Back to News News Africa Stanford Seed renews collaboration with AMI to support African entrepreneurs 8 Feb 2023 Nairobi, Kenya - Seed, a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative, has renewed its collaboration with the African Management Institute (AMI) in its ongoing effort to partner with entrepreneurs to help them build thriving enterprises that transform lives. Stanford has announced a new scholarship fund for the initiative, which spans the African continent, and will now include francophone Africa. Launched in partnership with Stanford Seed in 2021, AMI’s Aspire Business Growth Programme provides owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their senior teams with practical learning and training to power growth in their business with 88% of graduates attributing accelerated business growth to the programme. “Partnering with AMI to offer the Aspire Business Growth Programme has expanded our ability to reach more SMEs across Africa, while also preparing businesses to be positioned to join Stanford Seed’s Transformation Program for established CEOs and founders,” said Darius Teter, Seed Executive Director. “Evidence shows that small and early stage businesses are in need of more tailored support. Through Aspire we’re able to offer support to entrepreneurs at an earlier stage of their journey through AMI’s practical programme built specifically for African business owners.’’ Pictured: Nana Ama Yankah, Founder NAYA Naturals Limited and Aspire programme alumnus Designed for business owners with annual revenue of between $20,000 - $400,000 USD, Aspire is delivered virtually over a six-month learning journey, with participating businesses joining pan-African cohorts of 30 businesses. The programme offers access to AMI’s practical business tools and resources through experiential workshops, online platform access, and peer groups, in addition to a live session delivered by Stanford Seed Graduate School of Business Faculty. Access to Stanford Seed mentors is offered to a select number of participants who operate high performing businesses that successfully complete all the programme requirements. “Aspire draws on AMI’s business growth methodology and practical learning approach that has proven to help African businesses grow and thrive,” said Rebecca Harrison, CEO and Co-founder of AMI. “The Aspire programme is designed for small-to-medium sized businesses(SMEs) who benefit from learnings focused on five key pillars including: Strategy & Planning; Customers & Markets; Finance & Money; People & Talent and Operations Efficiency.” Pictured: Delali Pearce Kporha, Founder Macht Limited and Aspire programme alumnus Thousands of well established SMEs generating revenue between $300,000 - $15M USD have applied to Stanford Seed’s flagship programme, the Seed Transformation Program (STP), but the programme admits only a select few. Originally offered as an alternative option for African businesses that do not meet the minimum requirements, AMI and Seed have opened the application process for the Aspire Business Growth Programme to businesses across the continent after a successful pilot. 130 businesses have enrolled in the programme so far with 88% of participants that complete, attributing their business growth to the programme. “In 2021, our business was at a stagnant state, we were not growing and we didn't know what to do next. The Aspire programme gave us a 360 degree look at the business. The tools were a game changer. Before Aspire we kept postponing decisions as we run the day to day operations of the business, but now we have a way of making both big and small decisions and more importantly bringing people on board to the decisions. Our revenue has grown, our business continues to grow thanks to Aspire’’ - Raphael Opiyo Obiero, Founder of Nawiri African Sprouts Ltd and Aspire Programme participant Applications for the March 2023 English cohort are now open at https://africanmanagers.com/aspire-stanford-seed/ . The deadline to apply is March 13th, 2023. To learn more and apply for the the Aspire Business Growth Programme in French visit: https://africanmanagers.com/fr/aspire-stanfordseed/ Stanford Seed will be offering scholarships of up to 75% to qualified applicants, based on the organisation's needs. About Stanford Seed Stanford Seed has for several years partnered with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to help them build thriving enterprises that transform lives. The institute, which is a part of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, offers the Seed Transformation Program well established businesses with annual revenue between $300k - $15M and strong potential for growth. Following the program, participants have raised a collective $690M in capital. Applications for the 2024 program open on March 1st, 2023. Learn more about the Stanford Seed Transformation Program here . About the African Management Institute (AMI) 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 in-person workshops and on-the-job practice and support. AMI has trained over 42,000 people in over 39 countries and has offices in Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, with additional presence in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Cote' d'Ivoire. Learn more about AMI here: https://africanmanagers.com/

Back to News News Nigeria AMI Nigeria Recognised for Driving SME Growth at BusinessDay Top 100 SMEs Conference 13 Dec 2024 The African Management Institute (AMI) was recognised for its outstanding contribution to SME growth at the BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs Conference held on Friday, 9th December 2024, at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos. “It’s an honour to be recognised for our work in empowering SMEs, which are the backbone of Africa’s economy,” said Sheila Ojei, Country Manager, AMI Nigeria. “At AMI, we believe that capacity development is key to unlocking the potential of SMEs and driving economic transformation across Africa.” The event brought together Nigeria’s most innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and industry leaders to celebrate success and discuss strategies for sustainable business growth. AMI’s participation underscored its commitment to capacity development as a critical driver of SME success and its transformative impact across the sector. At the event, AMI showcased its flagship Aspire Business Growth Programme , a tailored initiative designed in collaboration with Stanford Seed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools, strategies, and mentorship to scale their businesses and overcome challenges in an evolving economic landscape. Sheila Ojei, Country Manager, AMI Nigeria, and other business leaders at the Top 100 SME Conference in Nigeria The conference also provided AMI with a platform to engage with entrepreneurs and stakeholders in meaningful conversations about the role of leadership and business development in fostering SME success. The recognition highlights AMI’s ongoing commitment to delivering impactful programs that address the unique needs of African businesses. AMI remains dedicated to enabling business growth through practical, results-driven learning and development solutions. Programs such as the Aspire Business Growth Programme continue to create measurable change by empowering business owners to lead, scale, and thrive in competitive markets. For more information about the African Management Institute and its programs in Nigeria, visit www.africanmanagers.com/nigeria

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.

Back to News News South Africa Uber Eats & AMI Empower Restaurant Entrepreneurs with Practical Tools & Cash Prizes! 26 Jul 2024 The African Management Institute (AMI) recently partnered with Uber Eats, one of the leading food delivery companies, to launch an exciting program that transformed the lives of entrepreneurs and their businesses through practical tools and cash prizes towards their businesses. Over a six-month learning journey with AMI, entrepreneurs gained access to practical business tools, resources, and courses designed to propel their businesses forward. This initiative, known as the Grow Your Business Programme, kicked off with over 200 Uber Eats restaurant partners across South Africa invited in a selection bootcamp focused on setting up for growth. Thabang Calvin of Mofine Foods shared his experience, highlighting how the learning tools helped him improve compliance and leadership skills. The Money Practices Toolkit, in particular, stood out to him as he lacked a financial background and had been running his business based on intuition. “At the beginning of the programme, we were busy applying for the right business compliance with the City of Tshwane and setting up recording systems to capture business transactions. With the Money Practices Toolkit, that is now a possibility. Our revenue has improved because I can negotiate for discount stock prices with suppliers, saving money. I also conducted a customer survey to better understand their needs, which yielded great results,” said Thabang. “When setting growth goals using the Growth Goal Tracker, I used to aim for business objectives without a formal follow-up procedure. This tool helps me track and document progress, showing how far I am from achieving each goal. With no accounting background, the Money Practices tools guided me in recording business transactions. It’s still a learning journey, but the tools are easy to use and come with instructions. We’ve also developed better relationships with suppliers, negotiating better stock prices.” Asive Maxama, owner of Wakanda Restaurant, was among the top three entrepreneurs who received a voucher to grow her business. She focused on Talent Practices, especially Feedback & Coaching, involving her team more in decision-making and improving record-keeping to reduce costs and budget efficiently. “They now have a better understanding of the business, take on greater roles, and go the extra mile. They understand costs and have helped reduce expenses. By including the team and surveying customers for feedback, we’ve improved our reviews and better understand customer needs,” shared Asive. Tinashe Ladner Chinyang, owner of Zondo Chillspot, identified Talent Practices as a key focus from the start, aiming for staff learning, career advancement, and talent planning. “Team members help each other more, no more late arrivals, and they are more confident in their work. They understand the organizational goals better, and the team spirit has improved thanks to the Talent Practice Toolkit. Tools like the Check-in Guide, Competency Grid, Smart Goals, and Motivating People have been transformative. We created profiles for every team member using the Competency Grid, and they have shown a sense of purpose. Regular check-ins have been helpful, motivating them to connect with their inner selves and their work.” These are just a few of the many success stories from entrepreneurs who have benefited from AMI’s practical business tools designed to support growth. At AMI, we are passionate about helping entrepreneurs thrive and build thriving businesses and teams. Through programs like the Grow Your Business practical support training program, focused on growth mentality, we are pioneering Africa’s champions together with our partners. Contact us for more stories like this and to learn how we can partner with your organization.

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 Update Rwanda Bank of Kigali partners with AMI to train employees with new strategic skills and graduates over 200 staff 31 May 2023 As a financial institution looking to improve the quality and profitability of its assets, the Bank of Kigali (BK) joined hands with the African Management Institute (AMI) to foster a productive and employee-focused workplace. The unique knowledge partnership agreement between the two institutions saw 205 employees from the Rwandan leading bank excitedly attend their virtual graduation ceremony last Friday, 26th May 2023, after completing a 4-month skills development program. Under the Mastercard Foundation's Hanga Ahazaza Initiative, Workplace Learning Programmes have been designed to equip customer-facing employees with essential skills and tools to enhance professional growth. Participants have undergone comprehensive training in various areas, including goal setting, time management, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, project management, supervision, team building, customer care, and sector-specific topics. "The Workplace Learning Programmes have equipped them with valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to excel in their roles. I am incredibly proud of everyone who has successfully navigated this journey. At AMI, we support and promote skills development for individuals in the workplace as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Our partnership with BK is by far the most exceptional collaboration we have had with a financial company. We have already trained over 300 individuals, and we already enrolling 300 more staff into our next intake." said Malik Shaffy Lizinde, Country Manager of the African Management Institute The event featured inspiring speeches and testimonials from ‘champion graduates’, these were outstanding participants who demonstrated exceptional commitment by completing more than the required number of courses to graduate from the program. They spoke with passion about the invaluable tools and skills they gained, underscoring the positive impact on their professional lives. Their stories, filled with triumphs over challenges and notable achievements, exemplified the program's effectiveness and its potential to empower individuals for success. These testimonials served as a powerful testament to the program's ability to equip individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields. "The program has equipped me with valuable skills like teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, and self-confidence. My challenge was improving change management through pre-work, managing transitions and resistance, and developing a change plan. Using AMI's frameworks and tools, I've experienced positive changes such as increased job satisfaction and tool adoption among my team. This program has truly transformed my work approach." Frank Ndahiro, Operations Manager An excited Kukunda Allen, a Branch Business Manager who wanted to improve her face-to-face communication skills with humility and prioritization shared how her team successfully adopted the prioritization matrix for organizing their daily tasks and added: "Since completing the program, notable changes have occurred. I now deliver reports promptly, effectively address client queries, and actively practice active listening, resulting in improved customer service and positive outcomes. This program has significantly improved my managerial skills and work performance" Joseph Kazuungo S. Gondwe, Chief of People and Culture at the Bank of Kigali, conveyed his gratitude for the fruitful partnership between the Bank of Kigali and the African Management Institute. In addition, he extended his congratulations to the graduates. "Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your lives! Remember that this is just the beginning and the possibilities before you are limitless. Believe in your abilities, for you have already proven you can achieve great things. Cherish the connections you have formed during your time as a student. Find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. As you navigate the professional world, embrace resilience and perseverance. Finally, do not forget the importance of self-care and well-being. Your mental, emotional, and physical health are crucial components of a successful and fulfilling life. Prioritize self-reflection, balance, and self-care as you pursue your goals. Congratulations again, and may your future be filled with endless possibilities and remarkable achievements." Learn more about the African Management Institute and apply to join its entrepreneurship development and workplace learning programmes at africanmanagers.co m /rwanda .

Back to News Update Rwanda The District of Musanze partners with the African Management Institute (AMI) to strengthen entrepreneur business skills 30 Mar 2022 The District of Musanze and the African Management Institute (AMI) have signed a one-year partnership to strengthen the practical skills and knowledge of entrepreneurs and managers in the district through AMI’s unique training programmes. African Management Institute programmes, offered through the Hanga Ahazaza initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, focus on increasing employment opportunities for young people while expanding the hospitality and tourism sector in Rwanda. Since 2019, almost 900 managers and entry-level employees have graduated from AMI’s Workplace Learning programmes and more than 400 entrepreneurs and business leaders both in the Hospitality & Tourism sectors have benefited from AMI’s entrepreneurship programmes last year. Under the new partnership with Musanze District, AMI aims at enrolling a minimum of 70 entrepreneurs and business owners into its Survive to Thrive programme which is a 4-month practical business growth programme that equips business leaders and their teams with skills and tools to help them address challenges affecting their enterprises and be able to recognize and seize business opportunities. In addition, AMI will support more than 200 supervisors and aspiring supervisors in the hospitality and tourism sector as well as the creative industry to develop their management skills through the workplace learning programmes ‘Inspiring Managers’ and ‘Thrive@Work.’ “This is a timely partnership as AMI expands its reach to Musanze Community. We have worked with the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) to set up a new office at their Innovation Hub at the Musanze Youth Centre. Young entrepreneurs will be able to visit the Hub to learn about our programmes and meet our Growth Guides who will support them to acquire the skills they need to keep their businesses operating. We look forward to working with business leaders and managers on this journey. I encourage them to visit the youth centre or our website to apply for an AMI programme that suits their business goals," said Malik Shaffy, AMI Rwanda Country Director. Janvier Ramuli, Mayor of Musanze District, appreciated AMI’s support to entrepreneurs and business managers to build their companies and find new ways to provide great customer care. ”Musanze is one of the major secondary cities and the hub of Rwanda's tourism and hospitality industry. We are delighted to partner with AMI as their programmes will help build skills and opportunity for young Rwandans and contribute to the economic development of the district at scale,” he said. Following the signing of the agreement with Musanze District, the AMI management team met with AMI Alumni based in Musanze to celebrate their achievements, and discuss challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as ways to overcome them. To learn more about AMI’s programmes, visit africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . If you are in Musanze District, you can apply for the Inspiring Managers programme at bit.ly/AMITW-Musanze and Survive to Thrive programme at bit.ly/AMIS2T-Musanze . African Management Institute AMI enables ambitious businesses across Africa to thrive, through practical tools and training. We equip entrepreneurs, business leaders and managers with tools to build their businesses, 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-19 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 Kigali, Nairobi and Johannesburg. For more information, visit www.africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . Musanze District Musanze is Rwanda's most mountainous district and the most popular tourist destination in the country, with the majestic gorillas found at the Volcanoes National Park. Five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga chain (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura) are within the district boundaries. With all the tourist attractions, Musanze District is one of the top districts with many rising businesses working under the tourism and hospitality sector and the creative industry. Learn more at www.musanze.gov.rw . AMI to open a new office in Musanze District to facilitate the implementation of its outreach programme More than 200 managers and hospitality personnel in Musanze District will benefit from capacity-building training under AMI’s Inspiring Managers and Thrive@Work programmes. At least 70 entrepreneurs and their management team will have access to AMI’s Survive to Thrive programme to sharpen their business development skills.

Back to News News Africa AMI Recognized as One of the World’s Most Promising Impact Companies by Norrsken 27 Sept 2024 The African Management Institute (AMI) has been selected for this year’s prestigious Norrsken Impact/100 list . As one of only 8 African companies to make the list, this solidifies their position as one of the world’s most promising impact companies. The Impact/100, created by Norrsken, is an annual compilation of the globe’s most innovative and impactful startups. This esteemed list is curated through nominations from 40 partners, including renowned investors such as Breakthrough Energy, Norrksen22, Atomico, Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z), Khosla Ventures, and DC/VC. AMI’s Global Recognition Out of over 1,200 globally nominated companies, AMI stood out for our work pioneering practical, tech-enabled business learning at scale for Africa’s ambitious companies and talent. This acknowledgment from Norrsken and its distinguished nomination partners highlights AMI’s significant contribution to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. “We’re building AMI to supercharge Africa’s ambitious companies and talent – not to win prizes. But when you’re in the trenches, this kind of recognition goes a long way. I am so proud of our team and thankful to our clients, investors, and friends – as well as the 37k businesses we’ve supported across Africa. Now onwards with the work of supercharging the performance of the next 100k African business champions!”, Rebecca Harrison, CEO & Co-Founder of AMI, shared her thoughts on this achievement. During New York Climate Week, the AMI logo was prominently displayed on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, serving as a powerful reminder of the global significance of their work. A Decade of Impact Since its inception 10 years ago, AMI has made a profound impact on the African continent: Supported over 37,000 businesses through AMI programs Facilitated the creation of more than 97,000 jobs, improving over 1.4 million lives Generated $48 in revenue for businesses for every $1 invested in an AMI programme Read more about AMI’s impact in their first decade of delivering business learning and practical training across the continent in our annual Impact Report: 10 Years as an African Champion for Africa’s Business Champions .

Developing Future-Fit Leaders for the Green Economy All Case Studies Case Study Impact at Scale Developing Future-Fit Leaders for the Green Economy Background The off-grid energy sector in Africa depends on middle managers like Sylvia Achando to enhance energy access and address climate change. Through the UKAID-funded Empowering Managers program, Sylvia and over 500 leaders from 85 companies have gained essential skills for managing remote areas using AMI’s TEA platform. Challenge In Kenya’s off-grid solar sector, middle managers like Sylvia Achando are crucial for improving energy access and tackling climate change. However, they face skill gaps in communication, delegation, and problem-solving as they take on more responsibilities in a complex industry. Solution UKAID's Empowering Managers programme under the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform provided training to Sylvia and 500 emerging leaders from 85 companies, focusing on practical skills for managing teams in the off-grid energy sector. Results After the program, 82% of companies reported improved performance, with 73% experiencing revenue growth. Sylvia and her team enhanced performance, and Solar Panda saw stronger leadership among women managers like Sylvia, who are better equipped to implement climate solutions in rural Africa. This journey has been a learning curve, teaching me the value of resilience and persistence. I used to struggle with giving feedback, but now I can communicate effectively and delegate tasks, which has significantly improved my team’s performance. Sylvia Achando Human Resource & Admin Solar Panda The story behind the journey Sylvia Achando, 31, was just out of college when she began her career in solar energy. She now leads the collections department at Solar Panda, which provides innovative home solar to remote villages in Kenya. A lot has changed ever since she first started out 7 years ago. So, growth for Sylvia has meant, not just hard work but upskilling. She is part of an unheralded and unlikely category of middle managers responsible for driving energy access and combating climate change across Africa. Managers like her oversee around 150,000 people employed in Africa’s off-grid sector. Like any emerging professional, Sylvia had to grow her skills as responsibilities in her company grew. Through Solar Panda, Sylvia, along with 500 emerging leaders across 85 companies, levelled up their management skills under UKAID’s Transforming Energy Access platform and its Empowering Managers programme, implemented by AMI. The focus of the programme, part of a consortium within the Off-Grid Talent Initiative (OGTI), was to improve managerial capacity and, consequently, the impact of companies in delivering private sector solutions. “I used to struggle with giving feedback, now I am able to communicate effectively and delegate tasks, which has helped the team’s performance,” she reflects. In 2021, the UK government during COP26 announced a new ‘scale-up’ funding to the tune of £126 million for Transforming Energy Access (TEA). With programmes like Empowering Managers initially funded by TEA, in managers like Sylvia are getting a vote of confidence. Impact data from the Empowering Managers programme illustrates the efficacy of such upskilling, indicating how they are already paying dividends for both the sector’s rising managerial talent, as well as businesses. For example, after the programme, 82% of companies participating noted improvements in their company’s key performance metric. 73% also reported increased company revenues whilst 100% of participants reported improved management skills. Joy Asuke, HR manager for Solar Panda, enrolled seven other women managers along with Sylvia into the programme with the intention of helping them excel in the sector’s uniqueness. “It’s a very unique space where negotiation, communication, and critical thinking skills are very important. Team managers who work with local communities have to navigate, educate, and convince towards purchasing solar kits,” says Joy, who manages Panda’s 250 staff. Joy adds, “Women are doing better in management positions, and as an organisation, we are keen to grow them in leadership because we see them bring a lot of commitment, patience, and a go-getter spirit quality, critical in the rural communities we work.” Companies within Africa’s green sector, therefore, need managers with skill beyond communication, teamwork, project planning, problem solving and entrepreneurial mindset. These businesses also require leaders who can drive private sector solutions to the climate crisis: working with remote teams in rural areas, building innovative clean energy products, creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and developing products that lower greenhouse gas emissions. As those like Sylvia become business owners and part of ‘middle management’, they continue to be, on the frontlines of combating climate change across the continent. A fact that makes their development and place in the clean energy sector very serious business!

Back to News Update Africa AMI closes $1.8M Series A to fund pan-African growth 31 Jan 2019 AMI is thrilled to announce our $1.8M Series A funding round to support expansion of our practical and scalable approach to skills development for Africa. French impact investment firm Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) has invested $1M in AMI, joining our existing funders AHL Ventures and Argidius Foundation, who also contributed to the $1.8M round. Skills development is one of the most exciting challenges and pressing needs facing Africa. At AMI, we’ve developed a practical and scalable solution that is already transforming organisations and careers across the continent, and we’re looking forward to reaching new people and places with this investment. We’re incredibly grateful to all the partners, clients and friends who have supported us on this journey so far. Since our launch in 2014, we’ve developed Africa’s first social learning platform, established offices in Nairobi, Johannesburg and Kigali, and trained over 20,000 individuals through 70 blended learning programmes in 13 African countries. We’ve been privileged to work with multi-nationals like KLM, SC Johnson and Nestle, innovators like Mkopa, Zola, Copia and BitPesa and ambitious regional firms like Kenya’s Equity Group, KCB and Unga, and South Africa’s Pie City and MediaMark. We’ve also rolled out large-scale programmes reaching thousands of entrepreneurs and youth in partnership with major players like MasterCard Foundation, Shell Foundation, USAID, GIZ and others. So much training and education in Africa and globally has focused on credentials and box-ticking. This simply won’t work if we are to unlock the next generation of African talent. We need people doing their jobs well, stepping up to lead, starting and growing businesses. We need organisations powered by strong teams at every level – not just at the top. Over the last few years, we’ve worked really hard to ensure that in all AMI programmes – whether for seasoned executives, hustling entrepreneurs or young people just starting their careers – we focus on on-the-job performance. We don’t do ‘hit and run workshops’ (they might be fun, but they don’t work – the research is very clear on this). We don’t do formal exams (great for school leavers, not so much for managers). We work with our clients to deliver learning journeys that make a real difference to how individuals, teams and whole companies perform. More than 70% of larger companies, and almost 100% of SMEs, report tangible improvements in company performance after working with AMI. This new investment will help us make our innovative web/mobile platform and blended methodology even more impactful and intuitive for companies and individuals across Africa. It will also allow us to adapt and expand our library of 65 online courses and 2000+ practical tools to help fill even more diverse skill gaps, for more organisations, in more languages. We’re always looking for visionary clients and partners who want to transform their teams or empower entrepreneurs and youth across Africa. We’re also always on the look out for talented people to join our growing international team. So if you’d like to talk, please get in touch at info@africanmanagers.com . Thank you! Rebecca, Jonathan and the AMI team Read the full press release here

Partnering with an Impact Investor to Equip Managers Across Africa All Case Studies Case Study Impact at Scale Partnering with an Impact Investor to Equip Managers Across Africa Background Acumen, founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, is a global nonprofit that fights poverty through sustainable solutions. It invests in businesses in health, education, energy, agriculture, and housing, prioritizing social impact for low-income communities. Challenge Acumen observed that many of its investee companies struggled with limited leadership talent at the middle and senior management levels. This lack of skilled leadership created constraints, impeding the companies' ability to scale and manage change effectively, which impacted their growth trajectory. Solution Acumen and AMI developed tailored programs for managers and leaders, emphasizing people management and problem-solving. The curriculum featured in-person workshops, practical applications, peer coaching, and an online platform to improve leadership skills. Results The programme enhanced manager performance, with 97% of CEOs reporting new skills. This success led Acumen to fund three more programmes, and several portfolio companies now cover costs for multiple leadership participants. The story behind the journey Global impact investor Acumen saw a major bottleneck in many portfolio companies in Africa. “Talent is the biggest issue for many of our investee companies, whether they know it or not,” said Molly Alexander, head of talent development at Acumen. “The so-called soft skills required to lead teams and successfully manage change are difficult to find, and rarely addressed by traditional training options.” Without strong leadership skills among middle and senior managers, these businesses were limited in their ability to scale. AMI developed programmes focused on people management and strategic problem solving for managers and leaders at social benefit companies from across East and West Africa. Through engaging in-person workshops, hands-on practice, peer coaching, and an extensive online learning platform, the participants gained key leadership skills, and knowledge about organisational transformation and management practices. “Really from the first lab I changed my way of leading,” explains Mathewos Erusmo, chief marketing officer of EthioChicken. “I’m more focused on the listening part and talking less.” Susan Kuria, sales activation manager of Burn Manufacturing, especially enjoyed how practical and collaborative the programme was. “Everyone just gets to interact,” she says. “I love the role plays. There are so many tools attached to every course really to just assess how are you able to apply all those in real life.” Every participant reported applying what they learned directly to their work; 100% of their CEOs saw an improvement in their performance after the programme. In addition, 97% of participants said they acquired brand new management skills. “I need to enroll in something that can enrich me and make me a better person than I am right now, and AMI has been that platform for me,” says Susan. The results speak to the transformational impact of AMI’s blended learning approach. According to Molly Alexander of Acumen, “AMI’s user-centric approach to learning makes them the perfect partner to build programmes for our portfolio companies.” Acumen has since run three further management programmes with AMI. The first cohort was fully funded by Acumen; portfolio companies now pay most of the cost themselves and many send several participants.

Back to News Update Rwanda African Management Institute and Mastercard Foundation award top performing entrepreneurs in Rwanda 25 May 2022 More than 600 AMI’s business programme graduates applied for the AMI Resilience Prize. The top six entrepreneurs from the four provinces of Rwanda and the City of Kigali each received a cash prize worth Rwf 1,000,000 and will gain extended access to AMI business tools. Entrepreneurs who completed AMI’s business programmes networked with each other and promoted their businesses at AMI Resilience Prize outreach events across Rwanda. The African Management Institute, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has awarded the best performing entrepreneurs in Rwanda through the AMI Resilience Prize. The awardees have had impressive growth in their businesses, made an impact in their community, and shown remarkable resilience after completing one of AMI’s business programmes. Recognizing the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, the AMI Resilience Prize celebrates the achievements and persistence of entrepreneurs who completed at least one of AMI’s programmes. Graduates eligible for the prize included those who completed either the AMI Business Survival Bootcamp, Survive to Thrive programme, or Take Your Business Online programme. These programmes are offered by African Management Institute in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. To celebrate these impressive entrepreneurs, the African Management Institute organised a series of countrywide outreach events and heard how the skills acquired from AMI’s programmes improved their business performance, enabled them to network with each other, and grow their businesses. During these events, the top fifteen entrepreneurs (selected from more than 600 AMI graduates who applied for the prize) reflected on how they overcame a range of business challenges by adapting to market changes and creating jobs – while also contributing to the country’s economic recovery. “The AMI Resilience Prize recognises the achievements and resilience of entrepreneurs who completed AMI’s business programmes. Around 600 graduates applied for the prize – demonstrating the passion and dedication that exists in our growing network of graduates. Today we announced the top six entrepreneurs who have had a great impact on their businesses and the community. I congratulate the AMI Resilience Prize winners. It was an incredibly difficult task to select the winners because all AMI Thrivers are winners. You inspire us every day,” said Allen Ingabire, Partnership Manager at AMI Rwanda. The six entrepreneurs awarded at today’s grand finale of the AMI Resilience Prize at Norrsken Kigali House each received a cash prize of Rwf 1,000,000 and will gain extended access to AMI tools and professional support to keep their businesses thriving. Norrsken House Kigali has also offered to support their entrepreneurship journey by availing a working space for the top six AMI Resilience Prize winners. “When the Covid-19 pandemic started, AMI responded by supporting almost 4,000 businesses in all 30 districts of Rwanda. This represents more than 8,000 people who kept their jobs. As the Mastercard Foundation, we are humbled by the partnership with AMI which brings us a step forward to achieving our vision of providing 300,000 dignified and fulfilling work opportunities to young people, especially young women, in Rwanda by 2030,” said Livingstone Nkuusi, representing Rica Rwigamba, Country Head of the Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda. At today’s event, 31 finalists from the 2021 HangaPitch Fest also graduated from AMI’s Survive to Thrive programme. The HangaPitch Fest is an annual competition organized by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Development Board. The Hanga Pitfest graduates now have the opportunity to join AMI’s Take Your Business Online programme, a one-month business programme that supports entrepreneurs in Rwanda to leverage social media and other online platforms to gain brand visibility and engage directly with clients. As part of its long-term commitment to enabling ambitious businesses across Rwanda to thrive, AMI Rwanda recently opened a new office in Musanze District in partnership with Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA). Young entrepreneurs, especially those with micro, small and medium businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector as well as the creative industry from Musanze District, will be enrolled in AMI’s programmes, offered under the Hanga Ahazaza initiative in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and be equipped with skills and tools to help them seize new business opportunities. AMI Resilience Prize Winners Eastern Province: Juvenal Kabagambe, Founder and Managing Director of Urban and Rural Farming Development Company Ltd, a youth association based in Rwamagana District, which designs and implements innovative agricultural projects and supports post-harvest handling and management. Northern Province: Jeanne d’Arc Nyirampakaniye, Chief Executive Officer of Tuberwe Knitting, Tailoring and Handcraft Centre, a company that makes clothes with locally made accessories and provides sewing training to both women and youth in Musanze District. Southern Province: Thierry Rushema, Founder of Better Fashion and Design Ltd which designs and produces Made in Rwanda clothes, and offers sewing training to young people in Huye District. Western Province: Marthe Niyonshuti, Owner of Amahoro Farming Business Ltd, a chicken farm which raises and sells chickens in Karongi District. City of Kigali: Claudine Niyonzima, Co-founder of SAN Tech Ltd, a tech hub based in Kigali that equips young IT technicians, especially women and girls, with innovation and development skills. People’s Choice Entrepreneur: Marthe Niyonshuti, Owner of Amahoro Farming Business Ltd, a chicken farm which raises and sells chickens in Karongi District. About the African Management Institute The African Management Institute (AMI) enables enthusiastic businesses across Africa to thrive through practical tools and training. We equip entrepreneurs with tools to build their businesses, 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-19 period, AMI has delivered 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, RwandAir, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, Shell Foundation and Equity Bank. AMI has directly trained more than 30,000 people in over 30 countries and has offices in Nairobi, Kigali and Johannesburg. For more information, visit www.africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . About the Mastercard Foundation The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organisations 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 organisation with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org