The Role of Young Entrepreneurs in Fueling Sustainable Enterprises in Africa

Missed the First Entrepreneurship Exchange? Learn more about the key takeaways from the session! 

What was the session about? 

This session explored how young entrepreneurs in Africa are driving sustainable enterprises amidst environmental challenges. It highlighted their innovative solutions in renewable energy, waste management, and agriculture, emphasising the role of collaboration and supportive policies in fostering economic growth and resilience within local communities.

Objectives of the session

  • How young entrepreneurs are shaping Africa’s sustainable future, driving innovation and economic growth while preserving our planet looking at the entrepreneurship landscape, exploring risks, challenges and best practices
  • Needs of young entrepreneurs.
  • Recommendations to governments and the private sector to optimise the role young people can play to fuel sustainable enterprise.

Key Takeaways 

  • Young entrepreneurs in Africa are pioneering sustainable solutions in renewable energy and waste management, contributing to both economic growth and environmental preservation.
  • Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and financial barriers hinder the scalability of sustainable enterprises.
  • Young entrepreneurs are calling for supportive regulatory frameworks, increasing access to finance for young entrepreneurs and the fostering of collaboration between governments, private sectors, NGOs and young people.
  • The session highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptation in navigating political and economic uncertainties faced by young entrepreneurs.
  • Participants highlighted the critical need for gender equality and digital infrastructure in enhancing sustainable youth enterprise.
  • Participants highlighted the importance of collaborations with established businesses and international organisations for mentorship, market access, and funding opportunities.

Young entrepreneurs are not just innovators; they are driving forces behind sustainable development in Africa, addressing challenges through creativity and collaboration.

A Participant

Moderator of the session:

Mafunda Kombo Faki

Mafunda Kombo Faki, a tourism leader championing youth and sustainability, uses her expertise (International Relations & Tourism Management) to drive positive change. As Founder of Zanvacay Partnership and African Tourism Board Youth Ambassador, she advocates for youth inclusion and sustainable practices. Leading the Zanzibar International Youth Tourism Summit, Mafunda fosters community engagement, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation through tourism.

Speakers of the session:

Haja Mariama Bangura

Haja Mariama Bangura is a dedicated advocate focusing on empowering young people, especially girls in Sierra Leone. She began her advocacy at Sierra Leone’s Children Forum Network, emphasizing girls’ rights. A believer in women’s crucial role in development, she co-founded Girls Connect Sierra Leone to inspire and empower youth, aiming for a brighter future.

Hawa Sindika

Hawa Sindika, a St. Augustine University of Tanzania alum with an advanced diploma in Accountancy (2013), transitioned from volunteering at Restless Development to business coaching with the International Labour Organization. Certified in business consulting and youth life skills by the International Youth Foundation, she has empowered over 1000 Tanzanian youths in business and personal development.

Maria Malomalo

Maria Malomalo, a pan-African feminist, emphasizes participatory action research, particularly in women’s rights and youth development. She holds a Master of Philosophy in human rights, focusing on sexual and reproductive rights in Africa, and leads as the Senior International Research Manager at Restless Development. Additionally, she founded Mwana Pwo, Angola’s first NGO dedicated to adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health.

Haroune O. Sidatt

Haroune O. Sidatt, a senior private sector development specialist with over 15 years of experience in African development, has worked extensively in management, youth entrepreneurship, and socio-economic inclusion across many African countries. Educated in the US, he’s multilingual and focused on vulnerable groups’ participation in development. Sidatt has contributed significantly to research and educational efforts in sub-Saharan Africa

Breakout room moderators:

Musonda Mulenga

Musonda Mulenga is a distinguished international development expert, focusing on empowering youth and promoting community-driven solutions. As a social behavioral change specialist, he champions sustainable initiatives in education, livelihoods, gender, and health, aiming for a fairer world. His work emphasizes social accountability and advocacy to foster just and equitable outcomes.

John Oluwafemi Olla

John Oluwafemi Olla, with over a decade of experience in strategic communication and project management, holds advanced degrees in Information Science and certifications in Project Management & Entrepreneurship. Having worked with the World Bank, UNFPA, and UNICEF, he’s skilled in digital marketing and crisis management. John is also recognized as the Youth Advocate of the Year and has won the 2021 Fate Foundation/Facebook Pitch Competition.

Joshua Musolo

Joshua Musolo from Kabwe volunteers at KNC radio for Ishiwi and works with groups like Restless Development. Studying Business Administration at Kwame Nkrumah University, he aims to join an international organization to promote democracy, sustainable development, and empower youth. Joshua’s involvement with The Center For Young Leaders in Africa and Ubutungwa Youth Organisation reflects his commitment to these causes.

Interested in the Entrepreneurship Exchange Series?