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

Becoming a manager means more than just a title change—it comes with new responsibilities and expectations. This short programme focuses on new managers developing new management skills, understanding their evolving role, and building the confidence needed to manage teams effectively. All Programmes Short Programme Changing Gears Becoming a manager means more than just a title change—it comes with new responsibilities and expectations. This short programme focuses on new managers developing new management skills, understanding their evolving role, and building the confidence needed to manage teams effectively. Live Virtual (Online) 1 - 2 Months Request Information Designed for New Managers, Team Leads, & Supervisors Learning Journey Phase 1: Understanding Your Role What has changed now that I am a manager? What new responsibilities must I embrace? Phase 2: Empowering Your People Phase 3: Navigating Difficult Conversations What's Included This 2-month blended programme includes: Two Cohort Learning Lab workshops One Reflection Masterclass Access to online courses and practical business tools Graduation event & AMI certification Custom Learning @ Scale Enterprise & Workplace Learning AMI partners with organizations to offer the Changing Gears Short Programme as an enterprise-wide learning solution for cohorts or groups of new managers. Learning how to change gears together will create a sense of shared experience and build cohesion between these managers for years to come. Guided & Supported Learning Journeys Explore AMI's Learning Approach Cohort-Based Groups of learners are guided by AMI’s facilitators through experiences that emphasize peer-to-peer learning, action learning projects, and networking. Tech-Enabled AMI’s web and mobile apps support learners anytime and anywhere with access to video content, downloadable tools and engagement, throughout their journey. Africa First Our approach and content is built for Africa’s ambitious professionals and teams. With content in 7 languages, African case studies, and experiences led by Africa’s finest facilitators, we put Africa first in everything we do. We‘ve seen a lot of efficiency within the team. Managers have learnt how to communicate and influence their team members. Joyce Njeri HR Manager Vivo Fashion Group I'm able to better manage my tasks and goals by setting definite deadlines and manage my energy & productivity. Anderson Bett Customer Success Manager PowerGen Connect with AMI to learn how this programme can unlock growth & performance. Learn More Ambitious learning for an ambitious Africa Whether you’re looking for workplace learning for five to five hundred, or customized programmes that drive impact locally or across Africa, AMI’s learning solutions are tailored to meet your unique needs. Connect with our learning advisors to discover how our ambitious learning programmes can help you achieve your ambitious goals. Connect with an AMI Learning Advisor Explore related programmes enrolling now AMI offers editions of this programme for open enrollment for individuals and smaller teams, in addition to offering our programmes at scale along side impact partners and workplace learning customers. Changing Gears March 2025 View Open Programme Overview The transition to management requires a new mindset, enhanced skills, and the ability to navigate team dynamics effectively. The Changing Gears Short Programme focuses on the essential components of management development, equipping new and existing managers with practical tools to handle key leadership challenges. Participants will learn how to set expectations, communicate effectively, manage performance, and lead with authority while maintaining trust. Through structured learning, hands-on exercises, and expert-led sessions, managers will gain confidence in making decisions, resolving conflicts, and fostering accountability within their teams.The transition from an individual contributor to a manager requires a shift in skills, mindset, and responsibilities. Key Outcomes Strengthen Leadership Effectiveness Build confidence in making strategic management decisions. Develop a leadership mindset that fosters team accountability. Enhance Team Engagement & Performance Manage Challenges with Confidence Focus Areas Courageous Conversations Effective Communication Empowering Your Team Feedback & Performance Management Influencing Without Authority Role of a Manager Setting Goals for Success

A struggling venture turns around All Stories Margaret Mugala Position: Business Owner Company: Dimples Restaurant and Lounge Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya Just prior to enrolling in AMI’s Grow Your Business programme, Margaret Mugala was facing a serious crisis. Her business, Dimples Restaurant and Lounge in Nairobi, was struggling, and she owed $30,000 to the bank. “I was actually at the verge of collapse,” she admits. Then Margaret joined a six-month GYB programme offered through KCB Bank’s Biashara Club for entrepreneurs. Through the programme’s in-person workshops, peer support groups, and online library of courses and tools, Margaret learned practical skills on negotiating, budgeting, and capturing money transactions. Within weeks, she was using the tools she had gained from the programme to better manage her stock and oversee cash flow. Soon after, Margaret saw sales and revenue increase. “After the programme, the sales had improved, and the controls were in place. So it enabled me to open another branch now,” she says. She hired an additional 32 employees as a result. “AMI is more practical than other programmes because they go all the way to the level of showing you how to do it, which is very important. And those tools are tools that you use forever,” she explains. Margaret hopes other business owners like her will participate in the GYB programme. “The Grow Your Business program is a very wonderful program, and I would recommend it to many other people.”

Tracking finances to improve income at a catering business All Stories Petronilla Nzomo Position: Entrepreneur Company: Peca Catering Services Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya Petronilla Nzomo started Peca Catering Services in 2012. As a new mother, she needed the extra income, so she turned her cooking hobby into a company. Operating in Kilifi County, Kenya, Petronilla employs 4 permanent, and 6-8 temporary staff, mostly youth. The company has a CSR programme in which they train youth in cooking and baking skills, to set them up for future employment. Petronilla learned about the AMI programme via a WhatsApp group, from another participant, and quickly signed up, eager to improve how she ran her business. She has been using the tools from the programme to focus her time on the most critical tasks, and to learn how to track her finances to make better decisions. “When I started the business, I was doing everything myself from marketing, shopping and cooking, but now I have learnt to delegate. 90% of what I was doing I have delegated and now I focus on the 10%,” she said. “I used to spend fast, often using client money to shop and counting the remainder as profit, but now I distinguish what I buy, from what the business buys, I record everything daily, in fact, in January, I started to officially pay myself.”

Back to News News Rwanda AMI Celebrates the Tourism and Hospitality Sector’s Impact in Rwanda 30 Sept 2022 Every year on 27 September, the world celebrates World Tourism Day to recognise the role tourism plays in economic growth through job creation and providing opportunities for communities to prosper. To mark World Tourism Day, the African Management Institute hosted an event at Norrsken Kigali House with its programme graduates, partners and industry stakeholders to share and celebrate the impact made through their programmes. The event was also an occasion for AMI to affirm its long-term commitment to empower businesses working in the sector by equipping them with needed skills and practical tools to grow. “Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry has been experiencing significant transformation and growth, providing high potential for employment opportunities to young Rwandans. AMI’s unique approach to entrepreneurship and business management training has been preparing businesses and their workforces for any challenging situation, enabled them to seize growth opportunities, and rethink tourism”, says Malik Shaffy, Country Manager at AMI. Over the last three years, AMI has supported businesses in Rwanda under the Mastercard Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative , which increases employment opportunities for young people while expanding the tourism and hospitality sector in Rwanda. Thanks to Entrepreneurship and Workplace Learning Programmes, Businesses bounced back strongly in 2021, and created jobs while others invested in their teams. AMI offered a range of programmes - open enrollment in the market, inhouse programmes with clients, and impact-driven programmes with partners focused on specific sectors to drive transformation, with the following results: Through AMI’s workplace learning programmes provided under the Hanga Ahazaza Initiative, Leaders, managers and professionals trained report that the skills acquired have improved their performance and that they are proud to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry. Patrick Twizeyimana - Sales & Marketing Manager, Sina Gerard Entreprise Urwibutso Nyirangarama has been working in the tourism and hospitality industry for eight years. He is currently working at Sina Gerard Entreprise Urwibutso in Nyirangarama in sales and marketing. Joining the industry was a dream come true for him. He participated in AMI’s Inspiring Managers programme to expand his managerial skills. Prioritisation, self-awareness and emotional management are among the most important skills gained from the programme. Patrick has also trained his colleagues on how to use different management tools from AMI. “Working in tourism and hospitality requires you to understand and show a high level of customer care and work with others in a conducive environment. AMI equipped me with those skills, and it’s really boosted my working spirit,” says Patrick. As Rwanda joins the world to celebrate World Tourism Day, he is proud of the progress made and his contribution to a growing sector. “I now see myself as someone who had a role in the sector’s journey to growth. Rwanda works hard to attract investors in this sector and people involved need to know that they have what it takes to succeed and offer good services,” adds Patrick. The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on different sectors, and tourism and hospitality were no exception. Aime Habihirwe, a university graduate in Hospitality Management in Culinary Arts and now a Head Chief at Stafford Coffee Brewers Company found the pandemic particularly difficult. However, thanks to AMI’s workplace learning programme, he has gained professional skills and experience which have taken him to the next level in his career. “I gained skills that made me confident to do the work and effectively collaborate with colleagues by communicating positively and managing my emotions when making decisions. This helped me get promoted from an Assistant Chef to a Head Chef,” says Aime. Vanessa Kanyabutembo, a young Rwandan who has been in the tourism and hospitality sector for six years and who now works as the Head of the Front Office at White Stone Apartments, says that the skills acquired from AMI’s training helped her adjust to difficult situations, including Covid-19 pandemic. “Consistent learning is a necessity in this sector. With AMI’s workplace learning programme, I was able to visualise my future by identifying where I am now, where I want to be and what I need to do. Before, it was hard for me to adjust with the Covid-19 situation, but through the training, I managed to adapt to the new environment which has positively impacted my work. I’m excited to keep learning and contributing to the sector,” says Vanessa. Learn more about the African Management Institute and apply to join its entrepreneurship development and workplace learning programmes at africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . Article First Published on Igihe Media: AMI Celebrates the Tourism and Hospitality Sector’s Impact in Rwanda 51% of young adults and youth (below 35years old) trained under these programmes reported that they have gotten promoted, had salary increments or access to new job opportunities; 78% of senior leaders, managers & employees confirmed that they apply the learnings often on their day jobs and stated that their competency has improved 77% of Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses trained through entrepreneurship programmes reported an increase in revenue in 2021

Back to News News Rwanda COVID-19 Relief and Recovery For Rwandan Entrepreneurs From AMI In Partnership with Mastercard Foundation 16 Nov 2020 Partnership will provide free business learning for 2,500 SMEs and entrepreneurs through virtual business growth and resilience programs in response to COVID-19 crisis Kigali, Rwanda – November 16 2020 – With the aim of enabling 2,500 Rwandan entrepreneurs to bounce back from the COVID-19 crisis, the Mastercard Foundation and the African Management Institute (AMI) have expanded their partnership in Rwanda with a new program. The partnership is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program and builds on the two organizations’ work in Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism industry since 2019, under the Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative.Businesses from across the country will be eligible to apply for AMI’s free, virtual business recovery and growth programs, which will be delivered in Kinyarwanda, French, and English. AMI will offer its popular short one- month Business Survival Bootcamp as well as a longer six-month Survive to Thrive program to selected businesses. “AMI’s program have created an average of 3.1 jobs per SME and those supported report a 19% revenue increase on average. With proven results, an established presence in Kigali, and as one of the only business learning programs to offer support in Kinyarwanda, we believe AMI is uniquely qualified to support Rwandan businesses during these critical times,” said Diederik Wokke, Rwanda Country Manager for AMI. “During the COVID period, AMI’s virtual learning programs and mobile learning app have enabled us to reach thousands of small businesses across Africa, including in Rwanda. We’re excited to deepen our presence in Rwanda and to help businesses and entrepreneurs get their businesses back on track with the support of the Mastercard Foundation. ”AMI’s Business Survival Bootcamp is a one-month course designed to help businesses navigate the current crisis with access to interactive online workshops, online tools and guidance, and the opportunity to connect with other businesses. The more in-depth Survive to Thrive program is a six-month course which supports businesses to innovate, prepare for the future, and position themselves for renewed growth. Both programs aim to increase the number of businesses that survive the current crisis, saving jobs and creating new jobs opportunities, especially for women and youth.The first Business Survival Bootcamp will start in November 2020 followed by the first Survive to Thrive courses, which will start in the new year. All programs will be conducted in Kinyarwanda or English and will be fully virtual to be compliant with the ongoing COVID-19 measures at a national level. They also will be designed to accommodate the schedules of business owners.“Supporting economic recovery is one of our key areas of focus under the Mastercard Foundation Recovery and Resilience Program—and that means supporting small and medium-sized businesses, ” said Rica Rwigamba, Country Head at the Mastercard Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with AMI to offer entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge they need not just to rebound from the COVID-19 crisis, but to emerge more resilient. ”AMI is accepting applications for both the Survival Bootcamp and the Survive to Thrive program and encourages applications and inquiries from all Rwandan business owners.Businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for the programs at www.africanmanagers.co m /rwanda . About AMI AMI enables ambitious businesses across Africa to thrive, through practical tools and training. We equip entrepreneurs with tools to build their business, help companies train their teams and run work readiness programmes for young people starting their careers. AMI’s programmes combine online and mobile tools with in-person workshops and on-the-job practice and support. During the COVID period AMI is delivering fully virtual programming across the continent.AMI has worked with a range of businesses and organisations to support entrepreneurs and managers build and grow their businesses across Africa including Uber, Nestle, Radisson Blu, Mastercard Foundation, USAID, Shell Foundation and Equity Bank. AMI has directly trained over 30,000 people in over 30 countries.AMI has offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Kigali, Rwanda, and Johannesburg, South Africa.For more information on AMI visit: www.africanmanagers.com About the Mastercard Foundation The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management.For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org

An artist builds his business skills All Stories Njabulo Johnson Position: Entrepreneur Company: Programme: Start Your Business Country: South Africa Njabulo Johnson had been working as an artist and entrepreneur in Durham, South Africa, when a friend told him about a business planning programme offered by AMI. He saw this as a great opportunity to expand his skill set. “Sometimes with business you get so focused within the business that you don’t keep an open mind,” he explains. “So I just wanted to be informed and see what other opportunities are out there.” Njabulo appreciated how the programme delved into the practices of running a business, particularly helping him with goal-setting, customer management, and networking. “It was very useful because it forces you to focus on each aspect of your business,” he explains. The flexibility of the online courses also worked well for Njabulo. “You can do the course while running your business,” he says. “You can log onto the course any time when you have free time.” Njabulo has no regrets about joining the AMI programme. “I would definitely recommend this programme for other entrepreneurs. You get to find out your skills, what skills you can improve on your business. I think information is power, and the more you know, the more you can develop your business.”

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

A young manager gains skills and confidence All Stories Abigail Goschen Position: Operations manager Company: UCook Programme: Management Development Programme Country: South Africa As the operations manager for UCook, a meal kit delivery service in South Africa, Abigail Goschen is responsible for supervising more than 40 employees. The start-up’s team is young, requiring significant guidance and motivation from Abigail—who is a fairly young manager herself. Then she joined a six-month Management Development programme by AMI. “I think what really interested me about the AMI programme was just learning more about managing people,” explains Abigail. She had heard of some of the concepts in the course but hadn’t known how to put them into practice. “Learning it properly and being more aware of it gave me more confidence.” Through AMI’s signature blended learning approach, which integrates in-person workshops with peer support and online courses, every participating company saw tangible improvements in the performance of their staff. 97% of participants said they applied what they learned at work. “What I really enjoyed about it was the fact that it was quite a hands-on approach, which I would definitely recommend,” says Abigail.

Powering the M-Gas growth force in Kenya with management skills All Stories Faith Maranga Position: Company: MGAS Programme: Country: Kenya Nine years ago, in the tropical leafy neighbourhoods of Dar es Salaam, Andron Mendes needed to refill his cooking gas for his new family. The cost was expensive. Able to afford the refill, he wondered how families without the resources could afford the cost when faced with a similar decision. With that thought, Tanzania’s KopaGas was born as an idea. It became a reality when he started working with mechanical engineer Sebastian Rodriguez-Sanchez to make a pay-as-you-go cooking gas service. By 2018, KopaGas was making sales and history in Tanzania, selling the company to United Kingdom-based Circle Gas. At the time the acquisition was heralded as “the largest ever pure private equity investment in the clean cooking technology sector.” Circle Gas, which now operates M-Gas Solutions (formerly KopaGas) in Tanzania and M-Gas in Kenya, is known for the innovations Mendes and Rodriquez-Sanches led to develop smarter meters for liquid propane gas (LPG) cylinders linked to payments made through East Africa’s robust mobile payment services. In Kenya, M-Gas has a strategic operating agreement with Safaricom.The expansion that happened since 2018, across Tanzania and into Kenya, also came with rapid growth in management teams more specifically for the Kenyan team. The company has gone from 50 employees in 2020 to 1200 by July 2022 in just the last year and a half. This expansion to Kenya in January 2020, came with its own challenges, happening just as the unexpected global pandemic reached East Africa. And yet, despite Covid, demand for M-Gas’ products remained high and the company adapted and continued operations. That’s when M-Gas turned to AMI to support and power up their growing workforce.AMI collaborated with M-Gas to deliver management training to 60 managers, with more signing up for the MDP. The programme focused on equipping their new and middle managers with the tools they needed to communicate effectively, problem solve, take ownership and accountability for their work, give and receive feedback and build strong teams. In addition to a customised core curriculum of in-person workshops and online courses through AMI’s online learning platform, the programme also featured an on-the-job project, also known as a change challenge, which is a practical project that allowed the participants to put into practice what they were learning while using practical resources provided to them to demonstrate their understanding. Through the programme the participants also received mentorship through an accountability partner model integrated as part of the programme. The impact on the M-Gas team was significant. 100% participants graduated from the programme where they reported improvement in their own performance as team members. “I was able to encourage task ownership and increase trust and collaboration within the team using the “Who’s got the monkey” and coaching tools. The growth mindset learning lab also helped me rethink my HSSE M-Gas presentation making the weekly TOOL BOX TALKS (TBT) meetings more exciting. Over a short time, the attendance increased from 100 attendees to 695 attendees,” said Anne Njoroge, the then Learning & Development Assistant at M-Gas who has since been promoted to HSSE officer after graduating from the AMI program. In addition, the team projects helped address real challenges in the organisation and even saw 42% participants report personal progress at work either through a salary increase, promotion or new job. “The overall team performance has improved which has led to improved customer experience and growth. The self-paced learning was amazing and I would absolutely recommend AMI,” concluded Maranga. For M-Gas in Kenya, the proof is in the results; to power the growth of your company you need to refill your tanks with the most important fuel, the skills to power your people.

How Kentaste’s Monica Njoroge, Achieved Success with AMI’s Leadership Development Program All Stories Monica Njoroge Position: Senior HR and Administration Manager Company: Kentaste Programme: Leadership Development Programme Country: Kenya Kentaste, East Africa’s leading producer of coconut products, has always been committed to fair trade and sustainable farming. Since 2014, the company has grown from a small family business in Kwale County to a key player in international markets, supplying healthy coconut products to Africa, the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. At the heart of Kentaste’s operations is Monica Njoroge, who oversees a diverse workforce of over 700 temporary staff and 150 permanent employees. As the Senior HR and Administration Manager, she enjoys coaching, mentoring, and nurturing talent within the company, while managing a wide range of responsibilities, from employee welfare to recruitment and retention. Given the vastness of Monica Njoroge’s role at Kentaste and her unwavering commitment to excellence, it was only natural that she sought to enhance her leadership skills. At first, she viewed the Leadership Development Programme as just another opportunity that came her way. But as she delved deeper into the programme, she quickly realized that it was helping her close critical gaps in her leadership approach. “I was terrified of taking on projects,” she admits. “But the programme was a lifesaver. It helped me get organized and gave me the confidence boost I needed to see it through,” she reflects. Curious to know how she achieved this transformation? Let’s explore her journey. Identifying Challenges and Seeking Growth “I love to help people figure out alternative ways of solving their problems,” Monica shares, revealing her deep passion for fostering a collaborative workplace. While she was already adept at creating a supportive environment where employees felt comfortable expressing themselves, she knew her project management skills and attention to detail needed sharpening. “I make stuff happen and always find a way, but I knew I needed a growth mindset and better organizational skills,” she admits. With this determination, Monica embarked on the Leadership Development Programme, eager to enhance her communication and decision-making abilities—critical skills for her role as Senior HR and Administration Manager. Embracing Transformational Learning “The program helped me strike a balance between empathy and firmness,” she reflects. This newfound balance wasn’t just theoretical; Monica put her learning into practice through the “Action Learning Project” addressing real-world challenges at Kentaste. The results were evident—team dynamics improved, and operational efficiency soared. She also began to see measurable improvements in her day-to-day responsibilities. “Clear planning and organization have significantly boosted my productivity,” she shares, reflecting on how the program sharpened her approach to leadership. Monica’s newfound leadership skills also impacted the company culture. “I became a better listener,” she says. “I could see things from different perspectives.” This empathy helped effectively support department heads in achieving their goals, driving a more efficient and aligned organization. Monica’s ability to distill complex ideas into simple, actionable insights became even more refined, enhancing her leadership approach. “I communicate well—I make complex things simple, whether it’s understanding the employees or speaking the language of every department,” she shares. Beyond her professional duties, Monica’s commitment to giving back to the community also found new expression. “I love to give back to the community in my little ways,” she says, and her enhanced leadership has inspired her team to engage in social obligations, whether it’s spending time at children’s homes or delivering motivational speeches. Looking back, Monica underscores the importance of the program’s focus on self-awareness and strategic thinking. Inspiring Leadership Excellence Monica’s journey is a powerful example of the transformative impact that leadership development can have on both individuals and organizations. Her advice to other businesses considering similar programs is clear and compelling: “Investing in employee training yields long-term benefits. It enhances organizational culture and fosters strategic leadership.” She stresses the importance of continuous learning in achieving leadership excellence, particularly in a dynamic industry like manufacturing. As organizations grapple with the evolving demands of global industries, Monica’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that leadership development can have on professional growth and organizational success. Her unique blend of professional rigor and personal empathy illustrates a holistic approach to leadership—one that benefits employees, the organization, and the broader community alike.

A customised learning experience designed for senior leaders, focused on developing advanced skills and behaviours essential for effective management of systemic change, high-level collaboration, and organization-wide performance. All Programmes Flagship Programme Leadership Development Programme A customised learning experience designed for senior leaders, focused on developing advanced skills and behaviours essential for effective management of systemic change, high-level collaboration, and organization-wide performance. Various (Live Virtual, In-Person or Hybrid) 8 - 12 Months Request Information Designed for Senior managers and leaders Learning Journey Phase 1: Understanding leadership in action Evaluating leadership styles Influencing: Why should people follow you? Phase 2: Change Management Phase 3: Empowering People Phase 4: Courageous conversations Phase 5: Managing change effectively Phase 6: Building a learning culture Phase 7: Motivating my people What's Included The 8-12 month blended programme includes: Seven 90-minute virtual learning lab workshops 9-video based online courses accessed through AMI's online learning platform and mobile app Practical tools and support to ensure on-the-job application to real workplace challenges Action Learning Project with coaching support Graduation event & AMI certification Custom Learning @ Scale Enterprise & Workplace Learning AMI Enterprise offers the Leadership Development Programme as a tailored solution for workplace learning, supporting teams of leaders within a company or organisation to learn and grow together virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid setting. Impact @ Scale Based on development needs, scope, and geographic reach, AMI Impact works alongside partners to design and deliver virtual, in-person and hybrid editions of the Leadership Development Programme to upskill and prepare leaders in sectors, communities of practice, or industries across Africa. Cohorts focus on working together to apply learning and Action Learning Projects to solve key challenges in specific focus areas. 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. The Learning Labs were incredible—very interactive and practical. The content was highly relevant, not just theory, but real-life examples you can apply immediately. I loved that I could take what I learned, put it into practice, and see real, tangible results. Edwin Department Head AMI used its blended learning approach to ensure the programme translated into actual on-the-job practice and performance improvement. My sense is that the value generated from the team projects alone has more than paid for the programme itself. We’ve had a great experience with AMI over the last 4 years and consider them a valuable learning partner. Jesse Moore CEO and co-founder M-KOPA 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 Effective leaders do more than demand performance—they inspire, collaborate, and drive results with behaviours that foster results. This programme equips leaders with the emotional intelligence, communication, and change management skills required to elevate teams and achieve tangible business outcomes. Participants don’t just read about how to become better leaders, they put new concepts and tools into practice through interactive learning labs, self-paced learning on AMI’s platform, and structured peer feedback to reinforce practical application. During the 8-12 month journey, leaders complete a collaborative Action Learning Project, applying AMI’s proven change management tools to solve real business challenges “on the job”. Professional coaches support the implementation of new leadership behaviours within the Action Learning Project framework. Guided by AMI’s expert facilitators, coaches, and learning managers, this flagship experience ensures leaders not only gain new skills but actively implement them—building stronger teams and driving organisational outcomes in real time. Key Outcomes Leadership Advancement Development of advanced leadership skills that inspire and guide teams effectively. Cultivation of a leadership mindset that encourages growth and innovation. Empowerment and Effective Communication Feedback and Nurturing Organizational Culture Change Management and Team Building Proficiency Focus Areas Building a learning culture Changing behaviour Courageous conversations Empowering your people Influencing others Leadership styles Managing change Motivation