the African Management Institute’s Resilience Prize winners. AMI caught up with her to discuss how winning the Prize and joining the Business Survival Bootcamp and Survive to Thrive programme took her business to new heights. Founded in 2019, SAN Tech was born from a thought that Claudine and her colleagues had back at university to make their skills profitable. Beyond developing computer applications and repairing computers, SAN Tech has established a Tech Hub to provide students with training, internships, and career guidance to contribute to Rwanda’s ICT sector. Claudine believes that their X-Factor is being able to not only equip students with entrepreneurial skills but also create learning opportunities for them, which is a launch pad for their innovation. After completing AMI’s one-month Business Survival Bootcamp and a three-month Survive to Thrive programme, both fully covered by Mastercard Foundation, Claudine says that these programmes have given the business a clear purpose. “They trained us on setting smart goals as an entrepreneur. This enlightened me about identifying monthly profit and loss in the business as well as identifying which side is more profitable than others, thus identifying where to put a lot of effort. Last but not least, having goals helped me to know how to manage and best use our business assets,” Claudine says. Claudine adds that the programmes not only equipped her with goal setting skills but also provided her with effective problem solving tools designed to help entrepreneurs address internal challenges or customers’ complaints. “Whenever we have a pressing business issue, we use these tools to analyse and understand the root cause. This helps us to come up with an effective solution,” she says. In mid-2022, Claudine won the AMI Resilience Prize representing the City of Kigali thanks to her business growth and its impact on the community. Through the Prize, Claudine received Rwf 1,000,000 to invest in the business – an opportunity she describes as a game changer. She encourages and urges other entrepreneurs to join one of African Management Institute’s programmes in Rwanda. She believes these programmes will play an important role in her business success. “My message to fellow entrepreneurs is that AMI has different programmes designed to help their businesses thrive and reach new heights. That’s why I would encourage them to apply and take advantage of this opportunity,” says Claudine. With the aim of enabling 2,500 Rwandan entrepreneurs to bounce back from the COVID-19 crisis, the Mastercard Foundation and the African Management Institute (AMI) expanded their partnership in Rwanda with new entrepreneurship development programmes, namely Business Survival Bootcamp, Survive to Thrive and Take Your Business Online. Through the support provided to entrepreneurs, Claudine and other graduates have been able to make their business stay on its feet and increase revenues. To learn more about the African Management Institute and its work in Rwanda, visit www.africanmanagers.org/ami-rwanda .

Reach for growth with the AMI's Aspire Business Growth Program! This 6-month virtual program, infused with Stanford Seed expertise, empowers business owners and their teams to scale their businesses and achieve their goals. Learn more and apply today! Open Programme Aspire Designed for growth stage business owners and their teams, Aspire blends AMI's practical business growth learning experiences with the world-class expertise of Stanford Seed to accelerate business growth through skills, tools and strategies. CATEGORY BUSINESS GROWTH & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DESIGNED FOR Entrepreneur, Business Owner & Team FORMAT Virtual DURATION 6 Months COST $650 per business * This cost covers 3 people i.e. the business owner plus 2 other senior members of the team NEXT COHORT START Febrarury 2027 Apply Now Overview For Africa’s Ambitious Business Owners Joining other business owners from across Africa, you will focus on achieving your aspirational business growth goals and improving your business management skills through interactive virtual workshops, practical online tools & courses, and peer-group learning. Infused with Stanford Seed Expertise Unique to the Stanford Seed-sponsored edition of Aspire, your learning journey will include a live guest lecture from the Stanford Graduate School of Business Faculty. Performance Benefits The top 15-20% performing businesses in each cohort will receive pro bono access to Stanford Seed mentors, as determined by the level of commitment. Key Outcomes Establish effective business systems and structures Identify and target the right customer segments Develop impactful marketing and sales strategies Set and achieve measurable goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) Recruit, train, and retain skilled employees Ensure accurate financial reporting and manage cash flow efficiently Focus Areas Addressing Risks & Opportunities Building Grit and Resilience in Leadership Resource Identification Strategic Thinking Strategy & Business Planning Team Building and Empowerment Reach for Growth Infused with Stanford Seed expertise, this unique AMI guided learning journey supports growth-stage small and medium-sized businesses to reach for growth scale, with key business team members learning alongside the business owner. "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 Learning Journey PHASE 1: Get Set Up for Growth: Planning and Money PHASE 2: Lead for Growth: Talent PHASE 3: Identify Growth Opportunities: Customers PHASE 4: Financial Analysis: Money PHASE 5: Build Talent Pipeline: Talent PHASE 6: Plan for Growth: Planning PHASE 7: Growth Network What's Included The program runs for 6 months. Each month includes: 120 min. live learning lab/webinar where the topic/concept for that month is introduced by AMI expert facilitators. An online learning platform where you will be expected to to download tools and resources for continuous learning and A pod this small peer meeting where founders meet to discuss and problem solve. This cycle happens every month and your commitment is 3 to 4 hours per week. During the 3rd month, Stanford Graduate School of Business Faculty provides guest lecture. After the 6 months of learning, you can apply for mentorship and project based consultants from the Stanford Seed, this comes at no additional cost. Who Can Enroll? For Business Owners & Founders The main applicant and participant is the Business Owner, CEO, or Founder of the business For Leadership Team: Business owner accompanied by up to 2 senior leaders Business Profile Years In Business: Business in operation for more than 1 year Revenue: Generated between $30,000 – $400,000 in annual revenue in the last financial year Employees: The business has a minimum of 3 full-time employees Internet Enabled: Smartphone/internet connection to access online tools, courses, and the online community Performance-Oriented: Willing to share key performance/financial data (so that you and we can learn about your growth progress). The Faculty & Team Sam Kimera Facilitator Baba Shiv Stanford Guest Lecturer Themba Nkomo Aspire Learner Success Manager Rehema Kamotho Aspire Growth Marketing Manager Chialuka Anele Aspire Growth Marketing Manager Jeffrey S. Prickett Global Director, Stanford Seed 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. 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. Explore AMI's Learning Approach Start Your Learning Journey Today Apply for Aspire A word from Aspire Alumni We had an ambitious vision to improve healthcare in Ethiopia, but the way we operated wasn't built to scale. AMI's Aspire Programme helped us build the systems, strategy, and the leadership we needed to grow sustainably. Today, Waliif Healthcare has grown from 35 employees to more than 250, with annual revenue exceeding US$5 million. We're now sharing what we've learned, with other Ethiopian businesses coming to us to strengthen their own systems and ways of working. Eng. Workineh Gudissa Learn More Book a Consultation Connect with our Enrolment Team Connect on Whatsapp Certificate of Completion Learn More Book a Consultation Connect with our Enrolment Team Connect on Whatsapp Certificate of Completion About AMI and Stanford Seed’s Collaboration Close Stanford Seed is collaborating with African Management Institute (AMI) to provide an exclusive offer for early-stage founders and business owners. The goal of the AMI and Stanford Seed relationship is to help your business achieve its aspirational growth objectives by blending AMI’s business growth programme with Stanford Seed’s expertise. Scholarship Support For a limited time, Stanford Seed is providing partial scholarships for the Aspire Business Growth programme to qualified applicants.

Kenya Workplace Learning Featured Items Kenya Workplace Learning AMI Enterprise hosted an event to explore talent acquisition and engagement strategies for Africa's dynamic workforce. Heading 4 Heading 4 Register Now Additional Info Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Register Now

Africa Manutech Policy & Industrial Futures Register Now Additional Info Africa’s transition to competitive, technology-enabled manufacturing will be shaped by the policy and regulatory decisions made today. As countries seek to move from low-value manufacturing to higher-productivity, innovation-driven industrial systems, alignment between national reforms, continental frameworks, and ecosystem actors is increasingly critical. The Africa ManuTech Policy & Industrial Futures dialogue convenes policymakers, development partners, development finance institutions, and ecosystem actors to examine how policy and regulatory frameworks influence manufacturing competitiveness in Africa, with a specific focus on technology-enabled manufacturing (ManuTech). Anchored in Ethiopia’s ongoing industrial and regulatory reforms, the session connects national implementation experience with Africa-wide perspectives, including regional market integration under the AfCFTA. The dialogue forms part of the Timbuktoo ManuTech Learning Series convened by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Objectives of the Dialogue The session aims to: Examine how policy and regulatory frameworks shape manufacturing competitiveness in Africa. Explore Africa-wide perspectives on industrial policy coordination and regional market integration. Highlight Ethiopia’s current manufacturing and regulatory reform experience. Facilitate exchange between policymakers, financiers, and private sector actors. Generate practical insights to inform UNDP programming and partner engagement on industrialisation and innovation Ethiopia Manufacturing, Innovation Africa Manutech Policy & Industrial Futures In-Person Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Aligning Manufacturing Policy, Innovation, and Industrial Competitiveness Monday, 16 February 2026 7:30 am Register Now

Rethinking Talent Leadership: What Works, What Doesn’t and What to Focus on in 2025 Register Now Additional Info In 2025, talent leadership has moved beyond retention. It’s a strategic lever for profitability, innovation, and market dominance. Companies with 30%+ women in leadership roles achieve 48% higher profitability (McKinsey, 2024), yet only a fraction of organizations have actionable plans to harness this advantage. That's why we are inviting you to join Africa’s most forward-thinking HR Directors and C-Suite Executives at Rethinking Talent Leadership: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Focus on in 2025 , an invite-only executive forum where Africa’s top female leaders and male allies reveal how to dismantle outdated practices, build agile teams, and future-proof your talent playbook for the coming year. Now is the time to decide what to stop doing, what new strategies to adopt, and where to focus for real impact in 2025. This exclusive, invite-only gathering of decision-makers offers a unique opportunity to step back from daily demands, gain clarity, and elevate your leadership to achieve higher performance and sustainable growth. Expect: No-fluff, experience-driven insights from talent veterans who’ve successfully led through change Cut Through the Noise — Identify which outdated practices to leave behind and what innovative strategies to embrace. A roadmap for 2025 , so you can lead with clarity and confidence This is more than a discussion—it’s a playbook for talent leadership success in 2025 and beyond . Seats are limited, and this room is curated for talent leaders who are ready to take action. Will you be there? Kenya HR & Talent Strategies Rethinking Talent Leadership: What Works, What Doesn’t and What to Focus on in 2025 In-Person To be disclosed post registration Join Africa’s top CEOs and talent leaders for an exclusive, invite-only event this month to transform talent leadership for the coming year. Friday, 11 April 2025 5:00 am Register Now

The CEO Memo: Making the Business Case for What Matters Register Now Why Attend? Imagine pouring your heart into a talent development program—months of planning, data, and passion—only to watch it crumble in the boardroom, overshadowed by “higher priorities.” Your inbox pings with yet another budget rejection, and you’re left wondering: How do I get them to see what I see? If you’re a talent leader, this sting is probably too familiar. You know your people are the backbone of success, but convincing the C-suite to invest feels like speaking a different language. Stop battling uphill. Join us at "The CEO Memo: Making the Business Case for What Matters", a game-changing event built exclusively for talent leaders like you. This isn’t a fluffy conference with vague takeaways. It’s a hands-on, high-impact experience that arms you with the tools, insights, and connections to turn your talent vision into a C-suite priority. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into: Aligning talent strategies with business objectives to accelerate performance Leveraging cutting-edge approaches to attract, develop, and retain top talent Measuring the direct impact of talent initiatives on bottom-line results Through dynamic keynotes, interactive discussions, and peer-to-peer networking, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to elevate your organization’s talent agenda. This is your opportunity to join a select group of forward-thinking leaders reshaping the future of work. Don’t miss this chance to turn talent into your organization’s greatest growth driver. Kenya Leadership, HR & Talent Strategies The CEO Memo: Making the Business Case for What Matters In-Person Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi This event will show how talent leaders can secure executive buy-in, connect people strategies to business goals, and make talent initiatives a boardroom priority. Gain practical tools, executive insights, and data-driven frameworks to turn talent investments into strategic imperatives. Friday, 27 June 2025 5:00 am Register Now

What CEOs Need to Know About Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Register Now Why Attend? Your most significant AI investment isn't in software; it's in your people and your leadership. AI investments only deliver returns when matched by an equal investment in the human capability to leverage them. This exclusive discussion cuts through the hype to address the core leadership challenge: How do you build an organization that is agile, aligned, and empowered enough to turn AI disruption into sustained growth? Join us for What CEOs Need to Know About Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence . This is not about adding more to your to-do list. It's about recalibrating your leadership to harness the accelerating power of AI, ensuring your organization leads the market rather than being displaced by it. You’ll Walk Away With: A leadership framework to diagnose if your organization has the strategic clarity, culture, and execution discipline to harness AI. Clarity on your role in building a hybrid culture where human and artificial intelligence compound value, rather than create conflict. Actionable strategies to future-proof your legacy by energizing your team through change and positioning AI as a tool for augmentation and growth. Join a curated group of peers for a confidential, high-trust exchange on how to navigate complexity and lead with conviction. Kenya Leadership What CEOs Need to Know About Leading in the Age of Artificial Intelligence In-Person For most leaders, AI has been a technology story. But the real question isn't what the tools can do — it's whether your organization can adapt fast enough to turn disruption into growth. AI is exposing what already exists inside companies: lack of clarity, slow decision-making, and misaligned teams. The divide between those who can move with speed and purpose and those who can't is becoming a commercial fault line. Wednesday, 26 November 2025 4:30 am Register Now

UNDP timbuktoo Manutech Hub Event Register Now Why Attend? We are pleased to invite you to the UNDP Timbuktoo Manufacturing Tech Hub’s first in-person convening, themed: Unlocking Ethiopia’s Manufacturing Future through Industry 4.0 Innovation. This event brings together leading researchers, manufacturers, startups, and policymakers to explore how Ethiopia can harness advanced technologies—IoT, AI, robotics, additive manufacturing—to drive industrial transformation. 📅 23 December 2025 🕒 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM 📍 Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub, Addis Ababa Ethiopia UNDP timbuktoo Manutech Hub Event In-Person Timbuktoo ManuTech Hub, Addis Ababa Accelerating Ethiopia’s Leap into Industry 4.0 - Infrastructure, Skills, Innovation & Startup Opportunities Tuesday, 23 December 2025 10:30 am Register Now

How to Turn Commercial Strategy into Flawless Execution in The Financial Services Sector Register Now Why Attend? The truth is, your competitors aren't winning because they have better strategies. They're winning because their people can execute faster, adapt quicker, and deliver consistently. And that's exactly what this forum solves. You'll discover how to uncover where your execution is breaking down and the specific interventions that fix it. You'll learn how leading financial institutions are building execution capability faster than their competitors. And you'll leave with a plan you can deploy immediately to accelerate execution before your competitors do. The stakes have never been higher. Your board expects every initiative to be a strategic business driver. Your CFO is demanding ROI on every investment. Your CEO needs proof that you will deliver on business outcomes. This forum exists to help you build exactly that: the integrated, data-driven strategy that translates directly into competitive advantage. This is how you build the execution engine your CEO wishes you had. You’ll Walk Away With: The ability to accelerate execution velocity so your team moves from strategy to execution faster than the competition Tools to eliminate organizational friction that causes your best commercial initiatives to stall, dilute, or fail between the boardroom and the frontline A system to build execution capability at scale so every team, branch, and business unit consistently delivers on commercial priorities Frameworks to prove ROI on execution investments with commercial metrics your CFO and board actually care about Insights from peers who've solved this and transformed execution capability into measurable competitive advantage. Join a curated group of peers for a confidential, high-trust exchange focused on executing the people strategy that ensures your financial institution's success. Kenya Leadership How to Turn Commercial Strategy into Flawless Execution in The Financial Services Sector In-Person Nairobi The financial services sector faces unprecedented pressure: rapid digital transformation, shifting customer expectations, increased regulatory scrutiny, and intense competition. Most commercial leaders focus on strategy, products, technology, customers, pricing, and channels. All critical. All necessary. But a significant challenge remains in executing them consistently and efficiently across complex legacy systems and siloed departments. Friday, 28 November 2025 4:30 am Register Now

Building Leaders Who Think Like Owners Register Now Why Attend? You’re the one people look to for answers, for direction, for confidence, for results. But behind the scenes, it can feel like you’re constantly bridging gaps or pushing people to step up. You wonder: Why doesn’t everyone lead with the same drive I do? Here’s the shift: ownership doesn’t just happen, it’s cultivated. If you want teams that take initiative, solve problems proactively, and drive results, you need to build an environment that encourages and rewards ownership. That means shifting your leadership approach so your teams don’t just do their jobs, they own them. Join us for Building Leaders Who Think Like Owners , a high-impact session for senior leaders who want to embed an owner’s mindset deep within their teams. This isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about equipping your people to lead alongside you. You’ll walk away with: Proven strategies to develop ownership mindsets across your teams Insights into how this shift drives performance, alignment, and agility Tools to build trust, initiative, and accountability without micromanaging Insights from a leader who has seen the results of this shift This session is for senior decision-makers ready to stop carrying the weight alone and start building teams that show up with the same purpose and drive. Lead differently. Empower ownership. Watch your teams transform. Uganda Leadership Building Leaders Who Think Like Owners Zoom Link will be shared upon registration In high-growth organisations, leadership can no longer be about delegation and oversight. It must be about unlocking ownership at every level. When senior leaders intentionally foster an owner’s mindset within their teams, they create a culture of accountability, initiative, and commercial focus that drives sustainable performance. Thursday, 14 August 2025 0:00 pm Register Now

Leading with Influence: How Executive Management Can Drive Culture and Engage Their Teams Register Now Why Attend? Executive Management plays a critical role in shaping organizational culture and driving team engagement. But what does it take for senior leaders to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and maintain high performance in an increasingly dynamic environment? This webinar will address how executives can lead with influence, create an environment that nurtures strong company culture, and engage teams to deliver outstanding business results. Our expert panel will share insights, strategies, and real-world examples that are essential for senior leaders looking to make a tangible impact on their organization’s success especially in the current climate. What to Expect Driving Organizational Culture : Learn how executives can shape a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration within their teams. Team Engagement Strategies : Understand the leadership techniques that foster engagement, accountability, and productivity among team members. Building High-Performance Teams : Discover how to develop and retain high-performing teams to accelerate business growth. Leading Through Change : Understand how executive leadership can successfully guide teams through times of disruption and uncertainty. Speakers Oluwakayode Odeal This is a placeholder, once he shares his profile, it’ll be shared Akakabota Onajevwe - Group, Head People Operations, Silverbird Group Onajevwe Akakabota is a seasoned HR practitioner with over thirteen years of diverse experience in the field. She currently serves as the Group Head of People Operations for Silverbird Group, where she is focused on driving sustainable business growth while cultivating a positive operating culture within the organization. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) and holds the prestigious SPHRi certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as well as the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), underscoring her commitment to professional excellence. She is currently pursuing her MBA IN International Business Management. Beyond her role at Silverbird, Onajevwe is passionate about elevating organizational effectiveness and fostering development initiatives. She has a keen eye for team performance, employee development, culture intervention, and operational efficiency, tirelessly endeavoring to propel organizations toward their objectives. In addition to her professional pursuits, Onajevwe is deeply committed to women empowerment. She uses her platform to motivate and inspire women, encouraging them to break barriers and achieve their full potential. Through her multifaceted contributions, Onajevwe continues to leave an indelible mark on the HR landscape, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the advancement of individuals and organizations alike. Nigeria Leadership, HR & Talent Strategies Leading with Influence: How Executive Management Can Drive Culture and Engage Their Teams Zoom Link will be shared upon registration This webinar will address how executives can lead with influence, create an environment that nurtures strong company culture, and engage teams to deliver outstanding business results. Wednesday, 30 April 2025 7:00 am Register Now