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How Leadership Development for Healthcare is Powering Innovation: The Maisha Meds Story All Stories John Nsubuga Position: Director, People Operations Company: Maisha Meds Programme: Management Development Programme Leadership Development Programme Country: Kenya At AMI, we know that great businesses don’t just happen—they’re built by strong leaders. In a critical sector like healthcare, the right leadership can be the difference between progress and stagnation. That’s why when Maisha Meds, a fast-growing health-tech company, sought to scale its impact, it turned to AMI’s Leadership Development Programme (LDP) and Management Development Programme (MDP) to equip its team with the skills to lead confidently in a complex landscape. Scaling Healthcare Access Through Strategic Leadership Maisha Meds has transformed access to quality healthcare across East Africa. Its groundbreaking digital platform connects 4,400 pharmacies and clinics, facilitating over one million patient reimbursements and ensuring life-saving medicines reach those who need them most. But as with any fast-growing company, the challenge wasn’t just scaling its operations—it was ensuring its leadership could keep pace with its ambitious vision. Recognizing that strong leadership fuels sustainable growth, Maisha Meds invested in its managers and senior leaders through AMI’s LDP and MDP. These programmes are designed to move beyond theory and into action—giving leaders the tools to navigate complexity, foster accountability, and drive business success. Practical Skills, Real Impact The impact was immediate and tangible. Thirteen Maisha Meds managers completed the MDP, a practical programme designed to sharpen management skills in areas like goal-setting, communication, and team empowerment. Fourteen senior leaders enrolled in the LDP , where they tackled high-level leadership challenges, from driving organizational culture to strategic decision-making. Participants reported a transformation in their approach to leadership: Greater clarity in their managerial roles Improved ability to lead tough conversations with confidence Stronger mentoring and coaching skills to build high-performing teams Better time management and productivity A more strategic, solution-oriented mindset “The clarity and relevance of the course content were impressive,” shared Idris Musa, Sales Manager at Maisha Meds. “It felt tailored to real-world challenges, and I was able to implement new strategies that immediately improved team performance and communication.” The AMI Approach: Leadership That Delivers Results At AMI, we believe that leadership training should never feel like a box-ticking exercise. Our programmes are designed for real business environments, equipping managers and executives with practical, immediately applicable skills. From interactive workshops to on-the-job learning, we ensure that leaders don’t just learn—they lead. The Maisha Meds story is a testament to the power of investing in people. When businesses commit to developing their managers and executives, they don’t just build strong teams—they create organizations that thrive. Ready to strengthen your leadership team? Discover how AMI’s Leadership Development and Management Development Programmes can help your business scale with confidence. Learn more here.

Back to News News Africa AMI’s 2022 Impact Report: The Resilience Factor 26 Sept 2023 What do Africa's ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs who continuously accelerate growth and foster grit, even in the most turbulent times, have in common? 'The Resilience Factor'. Our 2022 Impact Report is a tribute to the tireless dedication of these ambitious businesses, entrepreneurs, our partners and friends. Your unwavering collaboration and support have fueled our mission to empower African entrepreneurs and drive sustainable change. Through the power of skills development, we have witnessed incredible transformations. Jobs have been created, enabling individuals to improve their livelihoods. Local communities have been uplifted, and the ripple effect has strengthened entire systems. As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. Together, we can continue building an inclusive and thriving Africa, where entrepreneurship thrives and opportunities abound. Read More About Our Impact in 2022 https://africanmanagers.com/2022-impact-report/

A female leader finds her voice All Stories Siphokazi Ngidi Position: Health & safety officer Company: South Africa Sugar Association Programme: Management Development Programme Country: South Africa As a health and safety officer for the South Africa Sugar Association, Siphokazi Ngidi is one of the youngest leaders on her team. She is also a woman in a male-dominated industry. When AMI partnered with the SA Sugar Association to provide a Management Development programme, Siphokazi found the blended learning platform particularly engaging. “The AMI training experience was different because it was more interactive,” she explains. “It was a lot of guidance and assistance.” As a result of the six-month programme, Siphokazi and her fellow managers all reported improved effectiveness on the job. In addition, 95% of participants said their motivation had increased and 89% saw greater productivity from their teams. Siphokazi grew in her confidence as a leader, sharing that “the programme helped me find my voice.” “The AMI programme did help me connect more with the working environment, mainly because the programme encourages you to interact.” Siphokazi also experienced another important benefit: the shared learning journey helped her bond more with her colleagues. “The AMI programme did help me connect more with the working environment, mainly because the programme encourages you to interact.”

Nadine Niyonizeye District - Nyamasheke The Impact Footprint Growth Guide: Nadine Niyonizeye, 26 Location: Western Province, Nyamasheke District, Ruharambuga Sector, Wimana Cell, Ryangage Village Total Ecosystem Portfolio: 321 Youth MSMEs Trained & Mentored Demographic Breakdown: 258 women, 63 men, 12 persons with disabilities Nadine Niyonizeye became a Growth Guide at a time when she herself was unemployed, driven by a desire to take action and support other young people in similar situations. As a young volunteer, she saw the role as an opportunity to not only create purpose for herself but also help others build livelihoods through entrepreneurship. Her motivation is rooted in turning challenges into opportunities, both for herself and for the youth in her community. Through her work, Nadine has reached around 450 young people, helping them shift how they approach business. One of the most visible changes she has contributed to is encouraging entrepreneurs to keep proper financial records and actively listen to their customers. By tracking how money is used and gathering feedback from clients, young business owners are beginning to better understand market needs and improve their products and services. This shift toward more informed and responsive businesses is helping create stronger and more sustainable enterprises. A key part of her support involves helping young entrepreneurs prepare their business ideas and projects so they are ready for financial opportunities. While youth in her area have not yet accessed loans, mainly due to limited availability within their sector, Nadine focuses on ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and structure needed to benefit when access improves. Her work is centered on readiness, making sure young people are not left behind when opportunities arise. Through this role, she has gained deeper insights into important social and economic issues, including gender dynamics, financial inclusion, and the challenges faced by vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. These learnings have strengthened her ability to support others more holistically, understanding that entrepreneurship is not only about income but also about inclusion and empowerment. Looking ahead, her hope is that financial institutions will make it easier for young people to access loans, especially by reducing barriers like collateral requirements. She believes that many young entrepreneurs are capable and ready, but need systems that are more accessible and supportive. Her message to young people reflects resilience and determination: they should stay disciplined, create their own opportunities, and make the most of the resources around them. She encourages them to be bold in approaching financial institutions and to actively seek ways to grow, believing that progress comes from courage, effort, and the willingness to take initiative. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Poultry Business Grows 70%, Feeding Kenyans and Helping Farmers Thrive All Stories Claire Njuguna Position: Business Owner Company: Renray Poultry Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya When Claire Njuguna started Renray in 2011, she saw an opportunity to solve a problem many poultry farmers were facing. While searching for a better way to raise her own birds, she discovered automated poultry cages and realised they were far more affordable when sourced directly from manufacturers overseas. Despite having no experience in importing, she took the risk of bringing the products into Kenya and built a business around helping farmers improve productivity. As the business grew, new challenges emerged. "Although I had a background in marketing, I had spent my career marketing other people's businesses. Learning how to market my own business was a completely different experience," Claire says. Managing imports, finances, operations, and customer service with limited systems became increasingly difficult, and as competition entered the market, growth began to plateau. That changed when Claire joined AMI's Grow Your Business (GYB) Programme. "I have a master's degree, but I quickly realised that theory and practical business management are two very different things," she says. The AMI programme introduced practical business tools that helped her strengthen financial management, build better systems, and delegate responsibilities across the business. One lesson, in particular, transformed the direction of Renray: "What else does a poultry farmer need?" Instead of focusing only on selling poultry cages, Claire expanded the business into a complete poultry solutions provider, offering feeders, drinkers, automatic watering systems, and contract farming services that help farmers raise healthier birds more efficiently. The impact has been significant. Renray's contract farming business has grown from between 3,000 and 6,000 birds annually to approximately 60,000 birds each year. Annual imports have increased from two containers to six, representing approximately 70% business growth and enabling the company to serve more poultry farmers across Kenya. That growth has also created new employment opportunities. Today, Renray employs eight permanent staff members, equally split between women and men, while also providing internship opportunities for young people pursuing careers in agriculture. The company's expansion has generated additional work for installers, transport providers, casual labourers, and poultry equipment resellers, strengthening livelihoods across Kenya's poultry value chain. From taking a chance on an unfamiliar opportunity to building a structured and growing agribusiness, Renray is helping farmers become more productive while creating jobs and contributing to Kenya's food security. “One question from the AMI programme changed how I saw my business: 'What else does a poultry farmer need?' That shift helped us expand beyond poultry cages into complete poultry solutions. Today, our contract farming business has grown to around 60,000 birds annually, our imports have tripled, and we're creating more jobs while helping farmers succeed,” she says. To learn more about Claire and her work with Renray Poultry Solutions, please visit https://smartpoultrysolutions.com

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/

Creating Green Jobs, One Rural Community at a Time All Stories Richard Mwangi Position: Founder Company: Organic Fields Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya When Richard Mwangi founded Organic Fields Limited, he had a bold vision: to tackle the growing problem of food waste in Nairobi while restoring the health of Kenya’s depleted soils. His solution? An innovative organic fertiliser made by composting market waste, enriched with biochar, rock meal, and other organic materials. But like many purpose-driven entrepreneurs, Richard soon ran into key challenges. The business lacked strategic direction, clear customer segmentation, and solid financial systems. “We knew the problem we were solving,” Richard reflects, “but we had serious gaps. How do we forecast growth, raise the right funds, or even segment the farmers we serve?” That changed when Organic Fields joined AMI’s Grow Your Agribusiness programme. Through AMI’s practical training and hands-on support, Richard and his team began to reimagine the business. They developed a detailed five-year strategic plan and overhauled their financial systems, introducing formalised accounting, reliable projections, and investor-ready tools. “We restructured our entire financial department,” Richard explains. “We also gained clarity on what investors look for and how to tell our story through numbers.” The programme also revealed two major blind spots: a narrow market focus and weak fundraising capacity. Organic Fields had been content serving existing customers, but the programme pushed them to think bigger. “It opened our eyes to new customer segments, new markets, and even sparked ideas for product development,” Richard says. The result? A compelling pitch deck, refined fundraising strategy, and fresh partnerships. More importantly, a mindset shift from maintaining a business to scaling one. Perhaps most transformative was the shift in how Organic Fields approached its customers. Before AMI, they marketed broadly to ‘farmers.’ Today, they target distinct segments, from kitchen gardeners to export producers, with tailored products and messaging. “This changed everything. We now understand our customers better and can innovate around their specific needs.” The programme’s impact didn’t stop at strategy. Today, Organic Fields employs over 70 people, 75% of whom are women and youth, working across waste collection, composting, and production. The company has trained and deployed 20 field agronomists and more than 300 rural women as village-based agents who demonstrate products, train peers, and boost adoption in hard-to-reach areas. “The programme helped us unlock both business growth and social impact, and that’s what makes it so powerful, ” Richard notes. From transforming waste into regenerative fertiliser to creating dignified green jobs in rural communities, Organic Fields is showing what’s possible when business and impact grow together. “AMI helped us realise we had a bigger opportunity,” Richard says. “The programme challenged us to expand our reach, innovate our products, and empower more people.” Now stronger, more strategic, and ready for scale, Organic Fields is charting a new path for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. Download Richard Mwangi's Story Download AMI's 2024 Impact Report

From Strategy to Results: Executing 2026 Priorities in the Nigerian Market Register Now Additional Info Experience practical tools that help leadership teams translate strategy into measurable results. Nigeria Leadership From Strategy to Results: Executing 2026 Priorities in the Nigerian Market In-Person Lagos, Nigeria African Management Institute (AMI) will be hosting an exclusive executive experience for senior leaders driving performance and growth in Lagos, Nigeria. Register Now

High-value learning on the go All Stories Kelvin Kang’ethe Position: Business Owner Company: Anchor Technologies Programme: Grow Your Business Country: Kenya A traditional business training course wouldn’t work for entrepreneur Kelvin Kang’ethe, owner of Anchor Technologies. Because of his customer’s demands, he needed a flexible programme that would deliver high value for the limited time he was able to invest—and that’s exactly what he found in AMI’s GYB programme, sponsored by KCB Bank Kenya. “It’s suitable mostly for people in business like myself, where I don’t have to spend my whole day in class,” he explains. Because participants choose their own topics of study, and most of the course content is online, Kelvin could gain important skills and knowledge without disrupting his business operations. “You log in to the site, go to the unit that you want to study, download all the materials that you need to download, and you read on the move. It was so easy for me.” In addition to the programme’s flexibility, Kelvin also appreciated how its practical insights strengthened his overall business strategy. “Grow Your Business has completely changed my approach to how I do business,” he says. He has shifted to focusing on corporate accounts that are more robust and provide regular orders. As a result, his profits have increased and his debts have decreased. “Grow your business was such an eye opener because it’s made me start now realizing what I’m doing here, knowing my business better,” Kelvin explains.

From Ambition to Impact: Building a Healthcare Ecosystem in Ethiopia All Stories Eng. Workineh Gudissa Position: CEO Company: Waliif Healthcare Share Programme: Aspire Business Growth Programme Country: Ethiopia If Ethiopia's healthcare system had a prescription in 2016, it might have called for: more medicine, better diagnostics, more skilled healthcare professionals and stronger systems. What others saw as separate challenges, Gudissa saw as interconnected gaps in a system that millions depended on. "We could see many challenges in the system," he recalls. "There were shortages of medicine, limited laboratory services, and not enough skilled health professionals." That vision led to the founding of Waliif Healthcare in 2016. A company built not just to provide healthcare services but to strengthen the systems that support them. The ambition was clear: create an ecosystem that could expand access to quality diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare training for communities across Ethiopia. Early on, the company operated under a ‘founder-centric’ model that limited its capacity for growth. Despite its noble mission, financial progress plateaued, leaving a workforce of 35 employees operating without a formal organizational structure. The turning point occurred when the leadership joined the Aspire Business Growth Programme. "We realised that we were nowhere near being a well-organised company. Aspire helped us understand how international businesses operate in terms of structure, culture, and efficiency, " Gudissa reflects. Through the adoption of stringent procurement, financial, and HR policies, the organization formulated its first five-year strategy, evolving from a cluster of local pharmacies into a professionalized corporation ready for international expansion. Central to this transformation was Gudissa’s own evolution from a hands-on founder to a strategic CEO. To empower a fresh new level of management, he took on the challenging shift towards decentralizing power by creating dedicated units, including IT and Strategic Planning. This cultural shift proved that for a company to serve thousands, the burden of leadership must be shared. “We developed a very strong team. Now responsibilities are shared and the organisation operates much more effectively.” This new environment of accountability acted as the engine for financial success, driving Waliif’s growth from a few hundred dollars to over $5 million in annual revenue. Waliif Healthcare has transformed into a regional powerhouse, boasting a team of more than 250 new staff members. This newfound financial strength has opened doors to substantial private investment and bank funding, empowering the company to invest in fixed assets, advanced diagnostic centres and high-tech medical imports that were once absent in the region. However, the firm’s success is defined by more than just fiscal growth; its true impact is reflected in the lives of the women and youth who occupy the majority of these new administrative and clinical positions. By training over 3,000 students to become the next generation of healthcare professionals, the company's Health Sciences and Business College anchors its commitment to long-term sustainability while strengthening the economic foundation and livelihoods of hundreds of families across Ethiopia. “Our teams advise other companies,” Gudissa explains. “Many businesses come to learn from our policies and strategies.” The impact of Waliif’s achievement transcends its clinical settings, fueling a secondary economy of local suppliers, distributors and contractors. As a beacon of financial discipline and governance, the company now serves as a model for other Ethiopian enterprises seeking to professionalise. Waliif Healthcare is currently preparing for a historic listing on the Addis Ababa Stock Exchange, solidifying its role as a permanent, community-owned cornerstone of the nation. By welcoming public investment, the organization is building a sustainable and inclusive legacy that will ensure healthcare access for future generations. To further this mission, Gudissa is expanding his partnership with AMI. His plans include enrolling additional personnel in specialised business training and exploring ways to integrate AMI's educational resources directly into the health sciences college curriculum at Waliif.

Helping Rwandan businesses and entrepreneurs take immediate action to protect their businesses during uncertain times. Over 1,300 businesses and entrepreneurs from over 36 countries across Africa have kicked off their journey to take action and save their business with practical tools for rapid financial planning, cost management, and strategies for adapting your business and products. Join the growing network of businesses across Africa who refuse to let COVID-19 lock down their hopes and dreams. Start your 2 weeks of free access by signing up for a kickoff session. All Programmes Open Enrolment Rwanda Business Survival Bootcamp Helping Rwandan businesses and entrepreneurs take immediate action to protect their businesses during uncertain times. in partnership with in partnership with CATEGORY DESIGNED FOR Business Owner & Team FORMAT Virtual DURATION 2 Weeks COST NEXT COHORT START Overview Key Outcomes Focus Areas Learning Journey What's Included Who Can Enroll? Guided & Supported Learning Journeys Cohort-Based Groups of learners are guided by AMI’s facilitators through experiences that emphasize peer-to-peer learning, action learning projects, and networking. Tech-Enabled AMI’s web and mobile apps support learners anytime and anywhere with access to video content, downloadable tools and engagement, throughout their journey. Explore AMI's Learning Approach Africa First Our approach and content is built for Africa’s ambitious professionals and teams. With content in 7 languages, African case studies, and experiences led by Africa’s finest facilitators, we put Africa first in everything we do. Goal setting was something we hadn’t focused on before. Now, whenever a woman comes to us, we start with setting clear, actionable goals. Immy Nakyeyune Founder Mkazipreneur I highly recommend this programme to other entrepreneurs. It helps you identify your strengths and the skills you need to grow your business. Knowledge is power—the more you learn, the better you can develop and scale your business. Njabulo Johnson Entrepreneur Impilo Ka Lova Start Your Learning Journey Today