Entrepreneurship Exchange Session 3

Education and Entrepreneurship—exploring how education systems foster or fail to create a new generation of young entrepreneurs to drive change.

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of young entrepreneurs, particularly in regions like Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC), where youth face unique challenges. Traditional education systems, designed to prepare students for formal employment, often lack the focus on entrepreneurship and critical skills development needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced, digital economy. 

Join Restless Development and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)  for this session as we explore how education systems foster or fail to foster young entrepreneurs. We will spotlight innovative solutions from Africa, Asia, and LAC and bring together policymakers, educators, tech entrepreneurs, and civil society to identify key barriers and opportunities for young people, especially women, to access entrepreneurship education and support.

Session Objectives: 
  1. To explore how education systems influence youth entrepreneurship and access to opportunities to thrive, focusing on Africa, Asia, and LAC.
  2. To highlight challenges faced by marginalised youth, especially young women and girls, in accessing entrepreneurship education, resources, and opportunities.
  3. To explore solutions and recommendations for improving entrepreneurship education and support for all young people.
Overview of the Entrepreneurship  Exchange Series:

The EE Series is a five-part global exchange and learning series between young entrepreneurs and members of the CIPE network to explore barriers, creative solutions, and joint action to make entrepreneurship more accessible for young people. Insights from each session in this series will be captured and analysed, and a summary brief will be developed. This will inform a video spotlight report and a policy paper with recommendations on how the private sector and governments can better support youth entrepreneurship.

Moderator of the session:

Namkoto

Namakoto Imasiku is a dedicated development worker and inspiring leader. With degrees in Development Studies and Diplomatic Practice, she empowers young people through personal development and leadership coaching. As a former participant in US Embassy programs, she is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and transformation.

Speakers of the session:

Brighton Kaoma

Brighton Kaoma is a dedicated leader in international development and business strategy. As Co-Founder of Schmidt Futures, he has led initiatives across 127 countries. He is a recognized expert in his field, receiving awards like the Queen’s Young Leaders Award and WWF’s Africa Conservation Award. Brighton is also a published author and continues to contribute significantly to global development.

Atish Gonsalves

Atish is a social technologist and entrepreneur with expertise in AI and education. He founded successful EdTech companies and held leadership roles at LEGO Education and the United Nations. Atish is passionate about using technology to make learning accessible to everyone.

Peter George

Peter, a young entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, is passionate about using STEM and entrepreneurship to transform education. As the founder of Ideal Technologies, he has developed innovative solutions like the Alarming Solar-Powered Backpack to address youth unemployment in Sierra Leone. He is also actively involved in student government and mentors young entrepreneurs through the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Richa Gupta

Richa is a dedicated social entrepreneur who co-founded Labhya, a non-profit impacting the emotional well-being of millions of children in India. With a background in education and recognition from Forbes and the United Nations, Richa is a leading voice in promoting child well-being and sustainable development.