In the heart of Nairobi, amidst the bustling energy of Africa's entrepreneurial spirit, lies the headquarters of Impact Africa Network (IAN), an organization dedicated to nurturing the dreams of young African innovators. It was within these walls that my journey as a product designer began, a journey that would redefine my understanding of innovation and social impact.
As I stepped through the doors of IAN, I was greeted by a whirlwind of activity, a testament to the vibrant ecosystem cultivated within its walls. Founded in 2019, IAN has built a thriving pan-African community, providing fellowship programs, mentorship, and resources to support skills development and entrepreneurship, driving positive impact in Africa.
At the heart of Impact Africa Network's mission is the Innovation Fellowship, an innovative program designed to empower the next generation of African leaders. From the moment I learned of the fellowship through a close friend, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Little did I know, it would be the catalyst for a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Impact Africa Innovation Fellowship program
The Innovation Fellowship Program is one of Impact Africa Network's flagship initiatives, designed to cultivate and accelerate innovative ideas and ventures from young Africans. It is an intensive program offering training, mentorship, access to resources, and hands-on experience working on real-world projects. Fellows develop solutions to address pressing challenges facing African communities, with the program aiming to nurture a new generation of innovative problem-solvers and social entrepreneurs.
Impact Africa Network's core mission is to "Ensure young, talented Africans have a chance at participating in the digital transformation of Africa as creators and owners." They aim to empower the next generation of African talent to lead the economic and digital renaissance across the continent.
Innovative Initiatives at Impact Africa Network
Some key initiatives include Lokal Capital (an angel investor network), Tribe Finance (fintech platform), Roots Africa (diaspora real estate investing), ElevateHR Africa(HR tech), Shukran (financial inclusion), Kinetic Education (edtech), LaunchPad Innovation Campus (coworking space), a global mentor network, leadership development programs like Fireside Chats, and more. Impact Africa Network both incubates and accelerates purpose-driven tech startups tackling various challenges.
How I Discovered and Applied For the Product Design Fellowship Opportunity
A close friend of mine was working at Impact Africa Network at the time, and when we met, and I mentioned I was looking for work, she told me about IAN and sent me an application link.
The application process begins by applying through a link and attaching the required documents. The HR team then emails or calls you to set up an initial call. From there, you go through four levels of interviews: with HR, the team lead for the department you applied for, a skill assessment, and finally, a one-on-one with the CEO.
It took longer than expected, primarily due to the fact that IAN was operating virtually at the time, but I successfully went through the interviews and secured the fellowship opportunity. The review panel was very friendly and encouraging. At some point, when my schedule was working against me the team even took time to accommodate my reality, and that encouraged me to remain patient with them as well.
Onboarding and Orientation at Impact Africa Network
At first, it was overwhelming to witness the chaotic and ever-evolving nature of the startup world. Fortunately, I had the best team lead to guide me through the transition as I settled and began working on projects. The culture at Impact Africa Network truly drives high performance and collaboration, with people living the values of integrity, teamwork, and excellence. It is a very supportive environment that facilitates holistic growth and learning from the get-go.
I was introduced to my team of four in a meeting, and to the rest of the organization through an initiative called "Weekly Connections," which required me to interact with two new people every week.
Designing Solutions at Impact Africa Network Fellowship Program
The culture of the Innovation Fellowship emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning by working in a designated department under a team lead.
As a product design fellow, I was entrusted with key projects in Impact Africa Network's portfolio. This included Shukran, a fintech solution focused on financial inclusion for underbanked workers through digital tipping, savings, and lending products.
Another major project was Tribe Finance, an innovative fintech platform providing savings, investing, financial literacy and community support to empower youths on their personal finance journeys.
I also took the lead on redesigning ElevateHR Africa (mobile app), a cloud-based HR tech solution bringing digitization and automation to African HR functions like payroll, leave management, and more. These real-world projects gave me multifaceted exposure to different tech domains.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth at Impact Africa Network
As a Product Design Fellow at Impact Africa Network (IAN), I faced various challenges that tested my skills and adaptability. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously required effective planning and time management while improving design communication involved articulating decisions that aligned with business objectives. Understanding the nuanced difference between designing for visual appeal and meeting business goals was a steep learning curve, requiring a deep appreciation for both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Working on the ground with Impact Africa Network's portfolio companies provided invaluable insights into the unique dynamics and challenges of the African startup landscape. I learned the importance of designing products around the real needs and behaviours of the African user base and fostering trust within the local context.
Conclusion
IAN's projects, such as Shukran and Kinetic, are making a tangible difference in communities across Africa, banking the unbanked and promoting entrepreneurial education. Witnessing firsthand the impact of our solutions on individuals' lives served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of our work.
My journey as a Product Design Fellow at IAN has been transformative, challenging, and empowering. The supportive and growth-oriented culture at IAN has played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to IAN's mission and excited to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of African leaders.
