ARE YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG AFRICAN FEMALE LEADER, DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THE 2026 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!

Join the 2026 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders!

For over a decade, MILEAD Fellows have been catalysts for transformative change, breaking barriers, implementing life-changing initiatives, and challenging systems that discriminate against women and girls. Our program is crafted to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of African female leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in leadership roles across Africa.

The MILEAD Program offers fellows world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems crucial for success as 21st-century women leaders. The program will be granted to 25 outstanding young women who have demonstrated leadership potential in their community, organization, or profession.

If you’re a passionate emerging African woman leader ready to create a positive impact, we want you to apply! We’re seeking dynamic young women aged 19-25 interested in honing transformational leadership skills to tackle issues facing women and girls in African communities.
The program features a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and a community change project. Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the program, except during the 3-week summer institute.

Application deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026. Complete application forms, along with a CV and two recommendation letters, must be submitted via email.

Before applying, carefully review the program and application guidelines. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of game-changing women leaders in Africa!

Download the full 2026 Application Package (Application Pack |  Recommendation-Form), and share this opportunity with other inspiring emerging African women leaders in your network.

Stay updated: follow us @MoremiAfrica #MILEADFellows #MILEAD2026

EMAIL: Fellows@moremiinitiative.org | TEL: +233 530 429 644

For more information, visit: www.moremiinitiative.org or join us on Facebook /MoremiAfrica | Twitter @MoremiAfrica

ABOUT THE MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. Fellows benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning, and mentoring crafted to build knowledge and skills, strengthen networks, and facilitate a supportive ecosystem of women’s leadership on critical issues. In addition, the program links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders who are committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Most importantly, Fellows benefit from lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network. One of the distinguishing features of our program is the deliberate integration of community service into the yearlong training. Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change (MiCHANGE) project on a critical issue of importance to their community or African women as a whole.

and unequivocally endorse Dr. Satang Nabaneh of The Gambia for election to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC).

A 2010 MILEAD Fellow of the Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa, Dr. Nabaneh exemplifies the very best of African leadership- an accomplished scholar-activist, principled human rights champion, and globally respected thought leader whose life’s work has advanced the rights, dignity, and protection of women and children across the continent.

“Dr. Nabaneh is a true treasure, a champion of rights, and an advocate we can always count on for thought leadership, professional guidance, and action. She consistently stays true to our shared principles as defenders of human freedom. She is one of the most effective and vital advocates in the African human rights community today.”- Mawuli Dake, Co-Founder of Moremi Initiative.

Her exceptional combination of deep scholarship, lived advocacy, and institutional leadership- from shaping landmark child-protection and gender-justice laws in The Gambia to contributing to normative development within African human rights systems- makes her exceptionally qualified to serve on the ACERWC. She brings not only intellectual rigor, but also moral clarity, practical experience, and an unwavering commitment to the African Children’s Charter.

At a time when Africa’s children need credible, courageous, and visionary guardians, Dr. Nabaneh stands out as a candidate of outstanding merit.

We respectfully urge all AU Member States to support and vote for Dr. Satang Nabaneh at the February 2026 elections in Addis Ababa- in the best interests of Africa’s children and the future of our continent.

ABOUT MOREMI INITIATIVE: Moremi Initiative is a leading and pioneer organization promoting women’s leadership and social justice in Africa. Our investments in transformational leadership over the past two decades continue to inspire and equip a new generation of women leaders in politics, business and communities across the continent. Our flagship MILEAD Fellows Program is one of the most competitive and impactful leadership initiatives on the continent today, attracting some of the continent’s most exceptional emerging leaders each year.

ABOUT MILEAD FELLOWS NETWORK: The MILEAD Fellows represent some of Africa’s most extra-ordinary young women leaders with the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of their communities and Africa as a whole. The MILEAD Fellows are visibly contributing to the transformation of the African continent, and to a better life for their people. The Fellows represent 46 African countries and the Diaspora and constitute a truly pan-African network and diversity- with multi–disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds. This new generation of African women leaders are at the frontlines of the struggle for change- providing the bold, visionary and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage.

#MILEADFellows | F: /MoremiAfrica  | W: www.moremiinitiative.org |  T: @MoremiAfrica | I: /MoremiAfrica

ARE YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG AFRICAN FEMALE LEADER, DETERMINED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? THE 2024 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE!

Join the 2024 MILEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders!

For over a decade, MILEAD Fellows have been catalysts for transformative change, breaking barriers, implementing life-changing initiatives, and challenging systems that discriminate against women and girls. Our program is crafted to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of African female leaders, equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in leadership roles across Africa.

The MILEAD Program offers fellows world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems crucial for success as 21st-century women leaders. The program will be granted to 25 outstanding young women who have demonstrated leadership potential in their community, organization, or profession.

If you’re a passionate emerging African woman leader ready to create a positive impact, we want you to apply! We’re seeking dynamic young women aged 19-25 interested in honing transformational leadership skills to tackle issues facing women and girls in African communities.
The program features a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and a community change project. Selected candidates may be full-time students or professionals during the program, except during the 3-week summer institute.

Application deadline: Friday, March 22, 2024. Complete application forms, along with a CV and two recommendation letters, must be submitted via email.

Before applying, carefully review the program and application guidelines. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of game-changing women leaders in Africa!

Download the full 2024 Application Package (Application Pack |  Recommendation-Form), and share this opportunity with other inspiring emerging African women leaders in your network.

Stay updated: follow us @MoremiAfrica #MILEADFellows #MILEAD2024

EMAIL: Fellows@moremiinitiative.org | TEL: +233 530 429 644

For more information, visit: www.moremiinitiative.org or join us on Facebook /MoremiAfrica | Twitter @MoremiAfrica

ABOUT THE MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. Fellows benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning, and mentoring crafted to build knowledge and skills, strengthen networks, and facilitate a supportive ecosystem of women’s leadership on critical issues. In addition, the program links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders who are committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Most importantly, Fellows benefit from lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network. One of the distinguishing features of our program is the deliberate integration of community service into the yearlong training. Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change (MiCHANGE) project on a critical issue of importance to their community or African women as a whole.

The 25 Fellows were selected through a highly competitive process by a diverse selection committee from over 3,100 applications. Each candidate was assessed based on their demonstrated community service accomplishments, outstanding leadership promise, and commitment to the advancement of women and social justice in Africa.

“These extraordinary leaders we introduce to the world today, are ready to connect and collaborate with the distinguished cadre of MILEAD Fellows representing 46 African countries and the diaspora. Equipped, Inspired and Engaged, these dynamic leaders will pursue a transformative agenda anchored in a truly Pan-African spirit, with a collective commitment to lead, shift power, and transform our great continent. The world needs to know these impactful young leaders, and, more importantly, it needs to support their cause for dignity, advancement, and justice for our people”- 2023 MILEAD Selection Committee

The 2023 MILEAD Fellows represent a rich geographic, social, and professional diversity- with a shared vision for a developed and equitable Africa. Representing 28 countries from across the continent and the African Diaspora, the 2023 Fellows are boldly leading change at various levels on critical issues ranging from public health and women’s mental health, entrepreneurship and agriculture, to women’s participation in politics and innovation. They are a new generation of African women leaders ready to provide the transformational leadership needed to shift power and lift African women and our continent to their rightful place in the world. Here are the honoured 2023 Fellows

1. Fatoumata DRABO [Burkina Faso]
2. Sandrine Yaah MITIN [Cameroon]
3. Roukhaya Mahamat TRAORÉ [Chad]
4. N’da Lucette D. GUINAN [Cote d’Ivoire/ Senegal]
5. Portia DUMBA [Ghana]
6. Dr. Setor NORGBE [Ghana]
7. Dr. Rahama ISSAH [Ghana]
8. Mariama CONEH [Gambia] 
9. Hawa DIALLO [Guinea] 
10. Grace Mongina OSINDE [Kenya]
11. Wilnet S.Z. GAYE [Liberia] 
12. Anjara Diavolana N ANDRIAMAHAZAKA [Madagascar]
13. Tenin Sékou CISSOUMA [Mali]
14. Jhaklin M. DO ROSÁRIO [Mozambique]
15. Fenny Mbahimwa TUTJAVI [Namibia] 
16. Haoua YAHAYA HASSANE [Niger]  
17. Oluwaseun Mercy IDOWU [Nigeria] 
18. Suad Jama ABDULLAHI [Somalia]
19. Rosina MOTHAPO [South Africa]
20. Rogaia Hussain ABDULAZIZ DUGES [Sudan] 
21. Yaar Mary AYUEN [Uganda|South Sudan]
22. Chimwemwe CHITAMBALA [Zambia]
23. Rufaro Ethelda DESHE [Zimbwbwe] 
24. Enass Abdalla Abdelrahman ABDELLA  [Diaspora| Sudan| Italy] 
25. Doris KIWELU [Diaspora|Tanzania| China]
    

Upon completion of the yearlong leadership training, these new fellows will join the broader MILEAD Fellows Network of over 300 exceptional young leaders, who share a commitment to shape the future of Africa and their respective communities. Together, they form a growing and powerful pan-African community that can dramatically impart the lived reality of our people.

THE 2023 MILEAD FELLOWS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2023 MILEAD Leadership Institute – a three-week intensive training program – which will be hosted at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to access and thrive in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. In addition to knowledge building lectures, skills-training workshops, teambuilding activities, role plays and other interactive activities, Fellows will be mentored by accomplished and inspiring women leaders committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders.

ABOUT THE MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a bold and paradigm-shifting initiative committed to the long-term leadership development of promising young leaders selected as Fellows. Fellows benefit from a combination of training, experiential learning and mentoring crafted to build knowledge and skills, strengthen networks, and facilitate a supportive eco-system of women’s leadership on critical issues. In addition, the program links determined young women with influential and seasoned African leaders who are committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation. Most importantly, Fellows benefit from lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.  One of the distinguishing features of our program is the deliberate integration of community service to the yearlong training.  Each Fellow will initiate and lead a community change (MiCHANGE) project on a critical issue of importance to their community or African women as a whole.

We are grateful for the partnership and support of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) for the 2023 MILEAD program. We are equally appreciative of the hardwork and dedication of our selection committee members who made it possible to assess the huge number of applications. And we recognize and celebrate the over 3,100 candidates both for their work and for their interest in the MILEAD program. We extend gratitude to our programming partners from across the continent and beyond, who continue to enrich and sustain this important task of inspiring, preparing and equipping a new generation of leaders to help transform our great continent and help create a more equal and just world.  

2023 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM: FOR EMERGING AFRICAN WOMEN LEADERS

APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH, 2023

ARE YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG AFRICAN FEMALE LEADER WHO IS READY TO BE A GAME-CHANGER? THE 2023 MILEAD FELLOWS PROGRAM IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

Join the 2023 MiLEAD Fellows Program for Young African Women Leaders!

Over the past 14 years, MILEAD Fellows have gone on to lead bold transformative and paradigm-shifting change at various levels- breaking barriers, implementing live-changing initiatives to end injustice and transform lives, and disrupting systems and cultures that discriminate against women and girls.

If you’re an exceptional emerging African woman leader who’s ready to be a game-changer, we want you to apply! 

The program is designed to identify, develop, and promote a new generation of young African female leaders to attain and thrive in critical leadership across Africa.

We’re looking for dynamic young women between the ages of 19-25 who are interested in developing transformational leadership skills that help them address issues facing women and girls across communities in Africa. The MILEAD Program equips Fellows with the world-class knowledge, skills, values, and support systems they need to succeed as 21st-century women leaders.

The MILEAD Fellowship will be awarded to 25 outstanding young women who have exhibited leadership potential in their community, organization, and/or profession. The program includes a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana and a community change project. Selected candidates may remain full-time students or work full-time for the program duration, except during the 3-week summer institute.

The application is closed.

WHO IS THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL EMERGING AFRICAN WOMAN LEADER YOU KNOW?

The MILEAD Fellows Program, as a leading leadership initiative for Africa’s most promising emerging female leaders, strengthens their capacity to lead change, increases their impact, and connects them to change the status of women, and to transform Africa. We invite applications from exceptional young African women leaders for 2021 MILEAD fellowship.

The MILEAD Fellows Program is a long-term and paradigm-shifting leadership development program to identify, develop and promote a new generation of young African female leaders to attain and thrive in critical leadership across Africa. The program targets dynamic young women interested in developing transformational leadership skills that help them address issues facing women and girls, and their communities across Africa. The MILEAD Program equips Fellows with the world class knowledge, skills, values and support systems they need to succeed as 21st century women leaders. Applications are invited from young African women between 19 – 25 years of age, living in Africa or in the Diaspora.

The MILEAD Fellowship will be awarded to 25 outstanding young women who have exhibited leadership potential in their community, organization, and/or profession. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be African, living on the continent or in the Diaspora; agree to participate in all required activities related to MILEAD – beginning with a three-week residential Summer Institute in Ghana; and commit to a community change project. Specific requirements of the program and related dates are outlined in the application package. Please review program and application guidelines carefully, before completing your application

Please note that this program is not a full-time fellowship. Selected candidates may remain full time students or work full time for the program duration, except during the 3–week summer institute. The 3-week summer institute is an intensive and full-time residential program and all fellows will be required to attend. The rest of the program involves community-based, online and other distance activities.

We invite you to share this application information with the most inspiring emerging African women leaders in your network who have the passion and potential to help transform the continent.

How to Apply: Applications are available online at www.moremiinitiative.org or by request via email. Download the full 2021 Application Package and Forms below.

Completed application forms must be submitted along with a CV and two recommendation letters. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted via email.

The application deadline is: Saturday 27 February 2021.

For more information, visit: www.moremiinitiative.org or Join us @www.facebook.com/MoremiAfrica or contact the MILEAD Program Coordinator

Email: partners@moremiinitiative.org  | Tel:  +233 242 901222

Click Below to download MiLEAD 2021 Application Documents 

MiLEAD 2021 Application Form

MiLEAD 2021 Recommendation Form

MiLEAD 2021 Full Application Pack

As young African women leaders committed to developing ourselves and each other towards bettering our African states, as members of these movements in our respective nations, and in the spirit of Pan-Africanism we see need to raise our collective voice in solidarity with those protesting and to express our disappointment with the meagre efforts of the African governance bodies and international community at large. 

We stand in solidarity with Cameroonians, particularly Anglophone Cameroonians, who have so far experienced four years of violence and repression following their government’s violent reaction to their calls for a better system of government and their resistance against Anglophone marginalization.   We stand in solidarity with citizens of Congo who report multiple years of human rights abuses with no repercussions, as perpetuators of war and sexual assault crimes remain unprosecuted. 

We stand in solidarity with the women of Namibia, calling out in fear for their lives as the rise of rape, femicide and sexual abuse as their government continues to fail them with the lack of substantial action against the prevalence of violence against women in the country.

We stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators in Zimbabwe who have been brutalized and jailed, their right to protest denied because they dared to decry corruption and human rights abuses under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule.

We also stand in solidarity with the young Nigerians who we all watched shot live on the streets of Lagos where they stood with only flags and placards raised against a rogue anti-robbery unit of the police force known as SARS. The #EndSARS protests cumulate from years of unchecked extortion, extrajudicial killing and human rights abuses from what should be a unit of law and order and the Nigerian government’s violent response to demands for concrete action against that unit is the most recent example of how our governments continue to radicalize young people. 

In our solidarity, we must express our disappointment with multiple international machineries like; ECOWAS, SADC, ECCAS/CEEAC, the African Union and the United Nations. 

We are cognizant of the purpose for which these bodies were established and the plethora of protocols and international conventions for equality, peace, security and good governance to which members pledge to adhere. For this reason we had hoped that such organizations would hold members accountable, that we would not need to beg for proper attention to be given to movements demanding what the organizations supposedly stand for. 

However, we have been disenchanted. Very little has been done to check years of conflict, abused of power and amplify the voices of youth movements in countries recognized as repressive. You have failed us. 

In the year when the African Union’s motto is “Silencing the guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development”, we have continued to hear the guns go off and watch young people bleed to death on camera. You have failed us. 

Yet we still have hope, that the leaders of these bodies can recall their responsibilities and take concrete measures against the leaders of member states who continually abuse the international covenants to which their countries committed to. 

It is in our hope that we write this open letter, and amplify voices behind the movements:

#CongoIsBleeding      #ShutItAllDown         #ZimbabweanLivesMatter      #EndAnglophoneCrisis           and #EndSARS

Please do not neglect your duty any longer. 

Aside providing programs and logistics support to our fundraising committee, Gumiso is an important program pillar of our 2020 Online MILEAD Leadership Training- working with the Executive Director and the planning team to identify and invite, design the online program, schedule sessions and help host daily virtual sessions.

Gumiso brings tremendous passion for gender equality along with a wealth of experience garnered by working with organizations in Ghana including Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT-Ghana), the Mastercard Foundation at Ashesi and Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Gumiso has done impressive work organizing workshops, programs, consulting on policy issues and talent management co-ordination.

A recipient of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) award and The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, she is joining us through the Africa Careers Network (ACN) and Africa Leadership Academy (ALA)’s Governance program whose work is focused on connecting young leaders with internships and fellowships in the areas of government, civil society and public policy across the world.

“At Moremi Initiative, we are committed to intentionally working with partners to enable young leaders in Africa access opportunities for personal, professional and leadership development, to prepare and improve themselves to build the new Africa. We welcome Gumiso to this experience, excited about her impressive profile and passion for gender equality,” says Mawuli Dake, Co-Founder of Moremi Initiative.

Similarly, Ms. Amanda Chukura, of the AL for Governance program at ALA said, “At African Leadership Academy, we believe that by making career pathways more transparent and strategically working to address young people’s view of the governance sector as a viable career pathway, we can bring about transformational leadership at both a national and regional level.”

Expressing her gratitude and excitement at joining Moremi Initiative, Gumiso said, “At Moremi Initiative, I have the opportunity to engage with similar minds and leaders across Africa. My work spans from programs planning, engaging with fellows, coordinating activities and general administration. Here, I get both the experience and knowledge to build or advance the next generation of change agents across Africa. It is a must-have kind of experience!”

Welcome home, Gumiso!

Mawuli Dake, Co-Founder of Moremi Initiative, in congratulating the winners stated that:

“No leader, even as exceptional as our Fellows, can be so perfect as to not require improvement. That is why we are excited about the partnership with the Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation for motivating, instilling, and rewarding reading as a habit for the leaders we develop”-.

The 2019 reading challenge was opened to the 2019 MILEAD Fellows representing 18 countries in Africa and the diaspora. Competitors were required to read a book each week for 25 weeks, for the chance to win a USD$1,000 prize.  A book report was submitted every Monday with preference for books authored by female authors or leaders.  The books read were evaluated on their relevance to personal development, professional development, and the promotion of the tenets of outstanding leadership.

Three winners were selected by the evaluation committee made up of Moremi Initiative, Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation, and the immediate-past winner.

Ms. Grace Amponsah (2019 MILEAD Fellow, Ghana) – 1st Prize, USD$1,000

Ms. Helena Abozan (2019 MILEAD Fellow, Cote d’Ivoire) – 2nd Prize, USD$700

Ms. Dorcas Babet Kwofie (2019 MILEAD Fellow, Ghana) – 3rd Prize, USD$500

According to Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia, an avid reader and a supporter of the competition,

“The competition requires discipline and consistency – two key attributes of transformational leaders. Our goal is to instill in these young women leaders the invaluable lesson of reading, learning and the pursuit of excellence”  

 All prizes are sponsored by the Foundation, with a special prize to Ms. Adjoa Brigitte Adonou of Togo from Mr. Kuenyehia for demonstrating exceptional commitment by continuously reading a book every week and sending her book report every Monday even after the competition ended.

In accepting her prize, Ms. Grace Amponsah, a Schwarzman scholar and founder of Bowney Initiative – an organization committed to unleashing the potential of adolescent girls in Ghana stated:

“I realized I could read more if I spend less time on social media. By dedicating a quarter of our time spent on social media to reading, we will not only expand on our experiences, but be better placed to contribute meaningfully to solving some of the world’s toughest problems.”

 Last year’s prize was won by Ms Dudzai Mureyi from Zimbabwe, Sheillah Mutetire from Uganda and Grace Ineza from Rwanda. 

PARTNERS

Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership is a leading organization on women’s leadership and social justice in Africa. Moremi Initiative is a United Nations Accredited organization- with a mission to engage, inspire and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs and change agents: www,moremiinitiative.org | @MoremiAfrica

The Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation works to ensure that young entrepreneurs, talented individuals, especially young women,  can achieve their fullest potential through mentorship, education, reading and providing financial support.

The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) is a flagship initiative by Jack Ma- founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation that aims to support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

Water Access Rwanda is a social enterprise committed to eradicating water scarcity by providing appropriate technologies for affordable, reliable and safe access to water.

In this blog, Christelle, in her own words, shares her journey to this incredible achievement and what it means for her big dream to ensure universal access to safe, affordable portable water across Africa. Enjoy.

It was one of those late-in-the-office Fridays when our office manager reminded me of a pending application for the Africa Netpreneur Prize. It was a very lengthy application, and probably for the 3^rd time I asked her if we had any chance of winning. Were we even the kind of business billionaire Jack Ma was looking for? It sounded like something for just businesses offering ICT solutions, like the e-founders program I was more familiar with.

I remembered being at the Kigali Convention for the Youth Connekt Africa summit where Jack Ma made an appearance. The summit that year saw the highest registered interest and many like me struggled to collect our badges, even as we had speaker roles, due to the number of people trying to still make it into the summit.

I knew Jack Ma carries influence, and that he wanted to dedicate his time in supporting entrepreneurship on the continent, I wanted in. As I went through the lengthy application that was looking for “entrepreneurs who have earned their right to dream, I couldn’t help but feel confident we would win it. I was just still worried about the “net” part of the prize. See Water Access Rwanda is powered by technology in all our operations, but we are more hardware than software, and though we serve a major need currently and one predicted to be a major need of our future, most dismiss us as an old brick-and-mortar business.

The application required us to submit videos of our customers and our employees as references. I was excited by this, as these are my main focuses at Water Access Rwanda.

It wasn’t long and we were informed that we had made it to top 50. I saw the email with my interview time, exactly 45 minutes before my interview was due to start (I was on a sick leave from work and hadn’t checked emails). I quickly tried to get ready, only to realize with horror that the time was probably in Nairobi (GMT+3), which is one hour ahead of Kigali. In fact I was late by 15 minutes! But behold a new email came that the team had bumped our interview times to the afternoon. This was my heavenly sign.

In Nairobi a few weeks after, I had to pitch to a very daunting jury, daunting in their extensive knowledge and investor experience but also in the fact that these were some of the mostly respected entrepreneurs on our continent. My 10 slides with 20 annex slides powerpoint malfunctioned and I had to go through the first 10 minutes of my pitch without it. It was a quick 30 minutes and before I knew it, 

I was out of the room and nervous about the results. I felt like they got it, but after meeting the other amazing 19 entrepreneurs, and realizing we were 2 from Rwanda, I started worrying that this could be the end of our run after all. We hosted PWC for an in-depth due-diligence work, and waited for the finalist’s announcement.

We did make it to the top 10, I gleamed with joy as I texted Kevine, from Uzuri K&Y who also made it to finals,  at what this meant for our businesses. We could already add $65,000 to our balance sheets.

As we hosted a filming crew for sometime, the competition also became a way for me to make time and go connect with my customers, who shared amazing stories of what the water meant for them, how their lives had been affected. One of our customers lost his wife to a crocodile just before the kiosks arrived. If we had gone sooner.

The ANPI provided a huge platform for Water Access Rwanda, and as I readied for the final show, it was with a grateful heart. I had already received so much by making it this far. The competitive side of me was set on winning the overall competition, but I was humble enough to note just how amazing the other entrepreneurs were. We spent late nights in Ghana discussing potential partnerships. It was amazing.

On the day of the competition, we finally met with the judges and Jet Li the patron of the prize. The fan girl in me was dazzled, while the entrepreneur in me was being mentored by the best in the world. I went through 4 years of university in just one day seating and listening to Jack Ma, Strive Masiyiwa, Joe Tsai and Ibukun Awosika. Their words and advice that day have become part of my entrepreneurship quote reference book.

In the pitch and subsequent round-table, I learnt a lot about competition, the importance of people, and the value of simplicity in your businesses (simple model, simple operations, etc). I was hoping for cheap solutions to avoid burn-out, but I was encouraged by everyone on how to live with it while building great things. The ANPI truly marked a new beginning for me and for WARwanda. It came at a time where the company is re-drafting its strategy, at a turning point of five years of existence, getting ready for the next five years.

I ended up third, but my heart was full as if I was first. And to make it even better I lost to great people!

The Africa Business Heroes Show was a major success in and of itself, overnight our names were everywhere. I doubled followers on social media and got many interesting messages of partnership proposals and just simply congratulatory messages, some from the most unexpected places.

The biggest highlight for me was when our president. H.E. Paul Kagame with Strive Masiyiwa organized a youth townhall in Kigali where Kevine and I got to present about our businesses and answer questions from other young entrepreneurs and young professionals. My soul flew out of me and was swimming in cosmic delight the many times the President, my biggest hero, urged other youth to emulate me, saying my name in the process. I am still living with some remnants of that high.

The competition has opened many doors of opportunities. 

The most of them, people willing to help us be even better and live up to the promise of our model, aspiration and vision. It has been a refreshment for me, new energy still inspiring me today. I definitely encourage other entrepreneurs to apply for this year. There will be even more documentaries released about our work and as Temie said it so well in her speech: “I am here to prove that greatness can come from unexpected places.” All the ANPI finalists are businesses driving real change on the continent, creating major opportunities for others. Read about thir work and support them. Realize the amount of struggles overcame everyday to deliver solutions, note that WE have truly earned our right to dream. And if you are such a dreamer, apply and become a Hero for the rest of the continent.