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

Powering the M-Gas growth force in Kenya with management skills All Case Studies Case Study Workplace Learning Powering the M-Gas growth force in Kenya with management skills Background In Dar es Salaam, Andron Mendes and engineer Sebastian Rodriguez-Sanchez founded KopaGas to tackle high cooking gas costs. They created a pay-as-you-go service, which led to KopaGas's acquisition by Circle Gas in 2018, boosting clean cooking technology. Challenge As M-Gas expanded rapidly in Kenya, growing from 50 employees in 2020 to 1,200 by mid-2022, the company faced challenges in managing its increasing workforce effectively, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Solution M-Gas partnered with AMI to provide management training for 60 managers, including workshops, online courses, projects, and mentorship. The program focused on communication, problem-solving, accountability, feedback, and team building. Results All participants graduated and reported improved performance as team members. Training increased trust and collaboration. Additionally, 42% of participants noted personal career progress, such as salary increases, promotions, or new job opportunities. 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 The story behind the journey 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.

Back to News News Africa Navigating the Energy Sector 3 Oct 2023 In the fast-growing and ever-evolving energy sector, professionals are continually building their careers and skill sets. But there's always more to be done. During Africa Climate Week, AMI Enterprise partnered with POWERHer to host an exclusive event in Kigali, Rwanda tailored to professionals within the energy sector. The event provided a unique opportunity for talent managers, HR professionals and those in the workforce to gain insights and strategies for advancing their careers in the energy industry and as leaders in a broader professional context. AMI's leadership and management programmes have been targeted and customised for the energy sector, including two programmes actively recruiting - Empowering Managers and Future Females in Energy. Connect with the AMI Enterprise team to learn more about our business outcome-focused workplace learning and talent training offerings specifically for Africa's ambitious energy companies. Panelists for the event included: Harold Angila, Sourcing and Activation L ead, AMI Jocelyne UWAMAHORO (MHRM) , Director HR at Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Valerie Okinda , Chief People Officer Ampersand Solar Malik Shaffy Lizinde , Country Manager for AMI Rwanda John Frédérick van Zuylen , CEO of AFSIA (Africa Solar Industry Association)

Brewing a Better Future: The Leadership Transformation at Spring Valley Coffee All Case Studies Case Study Impact at Scale Brewing a Better Future: The Leadership Transformation at Spring Valley Coffee Background Kenya's Spring Valley Coffee Limited is known for its high-quality beans and rich coffee. The company strives for excellence and aims to inspire change through coffee. Challenge Spring Valley Coffee Limited identified important areas for growth, including owning company values, fostering personal accountability, and improving time management. Solution They enrolled 28 staff members in AMI’s Management Development Programme. This programme focused on empowering managers to lead with confidence lead with confidence, skill, and a shared vision for the future. Results The program led to noticeable growth within teams, with participants applying the learned tools and techniques. They reported improvements in communication, assertiveness, and proactive engagement. 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 The story behind the journey Imagine sipping a cup of Spring Valley Coffee, knowing that each bean has been carefully cultivated and roasted by a team committed to excellence not just in flavour, but in every facet of their operation. Spring Valley’s dedication to improving their internal processes means every cup of coffee is backed by a company striving for perfection. Kenya-based Spring Valley Coffee Limited, renowned for its high-quality beans and rich, aromatic coffee, was looking to inspire new management approaches.They identified important areas for growth including owning company values, fostering personal accountability and time management. To support learning Spring Valley management enrolled 28 dedicated staff members in AMI’s Management Development Programme. Aligned with Spring Valley’s mission to inspire change in the world through coffee, the programme focused on empowering managers to lead with confidence, skill, and a shared vision for the future. The participants were highly dedicated and eager to grow within the company, and this translated into results. Feedback from team leaders showed noticeable growth in their teams, who had started using the tools and techniques learned during the programme, immediately on the job. “Having difficult conversations, assertiveness, and delegating tasks have become part of my daily routine, thanks to the training we received,” said Astin Mumbi, one of the participants. Vivien Wanjiku, one of Spring Valley’s branch managers took the practices and taught her team in the process.“My team has become more proactive, bringing in ideas and tackling challenges together. We now have regular idea-sharing sessions that foster innovation.” This proactive approach and regular collaboration were new hallmarks of the Spring Valley team. At the programme graduation, Spring Valley’s COO Geert Hein-Jens, the COO of Spring Valley Coffee Limited, emphasized the importance of continuous learning, “Continuous learning is important and starts from the leadership team, cascading down to everyone in the company. It creates a culture where personal growth is important; it allows you to be a better professional.” he said. The Management Development Programme has been crucial in transforming the management skills at Spring Valley Coffee Limited. By addressing key business challenges and fostering a culture of continuous learning, the company is better positioned to achieve its mission of inspiring change in the world through incredible coffee, one cup at a time. To read more stories in our 2023 Impact Report click here: ‘10 Years as an African Champion for Africa’s Business Champions’.

Empowering entrepreneurs to innovate during uncertainty All Case Studies Case Study Impact at Scale Empowering entrepreneurs to innovate during uncertainty Background Yvonne Dimikatso Mashita, a qualified dietician, moved to Pretoria in 2012 to start a private wellness practice after managing a hospital dietetics department in Limpopo. Her business grew and she hired two employees, but the pandemic's first lockdown in March 2020 halted her operations and revenue. Challenge With lockdown restrictions in place, Yvonne's mobile health and wellness business could no longer serve clients, leading to a complete drop in revenue. Facing uncertainty, she sought ways to adapt her business and retain her employees amid unprecedented challenges. Solution Yvonne joined AMI’s Survive to Thrive programme after hearing about it on "Talk with Rams." She learned budgeting and team communication skills, which helped her start a Fitness Cafe with a local gym, offering healthy supplements and smoothies. Results Yvonne increased her revenue by 70% after adapting her business post-operations. The Survive to Thrive programme helped her innovate and retain employees. She advises others to "surround yourself with the right people, ask questions, listen, learn, and apply what you've learned." The story behind the journey The 26th of March 2020 will forever be engraved in the minds of South Africans as the day the world as they knew it changed. It was the day the first lockdown restrictions were announced and many business owners had to temporarily shut their doors. Yvonne Dimikatso Mashita of Pretoria, a qualified dietician who was running her mobile health and wellness business, was no exception. However, as Yvonne learned, challenges can be the very catalyst one needs to build courage. Her story dates back to 2012 when she took the plunge and moved to Pretoria to start her own private wellness practice after successfully managing the Dietetics Department at a district hospital in Limpopo. Her new practice did well and steadily grew as she was able to hire two employees until the pandemic hit. “When the lockdown was imposed, I had hope that it would only last for three weeks and then come to an end.” More than a year later, South Africa and many other African countries were still under lockdown. Many businesses were negatively impacted by the pandemic and Yvonne was no exception. “When the lockdown was put into effect, I made 0% revenue because clients could not come to me. During those difficult times, I tried to use my time effectively. I looked into avenues of self-development, opportunities that would help me learn more about entrepreneurship. That is when I came across the AMI Survive to Thrive programme on the show – Talk with Rams. “Survive to Thrive exposed me to tools that I was able to use right away. I learnt how to communicate effectively with my employees, budget, and make necessary adjustments to keep my business running.” Yvonne says the programme helped her find ways to retain her employees and keep her business afloat. She used AMI’s Innovation tool to help her conceptualise and start a new business. “I love how I have become innovative and able to identify new business opportunities. I have now launched a Fitness Cafe in partnership with a local gym. We sell healthy supplements, smoothies, and many other products. We also now provide dietary products to our clients instead of prescribing for them to buy at a pharmacy.” Between March and August last year, Yvonne’s revenue went down. but now things have improved and her revenue is up by 70%. “Knowledge is power. Seek help if you do not know the answer. Surround yourself with the right people and ask a lot of questions. Listen, learn and then apply all that you have learned,” she says.

Transform early-career employees and staff into key performers. A dynamic blend of live workshops, self-paced courses, and practical application focuses on productivity, communication, and teamwork skills. All Programmes Short Programme Thrive@Work Transform early-career employees and staff into key performers. A dynamic blend of live workshops, self-paced courses, and practical application focuses on productivity, communication, and teamwork skills. Hybrid (Live Virtual & In-Person) 4 Months Request Information Designed for Entry-level and non-management staff Learning Journey Phase 1: Unlocking Workplace Success Learning what it takes to be successful in the workplace Learning how to be more productive by assigning and prioritising tasks Developing power skills to become more self-aware to manage your energy better Phase 2: Communicating with Clarity & Confidence Phase 3: Navigating Feedback & Managing Up What's Included This 4-month blended programme includes: Four interactive 90-minute virtual learning sessions Expert-led video-based online courses with continuous access to AMI’s learning platform and mobile app Practical toolkits and coaching for real-time workplace application Change Challenge / Personal Project Graduation event & AMI certification Custom Learning @ Scale Enterprise-Wide Learning AMI Enterprise offers Thrive@Work as a tailored solution for workplace learning, supporting cohorts of early-career or new employees joining a company or organisation to learn and grow together as part of onboarding or entry-level training. Impact @ 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. The learning labs were very interactive and practical. I learned about setting smart goals, how to communicate effectively and take ownership of my work. Participant Momentum Credit 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 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 Success in the workplace requires more than technical skills—it demands the ability to plan, collaborate, and communicate effectively. Thrive @ Work equips early-career employees with the tools to increase productivity, build strong working relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their teams. This dynamic programme blends live interactive workshops, self-paced online courses, and practical on-the-job application to ensure sustained learning and measurable performance improvements. With AMI’s structured approach, teams develop critical workplace skills while reinforcing a culture of accountability and collaboration. Key Outcomes Workplace Productivity & Time Management Break down complex goals into manageable tasks Prioritise effectively to manage workload and deadlines Apply personal productivity techniques to maximize efficiency Effective Communication & Collaboration Emotional Intelligence & Workplace Resilience Focus Areas Accountability & ownership Difficult conversations Effective communication Emotional intelligence Goal-setting & planning Influence & communication Personal productivity Problem-solving Receiving feedback Self-management Working in teams

Empower micro-enterprises with simple yet effective organizational practices. The Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Programme supports entrepreneurs in making meaningful gains by enhancing financial management, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. All Programmes Flagship Programme Micro Enterprise Accelerator Programme Empower micro-enterprises with simple yet effective organizational practices. The Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Programme supports entrepreneurs in making meaningful gains by enhancing financial management, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. Various (Live Virtual, In-Person or Hybrid) 6 Months Request Information Designed for Micro-business owners Learning Journey Phase 1: Know Your Customers & the Market Understanding market trends and customer needs Developing a customer-centric approach Phase 2: Understanding Your Business Phase 3: Motivating People & Streamlining Operations Phase 4: Planning for Growth What's Included This 6-month blended learning programme includes: 3-4 days of in-person Learning Lab workshops Access to online courses and practical business tools Peer networking opportunities for shared learning and collaboration Access to AMI’s mobile app for business tracking and financial management Graduation event & certification Custom Learning @ Scale AMI partners with development organizations and micro-finance institutions to deliver the Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Programme at scale. This ensures that entrepreneurs across different markets and sectors receive relevant and impactful training in their local contexts. Whether delivered in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid model, this programme is customized to address the unique challenges faced by micro-business owners and help them thrive in competitive environments. 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. I improved my record-keeping and created a functional budget. I also expanded my business by adding new product lines and enhancing the look and feel of my shop. As a result, my revenue has grown by over 40%! Mejjah Gitua Business Owner Sauti Traders Conducting a SWOT analysis helped me identify external factors affecting my business. I spotted an opportunity in the directive requiring civil servants to wear African attire on Fridays. After reviewing our sales numbers, I was thrilled to see that we didn’t just meet our 30% growth target—we exceeded it with a 44% increase in sales last month. Serah Okoti Founder Princess Fashion Empire We’ve gained valuable insights into financial management, client relationships, market competition, suppliers, and other key aspects of the branding and merchandising industry. Muthoni Gituru Business Owner Ekara Official 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 Small steps in business can lead to big strides, especially for micro-business owners on their entrepreneurial journey. Success in any sized business comes from mastering fundamental business skills and applying them consistently. For a micro-enterprise even a single change to fundamental practices in the business can be a game changer - from stock management, to record keeping or managing effectively. The Micro-Enterprise Accelerator Programme equips entrepreneurs with these game changing practices and behaviours to boost financial planning, marketing, and operations to build stronger, more resilient businesses. Participants gain immediate, practical skills through hands-on workshops, peer learning, online business tools, and personalized coaching. The flexible and accessible structure ensures that even entrepreneurs with limited internet access and busy schedules can participate effectively. This programme is delivered in collaboration with development organizations and micro-finance institutions to support business owners across various networks. Tailored for different markets and languages, it empowers entrepreneurs with the tools needed for long-term success and growth. Key Outcomes Business Resilience & Growth Strengthen business operations for long-term sustainability Improve business survival rates through better financial management Drive revenue growth and job creation Financial & Operational Management Market Expansion & Customer Engagement Focus Areas Book-keeping & Cash Management Business Planning Basics Controlling Costs Reaching New Customers Supplier Management

Back to News News Africa Africa’s food systems need to be reimagined – CALA forum to chart ways forward 5 Sept 2022 Food and agriculture leaders from across Africa are gathered in Rwanda today to advance action for food systems transformation on the continent. The two-day forum themed Collaborative Leadership: Advancing African Food Systems, is organised by the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) , an AGRA-led initiative, and will see over 200 of Africa’s leading and emerging agriculture leaders convene for a series of workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions designed to provoke collaborative action towards the most pressing food system issues facing the continent today. The forum is the first in-person gathering of CALA’s participants in the Centre’s young history. The second cohort of 80 food systems leaders will be unveiled officially. During the event the delegates will issue a call to action for greater collaboration among sector leaders on advancing African food systems. Among the key speakers were H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, AGRA Board Chair and former Prime Minister for Ethiopia, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, and Rebecca Harrison, CEO of African Management Institute (AMI). “Realising the collective expertise and energy of these distinguished leaders from AGRA’s Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture gathered here today, this is really our moment to seize to work together towards deeper integration of our food systems, and to take critical steps towards achieving zero hunger”, said H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn. Selected from over 1,000 applicants, the 80 new CALA delegates represent the continent’s most dynamic leaders in agriculture, with 45% of them drawn from government agencies across the eight countries, 26% from the private sector and 29% from civil society. “These illustrious CALA cohorts of 160 leaders from eight countries have distinguished themselves in delivering on food systems transformation priorities across government, private sector and civil society. In the aftermath of COVID-19, we have a unique opportunity to re-imagine and build more resilient food systems. We look forward to the rest of this decade of action working with you all to meet our sector priorities with the eight harvests we now have left,” said Dr. Kalibata. Designed for rising stars and established executives from across Africa’s agriculture sector in government, the private sector and civil society, CALA’s Advanced Leadership Programme is the continent’s premier leadership programme tailored to support leaders to advance sustainable agriculture sector priorities. The highly competitive programme is a 16-month learning journey that emphasises collaborative and practical experience and is focused on advancing leaders’ professional skills as they contribute to delivery of flagship programmes on food systems transformation. An AGRA-led initiative, CALA is delivered in collaboration with implementing partners, including AMI, CALA’s lead implementation and learning partner, and USAID’s Policy LINK. Policy LINK has led the design and rollout of the leadership programme’s coaching component. “As a leader, being a catalyst for change and transformation is difficult work, even for the most seasoned professional. AMI’s leadership learning journey within CALA’s programmes, focuses on enhancing leaders’ collaborative leadership styles and providing practical, hands-on learning experiences for senior and emerging African leaders in agriculture,” said Rebecca Harrison, CEO and Co-Founder of AMI. “This in-person event is a milestone for the CALA program and the committed leaders at its core,” said Policy LINK Chief of Party Steve Smith. “As we forge new connections in Rwanda over the next two days, may they also strengthen our common cause — transforming food systems for the benefit of the entire region and its people.” The two-day leadership forum comes at a time when the world is facing a crippling food crisis with countries in Africa among the most affected. It is focused on enabling leaders to deliver on their commitments to food security by emphasising the role of collaboration and adaptive leadership in advancing Africa’s food systems. To learn more about the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture, visit https://cala.agra.org/programme/cala-advanced-leadership-programme/

Explore AMI's Impact Report Library and track our progress over the years. Discover data-driven insights, success stories, and key learnings from our work empowering African businesses and leaders. 2023: 10 YEARS AS AN AFRICAN CHAMPION FOR AFRICA’S BUSINESS CHAMPIONS View AMI’s 2023 Impact Report 2022: THE RESILIENCE FACTOR View AMI’s 2022 Impact Report Impact Report Library Every year AMI releases a comprehensive analysis of the quantitative and qualitative results and impact of our programmes and partnerships. 2018: AMI IMPACT SNAPSHOT Download AMI’s 2018 Impact Report 2017: AMI IMPACT REPORT Download AMI’s 2017 Impact Report 2021: SKILLS TO POWER GROWTH AND IMPACT Download AMI’s 2021 Impact Report 2020: A YEAR OF STRUGGLE, HOPE & RESILIENCE View AMI’s 2020 Impact Report