My Fellowship Journey with Impact Africa Network
When I look back on the past year, I see a journey of transformation, of stepping into the unknown, embracing discomfort, and becoming someone I didn’t fully know I could be. This is my story as a fellow at Impact Africa Network, and how the experience helped me grow, dream bigger, and discover purpose through impact-driven work.
My Starting Point
Before joining the Innovation Fellowship program, I was in Egypt for a global internship through AIESEC. I was eager to explore new cultures and environments, but I was also navigating a lot of personal and professional uncertainty.
I lacked clarity about my career path. I struggled to adapt to different work and lifestyle cultures. I often felt like I didn’t belong. Language barriers made it even harder to feel integrated at work.
Yet deep down, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to travel, explore, and get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to discover my passions and better understand the world from a global lens. So when I heard about Impact Africa Network and its mission to change the African narrative, I didn’t hesitate. I saw an opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself.
Joining Impact Africa Network
Starting the fellowship was a mix of excitement and curiosity. I came in expecting to learn new things and build on my existing knowledge, and from day one, I knew I was in the right place.
The people at Impact Africa were welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping me succeed. The onboarding process was well-structured, and it was clear that the organisation valued both performance and personal development. I was placed in the LaunchPad team, which was a small but dynamic group of three at the time. Despite its size, I saw how my strengths could make a real contribution.
What surprised me most was the strong learning culture. Unlike previous roles where I was expected to simply "do the job," here I was encouraged to set personal goals, reflect on my progress, and take ownership of my growth. Mentorship and continuous learning were not just buzzwords. They were part of the DNA.
Lessons That Changed Me
This fellowship has been a masterclass in growth, both professionally and personally. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned include:
- Creative problem-solving: Thinking beyond the obvious and developing solutions that challenge the status quo.
- Ownership and accountability: Showing up with a sense of responsibility and pride in my work.
- Data-informed decision-making: Learning to use data to track progress and guide strategies.
- Consultative selling: Asking better questions, understanding client needs, and creating value through conversation.
One of the most powerful experiences at IAN is attending “fireside chats” with global leaders. I remember having a session with Esther Dyson during her “ecosystem tour”. Her wisdom and mindset were game-changing. Another memorable moment was hearing from Johnny Harris, a storyteller I had admired from afar, and realising that being in the room with such voices was not just inspiring, but also accessible.
These sessions made me see things differently. I used to think I had to be an expert to contribute to meaningful conversations in tech and innovation. Now, I understand that curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn are just as important.
Facing Challenges and Celebrating Wins
One of the most challenging projects I worked on was LaunchPad’s first-ever Sip & Paint event. As a new concept, we ran into several issues structuring the event, budgeting, marketing, and registration. Originally planned for mid-May, we had to postpone it due to planning misalignments.
What I learned from this was invaluable:
- Clarity in concept and value proposition is key.
- Familiar formats (like Sip & Paint) need unique messaging to stand out.
- Flexibility is a strength. Adjusting plans, scaling expectations, and reallocating resources can make or break an event.
One of my proudest moments was moderating a panel for the LaunchPad Eventors community. That opportunity opened doors I didn’t even know existed and expanded my network of mentors and peers in meaningful ways.
There were moments when I doubted myself, felt unqualified or unsure. But my biggest breakthrough came when I pushed myself to work in unfamiliar cultures, alone, in my early twenties. I learned that I could build a life, network, and career from scratch. That’s a lesson I’ll carry forever.
The People Who Made the Difference
At the heart of this experience was the community, the LaunchPad team, my mentors, and the other fellows who walked this journey with me. From them, I learned the value of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.
Mentorship has played a huge role in shifting my mindset. I am encouraged to embrace a growth mentality and invest in personal development just as much as professional goals.
Community to me is now more than shared space. It’s a shared purpose. It’s about intentional support, co-creation, and being surrounded by people who want to see each other win.
Who I’ve Become
Before the fellowship, I was searching for clarity, connection, and a sense of direction. Now, I see myself differently. I’ve built confidence, resilience, and a clearer sense of purpose. I’ve become intentional about how I show up, collaborate, and create impact.
Before, I saw myself as not good enough. Now, I see myself as capable, confident, and purpose-driven. I’ve learned to see opportunities where I once saw obstacles.
Looking Ahead
This experience has laid the foundation for the next chapter of my life. I plan to continue building on the clarity and growth I’ve gained here, stepping into projects that challenge me creatively and strategically.
I’m excited to contribute to spaces that value innovation, community, and purpose. My dream is to design and lead large-scale events that foster collaboration and bring people together. I want to create experiences that support innovation and unlock opportunities for others.
I also want to reach a place of financial abundance, not just for myself but so I can invest in people and projects I believe in. More than anything, I want to be the kind of person who helps others grow, because I know what it’s like to be at the beginning.
Final Reflections
I am grateful to my mentors, family, friends, and the entire Impact Africa Network team for believing in me, challenging me, and giving me space to grow.
To anyone thinking about joining the fellowship, here’s my advice:
Be open to learning. The resources are there. Set clear goals. Be ready to get uncomfortable and push beyond your limits. That’s where the magic happens.
And to the next fellow reading this, remember that the opportunity is already here. You just have to be curious, show up, and say yes to the journey.
