On October 29, 2024, I had the pleasure of participating as a speaker in the YouthConnekt Africa Summit virtual space discussion on “Digital Skills and Youth Innovation,” hosted by Youth Connekt Africa and co-hosted by UNDP Rwanda. Alongside an inspiring group of speakers, we dove into essential topics that are shaping the future of youth-led digital transformation across Africa.
The conversation was moderated by Jackie Lumbasi, a seasoned journalist and advocate for African youth voices. Other speakers included:
- Julien Dushime, from Rwanda’s Right Lamp Shine Group Ltd, who shared insights on empowering communities with sustainable lighting solutions.
- Niyonzeye Abdul, CEO of SmartClass Ltd in Rwanda, spoke passionately about his work in educational technology, aiming to bridge gaps in digital learning.
- Mayowa Olajide Akinleye, a Nigerian youth motivator and founder of Motivar, highlighted the importance of mentorship and community support for young entrepreneurs in Africa.
During the discussion, I represented Ntha Foundation and shared insights on the critical role digital skills play in enhancing youth innovation, particularly in underrepresented communities. We discussed practical strategies for improving digital literacy, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and creating inclusive platforms for young innovators across the continent.
Key Highlights from the Discussion
- The Power of Digital Skills: We explored how access to digital tools and skills can be a game-changer for youth, enabling them to drive change in their communities, create jobs, and solve pressing societal issues.
- Youth Innovation as a Catalyst for Development: The speakers emphasized how young innovators are pushing boundaries in fields like education, sustainability, and tech solutions tailored for African markets.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: The discussion highlighted the importance of cross-border collaborations and partnerships with organizations like YouthConnekt and UNDP to scale impactful initiatives and support youth-led projects.
As a young entrepreneur, I spoke on my journey building digitalskillsforafrica.com, and more so on the challenges I have faced as a young entrepreneur. I have encountered several unique challenges that have shaped my journey and taught me valuable lessons:
- Establishing Credibility: One of the most significant challenges has been gaining credibility in a business environment often dominated by more experienced professionals. As a young entrepreneur, I’ve had to work harder to demonstrate my competence, build trust, and show that my ideas and solutions are viable and valuable. This often means consistently going the extra mile to prove my dedication and expertise, especially in early interactions with clients, partners, and investors.
- Access to Funding and Resources: Many young entrepreneurs face difficulties in securing funding, and I have been no exception. Investors are often cautious with younger founders, especially those who may lack a proven track record. This has pushed me to explore alternative funding methods, such as grants, partnerships, and personal investment, as well as to focus on creating a sustainable business model that can grow without relying heavily on external funding.
- Navigating Limited Networks: Networking is essential in business, but as a young entrepreneur, I started with a limited professional network. Building meaningful connections takes time and persistence, and I’ve had to be strategic about reaching out to mentors, attending industry events, and engaging with networks that support young entrepreneurs. Programs like the Nyenyezi Entrepreneurial Fellowship I established have been instrumental in expanding not only my network but also the networks of others in my community.
- Balancing Multiple Roles: In the early stages, I had to wear many hats—handling everything from strategy and operations to marketing and client management. Balancing these responsibilities while also maintaining a long-term vision for growth has been a learning curve. This experience has taught me the importance of prioritizing, delegating effectively, and knowing when to bring in expertise to support specific areas of the business.
- Managing Personal Growth with Business Growth: As the founder of both the Ntha Foundation and Kwathu Kollective, I’ve faced the challenge of growing alongside my ventures. Each stage of business growth has required me to develop new skills, adapt to evolving demands, and sometimes shift my approach entirely. This has reinforced the importance of continuous learning and personal development, especially in leadership, to steer my organizations toward sustainable success.
Despite these challenges, each hurdle has equipped me with resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. The journey has not only been about building businesses but also about building myself as a leader.
Join the Conversation
If you missed the live session, I encourage you to listen to the replay and join future conversations. The YouthConnekt Africa platform offers invaluable resources and discussions that amplify youth voices and inspire action across Africa. Let’s keep the momentum going—together, we can drive transformative change and empower more young people with the skills and resources they need to thrive in the digital era.
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