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Turn intentions into daily performance habits, helping fast-moving African managers drive clarity, consistency, and results. All Programmes Short Programme Manage for Great Performance Turn intentions into daily performance habits, helping fast-moving African managers drive clarity, consistency, and results. Live Virtual (Online) 6 - Weeks Request Information Designed for Learning Journey What's Included Custom Learning @ Scale 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. 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 Key Outcomes Focus Areas

Donnez une nouvelle dimension à votre leadership avec ce programme dédié à la planification et la mise en œuvre stratégique. Boostez votre expertise stratégique en seulement deux mois. All Programmes Inscriptions ouvertes Francophone Programme de Planification Stratégique Donnez une nouvelle dimension à votre leadership avec ce programme dédié à la planification et la mise en œuvre stratégique. Boostez votre expertise stratégique en seulement deux mois. Catégorie Direction, Leadership et Management Conçu pour Les dirigeants et cadres supérieurs FORMAT Virtuel Durée 6 – 8 semaines (2 à 3 heures / semaine) Coût 200 000 F. CFA HT / participant Date de démarrage Mars 2025 Je suis intéressé.e Boostez votre expertise stratégique Donnez une nouvelle dimension à votre leadership avec ce programme dédié à la planification et la mise en œuvre stratégique. Boostez votre expertise stratégique en seulement deux mois. Présentation du programme Durant ces deux mois d’apprentissage, vous participerez à des sessions pratiques qui vous présenteront des méthodes et outils fondamentaux pour la planification stratégique. Approfondissez votre compréhension grâce à des analyses et des réflexions, et appliquez les concepts clés pour renforcer la performance de votre organisation. Améliorez votre prise de décision, optimisez vos performances et menez votre organisation vers le succès grâce à une planification stratégique maîtrisée. Tout au long du programme, vous aurez accès à des outils et cours en ligne disponibles 24/7 sur notre plateforme digitale et application mobile, qui vous aideront à traduire les théories en idées exploitables pour votre organisation. Résultats attendus Maîtriser la planification stratégique – améliorer le leadership – renforcer la culture de la performance – accroître la compétitivité de l’entreprise. Modules clés Addressing Risks & Opportunities Building Grit and Resilience in Leadership Parcours d’apprentissage 1. Vision et mission : Définissez une vision claire et inspirante pour votre organisation et une mission qui guide vos actions. Apprenez à évaluer vos initiatives et priorités en fonction de votre vision et mission, pour une meilleure cohérence stratégique. 2. Analyse de l’environnement commercial : Maîtrisez les outils d’analyse pour décrypter les facteurs clés de votre environnement : tendances du marché, concurrence, forces et faiblesses internes. Identifiez les opportunités et les menaces qui impacteront votre stratégie. 3. Sélection et exécution stratégiques : Traduisez votre analyse en choix stratégiques concrets. Définissez des objectifs clairs et mesurables, et mettez en place un plan d’action efficace pour atteindre vos objectifs. Ce qui est inclus Bénéficiez d’un accompagnement pratique et explorez des stratégies pour résoudre vos problématiques spécifiques et mettre en place un plan d’actions concret. AMI Entreprise accompagne les entreprises à travers l’Afrique dans le développement des compétences managériales : faire grandir le personnel, renforcer le leadership et favoriser l’épanouissement professionnel pour atteindre efficacement les objectifs fixés. Les programmes AMI sont disponibles en plusieurs langues et conviennent à différents secteurs d’activité. Qui peut s’inscrire ? Les dirigeants et cadres supérieurs. 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 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 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 Des parcours d’apprentissage guidés et soutenus Apprentissage collaboratif Les participants évoluent en cohorte, accompagnés par les intervenants d’AMI, avec des plans d’action, de l’apprentissage entre pairs et des opportunités de réseautage. Soutien technologique continu Grâce à la plateforme web et l’application mobile d’AMI, profitez d’un accès 24/7 à des cours en ligne, vidéos, outils téléchargeables et ressources pratiques, où que vous soyez. Découvrez l’approche d’apprentissage d’AMI L’Afrique au cœur de notre approche Nos programmes sont conçus pour les professionnels et entrepreneurs d’Afrique, avec du contenu disponible en 7 langues, des études de cas locales et des facilitateurs experts du marché. À propos d’African Management Institute (AMI) AMI accompagne les entreprises ambitieuses à travers l’Afrique pour les faire prospérer. Nous croyons que les personnes qualifiées créent des entreprises florissantes, que les entreprises florissantes créent des emplois de qualité et que les emplois de qualité favorisent la prospérité et la dignité. AMI a collaboré avec diverses entreprises et organisations partenaires pour soutenir les entrepreneurs et managers à travers l’Afrique dans la construction et le développement de leurs entreprises tels que Uber, Nestlé, Radisson Blu, la Fondation Mastercard, l’USAID, la Fondation Shell ou encore Equity Bank. AMI a formé plus de 37 000 entreprises dans 39 pays d’Afrique. Les bureaux d’AMI se situent au Kenya, en Afrique du Sud, au Sénégal, au Rwanda, en Ouganda, au Nigeria et en Éthiopie. Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage dès aujourd'hui Je suis intéressé.e

All Programmes Open Enrolment Kenya Emerge CATEGORY DESIGNED FOR FORMAT Hybrid DURATION 4 months COST Fully sponsored NEXT COHORT START August 2025 Overview Key Outcomes Focus Areas Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? 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. Start Your Learning Journey Today

Beauty Business Grows 300 Percent While Empowering Single Mothers All Stories Mayowa Eremiokhale Position: Founder Company: Mods Salon Programme: Aspire Business Growth Programme Country: Nigeria When Mayowa founded Mods Salon in 2015, she set out to do more than just style hair, she wanted to promote healthy, natural hair care in Nigeria and create a space where women could feel confident and cared for. But behind the scenes, Mods Salon faced growing pains. “One of my biggest challenges before joining the Aspire programme was human resources,” Mayowa shares. “We lacked proper systems. There were no clear processes to reward staff or set goals.” That changed when Mayowa joined AMI’s Aspire Business Growth Programme. With new tools and guidance, she hired an HR officer, introduced regular feedback forms, and began using SMART goals to steer the business. “After Aspire, I was able to run the business more effectively, even when I wasn’t physically present,” she says. The transformation was significant. Modssalon’s revenue grew from $624,752 in 2023 to $943,970 in 2024, and the team expanded from 16 to 64 employees - a 300% increase. “Many of the new hires are women, including single mothers and young people who now support their families through work at the salon,” Mayowa adds. The financial structure of the business also evolved. Mayowa stopped offering credit, improved cash flow, and ensured timely payments to suppliers. “We’ve become more disciplined as a business. We only buy what we can pay for, and that’s brought real stability.” From a passionate idea to a structured, fast-growing business, Modssalon is not only redefining beauty standards but also creating meaningful opportunities for women in Nigeria’s economy. “After Aspire, I was able to run the business more effectively, even when I wasn’t physically present. Our revenue grew by 51%, and we expanded the team from 16 employees to 64. Many of the new hires are women, including single mothers and young people who now support their families through work at the salon.” Download Mayowa Eremiokhale's Story Download AMI's 2024 Impact Report

Beyond Market Fame: From Recognition to Retention Register Now Additional Info In this practical session, you will discover how to: -Drive Renewals: Design intentional customer experiences that protect your recurring revenue. -Turn Clients into Advocates: Build loyalty frameworks that transform customers into your most powerful marketing channel. -Leverage Innovation: Use modern AI tools to personalize and scale your customer experience (CX) effortlessly. Meet the Panelists: ➡️Carolyne Kendi MCIM – Author, Brand Brilliance Framework & CEO, CK Marketing Coaching Ltd ➡️Jeffrey S. Prickett – Global Director, Stanford Seed ➡️Malick Diallo – Senior Business Transformation Advisor, Stanford Seed Africa ➡️Silvia Mwaura – Entrepreneurial Partnerships Lead, African Management Institute (AMI) -Event Details: Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 Time: 4:30 PM WAT | 5:30 PM SAST / CAT | 6:30 PM EAT Platform: Zoom Live Pan-African EXECUTIVE MASTERCLASS Beyond Market Fame: From Recognition to Retention Zoom Beyond Market Fame: From Recognition to Retention The Customer Experience Blueprint Most businesses invest heavily in acquiring customers. Very few invest in keeping them. That's the gap between temporary market fame and sustainable, lasting growth. Join us for an exclusive, pan-African executive masterclass in collaboration with Stanford Seed: Beyond Market Fame: From Recognition to Retention — The Customer Experience Blueprint. July 9 | 4:30 PM WAT / 5:30 PM SAST Register Now

CATEGORY Communication & Leadership DESIGNED FOR Managers & Leaders FORMAT Virtual DURATION 6 - Weeks COST $ 250 NEXT COHORT START Coming Soon Apply Now Why It Matters Communication Isn't Clear When communication isn't clear, decisions slow down, accountability weakens, and momentum is lost. Managers Rely on Instinct Many managers rely on instinct, without simple structures that help messages land and lead to action. Influence Remains Inconsistent Without consistent communication approaches, influence across teams and stakeholders becomes unpredictable. Who It's For Managers at different stages of their leadership journey who need to communicate clearly and influence action at work. Managers Aspiring leaders preparing to step into management roles and build strong communication foundations from day one. What Will Be Different in Practice Communicate More Clearly Expectations, decisions, and next steps are understood consistently across your teams and stakeholders. Influence Others to Gain Buy-In Gain commitment and buy-in across teams and dependent stakeholders through structured conversations. Turn Conversations Into Action Everyday interactions become clear actions and accountability, improving follow-through week to week. Apply One Consistent Behaviour One core communication behaviour reinforced through repeated use and reflection, building sustainable habits. Hear From Other Industry Leaders "I have attended business programs in some of the best schools in the world. To say that the Aspire program is the most eventful and practically enriching program is an understatement! As a company, we owe you, AMI and Stanford a lot." Dankishiya Saleh Hadi Dankish & Associates Ltd. Nigeria "The tools were a game changer. Before Aspire, we kept postponing decisions while managing daily operations. Now, we have a clear process for making both big and small decisions. As a result, our revenue has grown, and our business continues to thrive." Raphael Opiyo Obiero Business Owner & Entrepreneur East Africa Programme Details Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? What's Included Two live facilitated learning labs Practical performance tools and resources Guided practice and application materials Certificate of completion Access to AMI learning platform and community Who Can Enroll? Manager Profile Managers - Managers leading teams or functions who want to strengthen their communication and influence approach. Your Learning Journey Phase 1 & 2: Kick-off: Setting a baseline Phase 3 & 4: Setting expectations and giving feedback Phase 5 & 6: Trouble shooting and embedding changes After Phase 6: Sustainability & further growth Investment $250 Comprehensive programme including live sessions, practical tools, and ongoing support Apply Now How Behaviour Is Built Our approach is grounded in proven behaviour-change techniques and real workplace communication challenges. Facilitated Learning Labs Grounded in real workplace communication challenges and applied learning methodology focused on what actually works. Practice & Application Practical communication tools you can apply immediately, with guided practice between sessions using real work scenarios. Behaviour Embedding One core communication behaviour embedded through repeated use and reflection, building sustainable habits. What This Means for Organisations Clearer Decision-Making More consistent decision-making and follow-through across teams with aligned expectations and behaviours. Fewer Miscommunications Reduced miscommunications that slow execution or create rework and frustration across teams. Managers Who Lead Managers who communicate with intent, alignment, and accountability across the organisation. For African Organisations Communicate with Influence A practical programme for managers in fast-moving African organisations. Build everyday communication habits that turn conversations into action within your teams and with the stakeholders you rely on. Why This Approach Behaviour-Led Learning Focused on real work, not theory. We teach you what actually works in practice. Practical Tools Communication tools you can apply immediately to your team, not frameworks that sit unused. African Context Designed for African organisational contexts and the everyday leadership realities you face. Ready to Transform Your Communication? Start your journey to stronger communication with practical, behaviour-focused learning. Apply Now Schedule a Conversation

Yvonne Uwitonze District - Musanze The Impact Footprint Growth Guide: Yvonne Uwitonze, 27 Location: Northern Province, Musanze District, Bisogo Sector, Sahara Cell, Nyarubuye Village Total Ecosystem Portfolio: 274 Youth MSMEs Trained & Mentored Demographic Breakdown: 232 women, 42 men, 2 persons with disabilities Yvonne Uwitonze became a Growth Guide with a clear purpose — to equip young people in her community with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives through better financial management and entrepreneurship. She recognized that many youth were struggling not because they lacked ambition, but because they did not have access to practical knowledge on how to manage money or run a business effectively. Taking on this role gave her the opportunity to directly address that gap and contribute to more sustainable development within her community. Through her work, Yvonne has reached between 400 and 500 young people, providing training, mentorship, and ongoing follow-up to help them strengthen their businesses. Her support focuses on building strong financial habits, including record-keeping, saving, and understanding how to access and use financial services. She also connects young entrepreneurs with financial institutions, helping them navigate systems that often feel complex and out of reach. Her impact is reflected in real transformations. One young woman she supported started a small fruits and vegetables business after receiving guidance on financial management, saving, and customer care. Over time, the business grew, expanding into different markets and increasing income, which not only improved her livelihood but also inspired other young people to start their own ventures. Stories like this show how access to knowledge and consistent support can lead to tangible growth and ripple effects across the community. Unlike many areas where financial access remains limited, some of the youth Yvonne has supported have successfully secured loans. This is a source of pride for her, as it demonstrates that the knowledge and preparation she provides are translating into real opportunities and improved outcomes for young entrepreneurs. Through this role, she has also developed personally, strengthening her patience, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Working closely with youth has deepened her capacity to guide others while continuing to learn and grow herself. Her vision is to see young people become self-reliant, skilled, and financially independent, actively contributing to the development of their communities. She believes that with the right support and mindset, youth can move from seeking opportunities to creating them. Her message to young people is grounded in confidence and consistency: believe in yourself, work hard, keep learning, and understand that small steps taken today can lead to meaningful success in the future. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

All Programmes Open Enrolment Ghana FIRST+ II Financial Inclusion Programme CATEGORY DESIGNED FOR FORMAT Virtual DURATION 4-6 Months COST Fully sponsored NEXT COHORT START 30th June 2026 Overview Key Outcomes Focus Areas Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? 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. Start Your Learning Journey Today

From Street Corner to Six Jobs: How One Bakery Became a Community Anchor All Stories Chef Nhlanhla Dlamini Position: Founder Company: Kwa Chef Nhlanhla Dlamini Programme: Kasipreneur Impact Programme Country: South Africa Before joining the KIP programme, Chef Nhlanhla Dlamini knew how to bake, but she did not yet know how to grow a business. “My biggest challenge was marketing,” she says. “I didn’t understand my target market or what made my business different.” Despite her talent and consistency, growth was slow, and it was difficult to attract the right customers and build steady demand. That began to change when she joined the programme. With tools like Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the 5Ps of Marketing, Nhlanhla started to approach her business with more structure and intention. “KIP changed everything. My level of thinking has changed. I now focus on the customer and run my business professionally.” She introduced more consistent processes, created feedback loops, and began tailoring her offerings to meet customer needs, including introducing pre-orders for convenience. Her revenue growth reflects this shift. Monthly earnings moved from a target of R5,000 to R6,200 in January, R7,320 in February, and R13,000 by March. With increased marketing efforts, stronger word of mouth, and a rise in custom cake and catering orders, she began attracting higher value customers and more consistent business. “I have created job opportunities for young people in my community,” affirms Chef Nhlanhla. Today, what was once a one woman operation has grown into a small team of six part time employees supporting baking, catering, and execution. The business now supports a mix of young men and women, creating income and experience for those involved. Her impact extends beyond her own business. Nhlanhla mentors two women who are building their own ventures, supporting them with skills, costing, and problem solving. At the same time, she continues to serve her community with affordable, high quality baked goods while supporting local suppliers as her business grows. Her journey into baking is rooted in both passion and resilience. A self taught baker, she started by watching her mother bake as a child. After her mother’s passing, she held onto that connection, teaching herself through old Bona magazine recipes and YouTube tutorials. She would save money to buy ingredients and practise until she got it right. At a turning point in her life, she made the decision to leave her 9 to 5 job at Jet Mart and bet on herself. She started small, waking up at 3am to bake scones and muffins to sell on her street corner, often selling out by the morning. Over time, demand grew, leading to bulk orders and eventually her first birthday cake, a challenge from a customer that she chose to take on. “From that moment, I never looked back,” she says. A recent highlight in her journey was a visit from Nick Hamman, which boosted her visibility and confidence. “People in my community started seeing my work differently. I gained more followers, more engagement, and more people now know my brand. It was a real game changer.” Today, Chef Nhlanhla Dlamini is building more than a business. She is building something that creates opportunity for others while staying rooted in purpose and community. “I know it’s not easy,” she says proudly. “But no pain, no gain.”

Back to News News South Africa AMI partners with South Africa's Zevoli Growth Partners to deliver MSME Future Forge programme 4 Oct 2022 View the original press release The African Management Institute (AMI) has partnered with South Africa’s leading enterprise and supplier diversity advisory and project management firm, Zevoli Growth Partners to strengthen the performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that support the mining sector with a comprehensive business development programme. Zevoli Growth Partners Managing Director and co-founder, Mpopi Khupe, says the company has joined forces with AMI to develop “ MSME Future Forge for Mining Supplier Diversity ” , a tailored programme specifically for early-stage and growth businesses looking to become procurement partners for mining houses. “While we provide the participating MSMEs with the business development support they need to become procurement ready, we also leverage partners like AMI for the learning and development component to co-create programmes and implement them on behalf of our mining clients,” says Khupe. To date, close to 100 MSMEs have completed the 10-month development programme, which is made up of three main components – mentorship and coaching; learning and development; industry specific compliance and tools and systems. Khupe notes that following the completion of the programme, most of the participating MSMEs were able to establish work and procurement relationships with the mining houses that sponsored the programmes, with some even doubling their revenue and hiring more people. Bridging the disconnect: Understanding corporate and MSME needs. She explains that the programme holds numerous benefits for both MSMEs and the corporate clients as it addresses the disconnect between the requirements of mining corporates, and the expectations of the MSMEs seeking to become providers. “For mining corporates, there is the tangible benefit of being able to proactively communicate their requirements from a supply chain localisation, compliance and technical capability perspective. This applies to any business with whom a mining corporate wants to work – they want to know that operationally, an MSME is running safely, efficiently and sustainably to enter into a medium- to long-term contract. There can’t be a risk of an MSME not being able to sustainably deliver on the contract,” says Khupe. “From the MSME’s side, there often isn’t an understanding of the hurdles they need to overcome to establish and sustain a working relationship with mining corporates. So when MSMEs are afforded the opportunity it’s critical that they are provided with the support to be able to deliver and continuously improve their service delivery.” Khupe adds that the programme ensures Zevoli Growth Partners properly understands the mining corporate’s needs and makes sure that they enable MSMEs to meet those needs before a procurement relationship is established. After its initial success, Zevoli Growth Partners and AMI plan to roll the programme out to MSMEs and mining companies in additional communities. Focus on practical tools Rebecca Harrison, Chief Executive Officer at AMI, says the company’s unique practical learning approach enables businesses to immediately implement tools and practices for improved resilience and growth. “AMI’s learning programmes provide busy business owners with practical tools, templates and resources that can be downloaded on-the-go and immediately implemented in the business, which leads to very tangible businesses impact, with businesses supported by AMI growing on average 35% in 2021 and created 4 new jobs each”. From a corporate Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) and service delivery perspective, you have two of the longest-standing and most capable businesses’ delivery teams coming together to deliver a uniquely powerful solution for MSMEs, and for corporates looking to provide practical solutions to the suppliers and entrepreneurs with whom they work.” she concluded. Visit Zevoli's website to learn more about the MSME Future Forge programme . Editorial contacts: Zevoli Growth Partners Brigitta Long Marketing Manager Tel: 0827829360 Email: brigitta@linkage.co.za Evolution PR Charlote Hlangwane Tel: 0768911464 Email: Charlote@evolutionpr.co.za About Zevoli Growth Partners Since 2014, Zevoli Growth Partners has been assisting corporates and MSMEs to unlock ‘shared value’ through custom built small business development programmes and initiatives that create the create the gateway to sustained participation in the formal economy for the selected MSMEs. We focus on MSMEs in rural, peri-urban and township areas, geographies where MSMEs often struggle to transition from development to access to markets as suppliers of corporates with a local presence in the communities in which they operate. Zevoli Growth Partners is a Level 1 B-BBEE 100% black female owned enterprise. About the African Management Institute (AMI) AMI is Africa’s business and management learning company enabling ambitious businesses and leaders across Africa to thrive, through practical tools and training. We equip leaders with tools to build their business, help companies build motivated and productive teams and workforces, and run work-readiness programmes and entry-level 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 directly trained over 42,000 people in over 39 countries. The company has offices and staff in Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa, with a presence in Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda.

Back to News News South Africa Kasipreneur Impact Project Launches to Transform Township Enterprise Support in South Africa 23 May 2025 The African Management Institute (AMI), in partnership with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), today announced the launch of the Kasipreneur Impact Project (KIP), a first-of-its-kind initiative to unlock the full potential of South Africa’s R2.4 trillion township economy. With over $1 million in catalytic funding from a global corporate foundation , KIP is set to strengthen South Africa’s informal economy by equipping Kasipreneurs, township-based entrepreneurs, with the practical skills, business tools, funding pathways, and networks needed to build resilient, scalable businesses. KIP also provides a framework for forward-thinking corporations to engage meaningfully in township development. By supporting last-mile distributors, unlocking market growth, and investing in local economic resilience, private sector corporations can become part of a new model for inclusive enterprise development. AMI and ANDE are calling on other forward-thinking companies to deepen their engagement with township economies through KIP. The initiative is already drawing interest from impact investors, enterprise and supplier development (ESD) leaders, and development organisations eager to support a new generation of township enterprises. Launched at an event in Johannesburg on 23 May 2025, the programme will also strengthen township-based organisations that support entrepreneurs, such as business incubators, accelerators, and hubs, and provide insights to shape public policy and donor investment. South Africa’s townships and informal settlements are home to over 60 percent of the country’s urban population, yet the entrepreneurs who drive this activity, spanning sectors such as food and beverage, hair and beauty, car washes, agriculture, auto repair, backroom rentals, and spaza shops, have long been overlooked by formal support programmes. “KIP is about reimagining township enterprise development,” said Theo Mabaso, Country Manager, African Management Institute (AMI) South Africa . “The current system doesn’t meet the needs of most Kasipreneurs. We’re introducing a new model that is grounded in research, practical business learning, and a human-centred understanding of township economies. Kasipreneurs are the backbone of South Africa’s informal economy, and through this initiative, we aim to elevate them as drivers of growth, resilience, and job creation.” KIP is grounded in extensive research conducted by ANDE and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), supported by the Walmart Foundation, and shaped by AMI’s decade-long experience delivering practical business development programmes across Africa. The initiative addresses four systemic gaps: the exclusion of B2C Kasipreneurs from mainstream ESD programmes; one-dimensional initiatives that often prioritise sponsor visibility over long-term value to SMEs; ineffective, untargeted government support; and the limited capacity of township-based Entrepreneur Support Organisations (ESOs) to deliver meaningful, sustainable impact. It is anchored around three key objectives: Grow and Sustain Township Businesses Deliver tailored, sector-specific support to entrepreneurs in eight high-impact industries, including Food & Beverage, Hair & Beauty, Agriculture, and Retail. Strengthen ESO Capacity Build the capabilities of township-based ESOs through practical training, tools, and shared learning, enabling them to provide differentiated, high-quality support to Kasipreneurs. Influence the Ecosystem Generate evidence-based insights to shape enterprise development strategy, guide donor and corporate investments, and inform public policy at local, regional, and global levels. “With KIP, we are taking an entirely different approach to supporting entrepreneurs - one that is centred on the lived experiences of Kasipreneurs’and sees them as real partners in the process,” said Ercilia Mata Ubisse , Regional Chapter Head, ANDE Southern Africa. “By backing township businesses and bringing corporate and ecosystem partners to the table in the right way, we have a real opportunity to unlock real growth for township communities and the broader economy.” A digital platform will support the project by showcasing research, stories from the field, and partnership opportunities for Kasipreneurs, ESOs, funders, and policymakers. To learn more about the Kasipreneur Impact Project or to explore partnership opportunities, visit www.africanmanagers.com/south-africa

Back to News News Kenya AMI partners with KEPSA to power business growth in Kenya 9 Nov 2022 Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Africa Management Institute (AMI) have partnered to support Kenyan SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through practical business learning and growth programmes. Under this partnership, KEPSA will connect over 700 local businesses across Kenya with the opportunity to receive AMI’s world-class business training and access to the company’s online learning platform. As a result, KEPSA members will have access to AMI’s Grow Your Business programme currently offered on a full scholarship basis as part of an MIT led research study. This programme enables businesses to grow and scale, while also testing the effectiveness of business development support to SMEs. “Unlike other research programmes, where SMEs barely get any tangible benefits from participation, this training program will give our SMEs an opportunity to acquire first hand knowledge and skills to support their businesses. They will also benefit from connecting with like minded entrepreneurs in the same space.” said Harrison Ngatia - Head of SME Development at KEPSA. The collaboration also fulfills KEPSAs mandate of supporting businesses with opportunities for training, networking, financial linkages, mentorship and coaching, access to markets, value chains, and access to investment opportunities inbound and outbound. All Kenyan businesses who apply and are accepted to participate into AMI’s programme will also be part of an important MIT research study, benchmarking the effectiveness of AMI’s business growth programmes. Businesses selected will be randomly allocated to one of the following opportunities; AMI’s Virtual Grow Your Business Program for Kenyan businesses - a 6-month virtual business programme where business owners and their senior team will be equipped with practical tools and interactive facilitator led workshops. They will also get an additional 6-month post-programme support. Upon successful completion they will qualify to join AMI’s prestigious Growth Network and access AMI’s premium services. Pre-qualification for AMI’s Growth Network - Qualified businesses selected for this track will skip the classes and become eligible for a one-year free membership to AMI’s prestigious Growth Network Community . Benefits of the network include access to AMI’s world-class business tools, courses and resources, invites to our Pan-African events to network with other entrepreneurs and possible connection with finance institutions. To qualify for the programme businesses must have been in operation for more than 1 year, generated revenues of between Ksh 1M - Ksh 50M, 3 full time employees, have access to internet connection, and are willing to share performance data. For more information visit: https://africanmanagers.com/gyb/ About KEPSA KEPSA brings together local and foreign business associations, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, corporates from multinational companies, medium, SMEs, and start-ups from all sectors of the economy to enable them to speak with one voice when engaging government, development partners and other stakeholders on cross-cutting policy issues and programs for Social – Economic Development of the Country. It is the apex organization of the private sector in Kenya. About AMI AMI enables ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses across Africa to thrive through practical tools and training. The Africa-based learning and training company equips businesses, managers, and Africa’s future workforce with the practical tools and training they need to succeed and drive growth. AMI’s proven learning approach incorporates in-person workshops and on-the-job practice and support, with practical online and mobile learning tools. AMI has directly trained over 42,000 people in over 39 countries and has offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa.