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Scaling a chili export business, despite pandemic shocks All Stories Twahirwa Dieudonné Position: Entrepreneur Company: Gashora chilli export farm Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Rwanda If you want to hear a story out of a crisis, you have to talk to people like Dieudonné. Like many, his Gashora chilli export farm, founded in 2013, never anticipated the impact of the pandemic. He never imagined having to keep business going while the world shut down. As restrictions tightened, Twahirwa and his team had to quickly rethink their strategy. Fortunately, his good relationship with one of his financers, the Development Bank of Rwanda, connected him to AMI’s Grow Your Agribusiness Programme, which is aimed at equipping Agri-business owners like him across Africa with skills and tools to overcome shocks and setbacks resulting from economic crisis. After some time on the programme, Twahirwa started thinking more broadly. He got the skills and tools to diversify his pool of suppliers. He applied AMI’s cash flow management tool along with lessons on strategic management to rethink how he was running the business. Scaling a chilli export business, despite pandemic shocks Ultimately, he decided to reduce the size of his farm in order to reduce his expenses and began outsourcing through other local farmers. Gashora Farm has since increased the number of partner smallholder farmers far beyond Rwanda and DRC borders. He now works in partnership with smallholder farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. “As a result of this program, we have managed to increase the number of smallholder farmers that we work with to around 10,000.”

Pro Strategy Takes the Lead in Digital Transformation Across Africa All Stories Pascal Aloo Position: Founder Company: Pro Strategy Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya As an educator, Pascal Aloo recognized a significant gap in Africa’s approach to digital transformation. While technology had the potential to drive innovation and improve lives, many young professionals lacked the skills to harness its full potential. This realization led to the creation of Pro Strategy, a company dedicated to equipping young Africans with the digital knowledge they need to thrive in their careers and businesses. Despite a strong demand for its courses, Pro Strategy faced challenges in scaling. "Before joining the GYB programme, we had proven that our courses were needed, but setting up systems, automating processes, and managing operations efficiently remained difficult. We wanted to grow and reach more learners, but we lacked the right tools to do so," Pascal explains. Joining AMI’s Grow Your Business (GYB) programme provided the structure and resources needed to take Pro Strategy to the next level. "The biggest learning for me was the tools, especially the OKR Tracker. It allowed us to capture key organisational data, track qualitative feedback, and hold coaching sessions with our team. This helped us improve production, align staff with company values, and provide better support for our employees." A major shift came from adopting goal-setting and tracking mechanisms. "The practice of setting targets and reflecting on them monthly transformed how we operate. Team discussions around goals allowed us to work backwards, identifying where we could have increased our efforts based on data. It also encouraged ownership, everyone was working towards a shared vision." The impact was clear: Pro Strategy achieved an 84% revenue increase in 2024. This growth came from a mix of improved internal processes, stronger team motivation, and better communication. "We sustained existing clients while successfully attracting new ones," Pascal notes. The business expansion also led to job creation, with new hires in product development, sales, and marketing - all young professionals. "We believe in empowering the next generation, and I’m proud that we maintain a 50/50 gender balance. One of our employees is a young mother, and it means a lot to us that we can provide stable opportunities that support families." “The programme gave us the tools we needed to scale, and the results speak for themselves. We improved our processes, set clear goals, and created a stronger team culture. With better systems in place, we’ve grown our revenue and expanded our team, hiring young professionals who are now shaping the future of digital skills in Africa” Beyond its commercial success, Pro Strategy is driving capacity building at scale. "Our biggest objective is to equip learners with relevant skills that accelerate their careers and businesses. Recently, we hosted a mental health workshop with over 200 participants, and the impact was monumental." The company also integrates sustainability into its training. "We teach modern skills with an environmental lens—raising awareness on green sector opportunities and showing young professionals how they can be champions for the planet." Reflecting on the journey, Pascal sees the GYB programme as a turning point for Pro Strategy. "It gave us the structure, confidence, and tools to grow. Today, we’re not just expanding as a business, we’re shaping the future of Africa’s workforce." Download Pascal Aloo's Story Download AMI's 2024 Impact Report

Back to News Updates South Africa Empowering South African SMEs: AMI’s ESD Partnerships and Practical Training Solutions 14 Nov 2024 Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, driving growth, job creation, and innovation. However, many SMEs face significant challenges accessing the resources and guidance they need to scale successfully. Common barriers include limited access to financing, lack of skills training, and insufficient networking opportunities. The African Management Institute (AMI) is tackling these issues through its mission to empower SMEs with the tools, skills, and support they need to thrive. Through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) partnerships, AMI delivers tailored training programs to SMEs that promote resilience and competitiveness. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of small businesses but also builds a foundation for long-term success. AMI’s Approach to Empowering SMEs through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) AMI’s strategy centers on Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), a model designed to help SMEs overcome common barriers to growth. ESD is crucial for the South African business landscape, as it creates opportunities for SMEs to become integral parts of larger supply chains and access broader markets. AMI’s training programs are crafted with practical tools and actionable insights that provide real-world solutions for these businesses. By partnering with industry leaders and development organizations, AMI tailors its programs to meet the unique needs of SMEs across various sectors. With hands-on methodologies, AMI provides ongoing support and mentoring, enabling SMEs to build essential skills and apply new strategies to grow and scale sustainably. Event Overview: Lunch, Learn, and Network for Partners and SMEs On September 12, 2024, AMI hosted its Lunch, Learn, and Network event in Johannesburg, a unique gathering designed to connect current and prospective partners with the transformative work AMI is doing in the SME space. This immersive event wasn’t just a typical presentation—it was a hands-on experience showcasing AMI’s tailored training tools and engaging methodologies. Andrea Warriner, Managing Director, AMI Impact, opened the event with a presentation on AMI’s research-backed approach to SME development. She emphasized that the partner journey with AMI is more than just an engagement; it is a commitment to build enduring, impactful partnerships. This collaborative approach not only benefits SMEs but also strengthens the support network within South Africa’s business ecosystem. Interactive Learning and Tools in Action To energize attendees, the event kicked off with an interactive "Pulse Check" activity, where participants shared their business goals and personal strengths. This icebreaker set a collaborative tone for the day, building connections and sparking potential partnerships. The event also highlighted AMI's suite of programs, including the Start Your Business initiative for emerging entrepreneurs and the Micro Enterprise Accelerator Programme for small and micro businesses. The highlight was the Grow Your Business program, aimed at established businesses looking to scale. Through hands-on exercises, participants explored the program’s Growth Goal Tracker and tools for goal setting, resilience, and operational excellence. Lee from Mpowered, one of the attendees, remarked on the significance of the event’s networking opportunities, saying, "It’s inspiring to see so many organizations with shared goals come together, with a focus on making a real impact for entrepreneurs through Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) initiatives. Networking and Insights from the AMI Growth Network Community One of the highlights of the event was an introduction to the AMI Growth Network Community . This initiative keeps program graduates connected to AMI’s online learning platform, providing access to continuous resources, mentorship, and peer support. Through the Growth Network Community, entrepreneurs are empowered to continue learning and growing long after they complete their initial training. Breakout sessions during the event allowed participants to work through specific challenges and opportunities, using AMI’s 4 C’s (Challenges, Customers, Competitors, Changes) framework. This interactive session demonstrated how structured support and peer collaboration can help entrepreneurs identify and address operational gaps, paving the way for growth. Adams Solomon, an attendee, noted, "Our continent is rich in people and resources, but connecting them to grow businesses is the challenge we’re all trying to solve. This event showed a clear path forward through collaboration." Zamo Shongwe from Buhle Academy shared his enthusiasm for the day, adding, “There’s so much support for SMEs in South Africa. Events like this help entrepreneurs realize the abundance of resources available and, through AMI, learn how to tap into them.” Demonstrating Talent Alignment and Problem-Solving Techniques A live demonstration of Learning Lab 5 from AMI’s Grow Your Business program provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore tools that support team alignment and operational success. In this session, participants learned to use the Agenda for Talent Review and 9-Box Grid tools to assess team capabilities and align them with business goals, a critical element of effective business management. These breakout discussions encouraged participants to evaluate their own business strengths and areas for improvement. By applying tools like the Different Perspectives Tool , entrepreneurs learned how to view challenges from multiple angles, fostering innovative solutions that drive business success. Key Takeaways and the Power of Collaboration Reflecting on the event’s impact, participants underscored the importance of collaboration within the SME ecosystem. Ivan Achiume from Mpowered shared his insights, noting, “Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration—that’s the takeaway I’m leaving with today.” Such networking events serve as a vital platform for SMEs to connect with peers, share resources, and gain insights that can elevate their business strategies. Marang Marikane, a seasoned AMI Learning Lab facilitator and entrepreneur, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing, “Gatherings like this are essential for entrepreneurs in South Africa. We need a network of resources and support, and AMI provides exactly that through events like today’s.” Join AMI’s Mission to Empower South African SMEs AMI’s Lunch, Learn, and Network event highlighted the transformative power of partnerships and practical tools in SME development. By combining hands-on training, ESD partnerships, and continuous support, AMI is creating an ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth for South African SMEs. As we continue our mission, we invite more organizations, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to join us in empowering SMEs across South Africa. Through future events and collaborative programs, AMI is committed to driving economic impact and supporting the growth of SMEs. If you’re interested in contributing to this mission, connect with AMI to explore partnership opportunities and make a lasting difference in South Africa’s business landscape.

‘Winning Behaviours’ Diagnostic Tool Launch Nigeria HR & Talent Strategies ‘Winning Behaviours’ Diagnostic Tool Launch Catch the highlights from AMI's official launch in Lagos, Nigeria, on September 25th and 26th! This 2-day event marked AMI’s commitment to having a strong presence on the ground, supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs, and building high-performing teams through AMI Enterprise and AMI Impact. Register Now Additional Info Register Now

Training Managers for Rapid Growth All Stories Position: Department Head Company: M-KOPA Solar Programme: Leadership Development Programme Country: Kenya When leading pay-as-you-go solar provider M-KOPA Solar was experiencing unprecedented growth, they urgently needed a training programme to strengthen their senior managers, ensuring their adaptability, effectiveness, and leadership during a time of tremendous organisational change. AMI collaborated with the solar company to develop a one-year leadership development programme that focused on leadership skills, personal effectiveness, strategic acumen, and general management skills. In addition to a customised core curriculum of in-person workshops and online courses, the programme also featured personalised learning, coaching and mentoring, and practical team projects. Each participant focused on key topics like personal productivity, goal setting, and team motivation. The impact on the M-KOPA team was significant. 100% of participants said they could apply what they learned on the job, and they were more effective as a result. Each one also acquired new skills in key management areas. “The insights given during the programme were invaluable, and I engaged well with the teaching methods and content,” says Edwin, a department head. In addition, the team projects helped address real challenges in the organisation and even led to the creation of management values and performance indicators. Samuel, the Chief Human Resource Officer at M-KOPA, says that the overall organisation “has seen tons of value from the programme.” Seeing the programme in action gave him “a lot of confidence that we have great leadership strength.” As a result, M-KOPA asked AMI to help train two more cohorts of senior managers, and have launched two middle management programmes, in Kenya and Uganda.

Stop letting your managers "figure it out." Move beyond theory and install a high-performance leadership standard that scales with your vision. Leadership training is not a "soft luxury." It is your most critical piece of hardware. Most management training is forgotten within a week. Why? Because it stays in the manual. The AMI Management Development Programme (MDP) is different. We don't just teach your rising stars; we equip them with a shared toolkit to manage themselves, empower their teams, and drive consistent results. All Programmes Open Enrolment Pan-African Management Development Programme Stop letting your managers "figure it out." Move beyond theory and install a high-performance leadership standard that scales with your vision. CATEGORY Executive, Leadership, & Management DESIGNED FOR Managers, New Managers, Team Leads FORMAT Virtual DURATION 6 Months COST $ 750 NEXT COHORT START April 2026 Get Team Pricing Overview Stop high-performers from becoming "Accidental Managers." Many managers arrive into their position because they thrived as individual contributors. However, managing requires a completely different piece of hardware to deliver results when leading teams to achieve specific goals and targets. Whether a new or seasoned manager, AMI’s flagship programme "installs" the high-performance habits they need to deliver results through others. AMI's learning approach moves beyond the traditional classroom, combining interactive workshops, self-led online learning, and real-time feedback. We focus on manager-specific tools that ensure your rising stars learn quickly and effectively while on the job. Over six months, AMI turns your managers’ daily operations into a high-stakes learning lab. Every tool we provide is designed to be deployed immediately, forcing a shift from passive theory to active leadership. Your managers will gain the Hard Tools required to resolve conflict, delegate with precision, .and lead diverse teams across the continent. We focus on aggressive habit-building, ensuring that what is learned on Tuesday is driving your bottom line on Wednesday Key Outcomes Focus Areas Coaching Effective communication Effectively delegating tasks Emotional intelligence Influencing without authority Managing teams Performance management Personal productivity Learning Journey Phase 1: Empowering your People Understanding key responsibilities in guiding and supporting a team. The importance of clear, open, and purposeful communication. Leading through persuasion and relationship-building rather than relying on formal power. Encouraging autonomy, trust, and growth in team members to unlock their potential. Phase 2: Overcoming Challenges Giving feedback and handling difficult conversations Identifying and nurturing the factors that drive individuals and teams to perform their best Mastering time management Phase 3: Building Great Teams Phase 3: Building High-Performing Teams Navigating the unique interactions, strengths, and challenges that drive team success Inspiring a culture of continuous learning, resilience, and openness to change within teams. Establishing strong, authentic relationships that foster collaboration and empower team members. Using coaching techniques to guide individuals toward realizing their full potential and excelling in their roles What's Included Who Can Enroll? Team Motivation and Productivity The Hardware: Moving beyond "inspiration" to Active Engagement. Implement practical strategies that turn a group of individuals into a high-performance unit. The Bottom Line: Reduce the hidden cost of "quiet quitting" and disengagement. Install a culture where every team member is aligned with your specific goals and targets. Communication and Problem-Solving The Hardware: Strengthening communication for High-Impact Management. Replace "anyhowly" updates with clear, efficient, and strategic directives. The Bottom Line: Rapid Problem-Solving. Equip your managers with the decision-making framework required to navigate scaling challenges without needing you to intervene. Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement The Hardware: Structured processes to Streamline the Engine. Application of lean management tools to eliminate bottlenecks and enhance departmental efficiency. The Bottom Line: No more "Office Firefighting." Move from reactive fixing to a proactive mindset focused on continuous, measurable improvement and innovation. 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. 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 We‘ve seen a lot of efficiency within the team. Managers have learnt how to communicate and influence their team members. Joyce Njeri HR Manager Vivo Fashion Group I would highly recommend the programme, especially if you want to elevate your company's brand and give your employees a platform to improve themselves. Evone Selvarajah Founder & Sales Director Eden Heights Realty This experience reminded me of our shared humanity and the importance of our emotions. The emotional intelligence aspect had a lasting impact on me. It's about creating workplaces where being predictable and open leads to trust and acceptance, allowing for better conversations. Jocelyn Muoki Brand Marketing Manager Vivo Fashion Group 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 VP Operations Workpay As managers, we often take on too much ourselves. I’ve learned how to collaborate better with my team and ensure everyone takes responsibility for their work. I can already see a difference—the team is more engaged and proactive. John Nsubuga Global Human Resource Manager Fenix International 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 Learning & Development Assistant M-GAS Implementing the time management, emotional and communication courses and tools helped me instil trust in the team and increase performance. We were able to improve rotation of duties, decrease faulty meters and increase quality meter production. Terry Abuoro Product Technician, IT M-GAS Start Your Learning Journey Today Get Team Pricing

Building Resilient Farms: How Olube Agro Dealers Is Reshaping Smallholder Agriculture in Uganda All Stories Hilary Maniku Position: Founder Company: Olube Agro Dealers Programme: Aspire Business Growth Programme Country: Uganda What began as a small agribusiness in Uganda’s Terego District has grown into a trusted partner for farmers across the region. Founded by Hillary Maniku, Olube Agro Dealers supports smallholder farmers to boost productivity and income through quality inputs, practical training, and stronger links to markets. Hillary was inspired to start Olube Agro Dealers after witnessing the challenges rural farmers faced, ranging from counterfeit products to limited technical support. His mission was clear: to shift farming from subsistence to a profitable, climate-smart enterprise. By offering authentic agricultural products, advisory services, and market connections, the business set out to boost productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers. Before joining the Aspire programme, Olube Agro Dealers grappled with gaps in systems and structure, especially financial management. Although driven by a deep commitment to farmers, the absence of systems limited growth, decision-making, and consistency. The business also needed to refine its branding and customer segmentation to position itself as a trusted partner for its target partners. The Aspire programme enabled Hillary introduce structured business practices that transformed operations. Particularly, he found the Customer Segment Matrix, Business Model Canvas, and Growth Tracker really helpful in clarifying their value proposition, streamline workflows, and strengthen financial discipline. Growth goals, KPI tracking, and a renewed focus on customer service became central to Olube Agro Dealers' approach. “One of the most impactful lessons was learning to treat my business as a separate entity from me, the founder. This shift has enabled me to introduce formal structures with clear roles and strengthen governance. This, like recordkeeping, monthly performance reviews, and customer feedback loops, are things we do on day-to-day operations.’’ says Hillary. Reflecting on the journey, Hillary continues to share that, "The Aspire Programme was a turning point. It gave us clarity, confidence, and capacity. We moved from running informally to becoming a structured, impact-driven agribusiness. Personally, I grew as a leader, learning to delegate, manage teams, and make data-driven decisions. For our farmers, this transformation meant better services, better yields, and better incomes. Aspire didn’t just grow our business; it strengthened our community." “Aspire didn’t just grow our business; it strengthened our community. We moved from running informally to becoming a structured, impact-driven agribusiness. For our farmers, this transformation meant better services, better yields, and better incomes.” Post-Aspire, Olube Agro Dealer experienced a 40% revenue increase, growing from $41,341 in 2023 to $57,797 in 2024. This growth was driven by improved customer engagement, stronger market linkages, and better inventory planning. The team expanded from 15 to 25 employees, including six field agents, four of whom are youth under 30 and three women, focused on community mobilization, agronomy training, and product distribution. Olube Agro Dealer’s growth has positively impacted over 200 local farmers through improved access to markets, training, and inputs. One notable example is a women’s VSLA group in Drimveni that, after adopting Olube’s tomato and watermelon farming techniques, earned over UGX 2,000,000 in a single season, strengthening both food security and household incomes. Looking ahead, Hilary is excited to enable even more farmers, many of them women and refugees in rural Uganda, with the tools and knowledge to practice climate-smart agriculture. As a community champion, he is passionate about expanding their farmer field school to promote sustainable methods like mulching, integrated pest management, and the use of organic fertilizers, helping reduce chemical use and protect local biodiversity. For Hilary, the future is about empowering his community to be more resilient. Download Hillary Maniku's Story Download AMI's 2024 Impact Report

Back to News News Rwanda COVID-19 Relief and Recovery For Rwandan Entrepreneurs From AMI In Partnership with Mastercard Foundation 16 Nov 2020 Partnership will provide free business learning for 2,500 SMEs and entrepreneurs through virtual business growth and resilience programs in response to COVID-19 crisis Kigali, Rwanda – November 16 2020 – 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) have expanded their partnership in Rwanda with a new program. The partnership is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program and builds on the two organizations’ work in Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism industry since 2019, under the Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative.Businesses from across the country will be eligible to apply for AMI’s free, virtual business recovery and growth programs, which will be delivered in Kinyarwanda, French, and English. AMI will offer its popular short one- month Business Survival Bootcamp as well as a longer six-month Survive to Thrive program to selected businesses. “AMI’s program have created an average of 3.1 jobs per SME and those supported report a 19% revenue increase on average. With proven results, an established presence in Kigali, and as one of the only business learning programs to offer support in Kinyarwanda, we believe AMI is uniquely qualified to support Rwandan businesses during these critical times,” said Diederik Wokke, Rwanda Country Manager for AMI. “During the COVID period, AMI’s virtual learning programs and mobile learning app have enabled us to reach thousands of small businesses across Africa, including in Rwanda. We’re excited to deepen our presence in Rwanda and to help businesses and entrepreneurs get their businesses back on track with the support of the Mastercard Foundation. ”AMI’s Business Survival Bootcamp is a one-month course designed to help businesses navigate the current crisis with access to interactive online workshops, online tools and guidance, and the opportunity to connect with other businesses. The more in-depth Survive to Thrive program is a six-month course which supports businesses to innovate, prepare for the future, and position themselves for renewed growth. Both programs aim to increase the number of businesses that survive the current crisis, saving jobs and creating new jobs opportunities, especially for women and youth.The first Business Survival Bootcamp will start in November 2020 followed by the first Survive to Thrive courses, which will start in the new year. All programs will be conducted in Kinyarwanda or English and will be fully virtual to be compliant with the ongoing COVID-19 measures at a national level. They also will be designed to accommodate the schedules of business owners.“Supporting economic recovery is one of our key areas of focus under the Mastercard Foundation Recovery and Resilience Program—and that means supporting small and medium-sized businesses, ” said Rica Rwigamba, Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with AMI to offer entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge they need not just to rebound from the COVID-19 crisis, but to emerge more resilient. ”AMI is accepting applications for both the Survival Bootcamp and the Survive to Thrive program and encourages applications and inquiries from all Rwandan business owners.Businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for the programs at www.africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . About AMI AMI enables ambitious businesses across Africa to thrive, through practical tools and training. We equip entrepreneurs 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 in-person 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 30 countries.AMI has offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa.For more information on AMI visit: www.africanmanagers.com About the Mastercard Foundation The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org

HR Insights Roundtable Rwanda HR & Talent Strategies HR Insights Roundtable Check out the highlights from AMI's "HR Insight Roundtable" in Rwanda! This event brought together HR professionals and talent development managers to discuss impactful leadership strategies. Register Now Additional Info Register Now

Back to News Update Africa AMI's Evidence-backed Support for MSMEs at Scale 11 May 2026 To better understand the scale and effectiveness of entrepreneurship support across Africa, it’s important to look beyond individual businesses and focus on the wider ripple effect of growth. At African Management Institute (AMI), we are committed to delivering practical business support that helps entrepreneurs grow sustainably, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across the continent. Our latest insights reveal the transformative impact of this work — showing that every entrepreneur reached through AMI programmes improves the lives of 246 people through increased income, employment opportunities, and stronger business resilience. To explore the full impact and learn how AMI is cost-effectively scaling small business support for massive job creation and wage growth across Africa, download our latest insights report and ROI infographic. Download the Report

Becoming a manager means more than just a title change—it comes with new responsibilities and expectations. This short programme focuses on new managers developing new management skills, understanding their evolving role, and building the confidence needed to manage teams effectively. All Programmes Short Programme Changing Gears Becoming a manager means more than just a title change—it comes with new responsibilities and expectations. This short programme focuses on new managers developing new management skills, understanding their evolving role, and building the confidence needed to manage teams effectively. Live Virtual (Online) 1 - 2 Months Request Information Designed for New Managers, Team Leads, & Supervisors Learning Journey Phase 1: Understanding Your Role What has changed now that I am a manager? What new responsibilities must I embrace? Phase 2: Empowering Your People How do I get my team to take ownership and deliver results? What leadership techniques foster accountability and engagement? Phase 3: Navigating Difficult Conversations I gave instructions, but they weren’t followed—what now? How do I handle performance and feedback conversations effectively? What's Included This 2-month blended programme includes: Two Cohort Learning Lab workshops One Reflection Masterclass Access to online courses and practical business tools Graduation event & AMI certification Custom Learning @ Scale Enterprise & Workplace Learning AMI partners with organizations to offer the Changing Gears Short Programme as an enterprise-wide learning solution for cohorts or groups of new managers. Learning how to change gears together will create a sense of shared experience and build cohesion between these managers for years to come. Guided & Supported Learning Journeys Explore AMI's Learning Approach 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. We‘ve seen a lot of efficiency within the team. Managers have learnt how to communicate and influence their team members. Joyce Njeri HR Manager Vivo Fashion Group I'm able to better manage my tasks and goals by setting definite deadlines and manage my energy & productivity. Anderson Bett Customer Success Manager PowerGen Connect with AMI to learn how this programme can unlock growth & performance. Learn More 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 an AMI Learning Advisor Explore related programmes enrolling now AMI offers editions of this programme for open enrollment for individuals and smaller teams, in addition to offering our programmes at scale along side impact partners and workplace learning customers. Overview The transition to management requires a new mindset, enhanced skills, and the ability to navigate team dynamics effectively. The Changing Gears Short Programme focuses on the essential components of management development, equipping new and existing managers with practical tools to handle key leadership challenges. Participants will learn how to set expectations, communicate effectively, manage performance, and lead with authority while maintaining trust. Through structured learning, hands-on exercises, and expert-led sessions, managers will gain confidence in making decisions, resolving conflicts, and fostering accountability within their teams.The transition from an individual contributor to a manager requires a shift in skills, mindset, and responsibilities. Key Outcomes Strengthen Leadership Effectiveness Build confidence in making strategic management decisions. Develop a leadership mindset that fosters team accountability. Enhance Team Engagement & Performance Improve communication and delegation skills. Increase team motivation, ownership, and collaboration. Manage Challenges with Confidence Learn how to handle performance issues effectively. Master techniques for conducting difficult conversations. Focus Areas Courageous Conversations Effective Communication Empowering Your Team Feedback & Performance Management Influencing Without Authority Role of a Manager Setting Goals for Success

Kenyan Youth Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs for Youth All Stories Munune Githiri & Vanessa Mwaniki Position: Co-Founders Company: Orac Branding Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya Kenya’s Orac Branding enrolled in AMI’s flagship Grow Your Business programme in 2021.Their two youth founders increased revenue by 70% in 2022, created 10 jobs and forged partnerships with other entrepreneurs they met on our programme. Orac Branding, a marketing and branding agency based in Nairobi, was co-founded by young Kenyan entrepreneurs Munune Githiri and Vanessa Mwaniki. Munene noted that he started his business because he is passionate about the sector, and noted that ‘back in the day marketing and branding was for the big boys with the big budgets. I saw an opportunity where micro and small businesses needed to understand what marketing is. We give them knowledge at a fair price’. Munene commented: Munene said that a growth in revenue (a 69% growth from 2021-22) and an ability to hire new staff was the most significant change that resulted from the programme. He attributes the growth to developing a sales strategy for the business, implementing cost reduction strategies and re-evaluating the needs of the customers in order to better understand how they could meet that need. Orac created 4 full time and 6 part time jobs in 2022, hiring 3 Kenyan youth into their first jobs. Beyond this direct job creation, Orac uses their expertise to develop Micro SMEs with branding skills within their community – 551 to date. Munene comments that he is aware of at least 12 of these businesses that have hired 1-2 additional staff themselves. Munene said that a growth in revenue (a 69% growth from 2021-22) and an ability to hire new staff was the most significant change that resulted from the programme. He attributes the growth to developing a sales strategy for the business, implementing cost reduction strategies and re-evaluating the needs of the customers in order to better understand how they could meet that need. Orac created 4 full time and 6 part time jobs in 2022, hiring 3 Kenyan youth into their first jobs.Beyond this direct job creation, Orac uses their expertise to develop Micro SMEs with branding skills within their community – 551 to date. Munene comments that he is aware of at least 12 of these businesses that have hired 1-2 additional staff themselves. To learn more about the African Management Institute and our Grow Your Business Programme, visit www.africanmanagers.org/gyb