We're kicking off 2025 with momentum and big ambitions! January has already set the stage for a year of bold ideas and transformative initiatives.
This year, we’re on a mission to accelerate 2,000 young careers. With groundbreaking programs like Ignite, AI Hackathons, and The Bridge Program, we're creating even more opportunities for Africa’s next generation of innovators to thrive.
Here’s a quick recap of our January highlights and a glimpse of what’s coming next!
Innovation Fellowship Program
In January 2025, we welcomed Cohort XI, bringing 10 talented fellows into our Innovation Fellowship Program.
These bright minds are ready to embark on a transformative 12-month learning, growth, and impact journey, working on real-world projects and building solutions for Africa's digital future. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us as they take on this incredible journey. To learn more…
Ecosystem Tour
Esther Dyson, founder of Wellville visited us for an Ecosystem tour at our Launchpad Innovation Campus! It was an honour to host such an accomplished and inspiring individual.
From engaging with our incredible projects & startups to connecting with our young fellows—and wrapping up the day with an insightful Fireside Chat, the visit was a true highlight for everyone involved. To learn more…
Project Updates
The Bridge program is a career launch program for university students and recent graduates designed to bridge the gap between in-class learning and the skills required to thrive in the 21st century.
It is a key pillar of our L&D initiatives and serves as a natural stepping stone to our Innovation Fellowship Program, where participants can further accelerate their growth, gain hands-on experience, and drive real-world impact.
These 4 students graduated from the program last year and joined our innovation fellowship in January. To learn more…
Startup Feature
Shukran is a digital tipping and financial services platform that grows incomes and financial inclusion among service workers in Africa’s hospitality industry.
2024 was a big year for them. They found product-market fit, grew by over 5,554% and built a great team to help them scale across Kenya and prepare for scale across East Africa.
Key milestones they achieved in 2024:
- They found product-market fit and grew by over 5,554%.
- $145K in tips processed
- 3,500 service workers impacted
- 4000 people tipped
- They hosted an intimate breakfast event with leaders in the hospitality industry.
Can't wait to see what they achieve in 2025! To learn more…
Exciting New Programs
Ignite Innovation Leadership
Ignite is our latest innovation in capacity building, born from our experience with our internal L&D program, where we've seen firsthand the impact of structured mentoring and exposure to the mindsets of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders through virtual fireside chats.
We are combining mentorship and world-class content into a structured 3 month part-time learning program which we believe will have a significant impact in accelerating the development of young people around the world. Our 2025 goal is to graduate 400 participants through this. To learn more…
AI Hackathons @ Launchpad
AI is reshaping industries, and Africa must lead the way! Impact Africa Network is launching AI Hackathons—a space for bold innovators to build, collaborate, and drive innovation by leveraging AI. Our 2025 goal is to have 1000 participants impacted through our hackathons.
Starting with our first-ever event on February 22nd at LaunchPad Innovation Campus
Whether you're a seasoned developer, creative problem-solver, or tech enthusiast, this is your opportunity to build revolutionary Innovations using AI. Come solo or bring your team to:
- Leverage AI to create innovative solutions across any sector
- Network with fellow innovators and industry experts
- Showcase your ideas to potential investors and partners
- Shape Africa's technological future
From empowering future leaders to driving AI innovation and scaling groundbreaking startups, Impact Africa Network is shaping Africa’s digital future. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or industry leader, there’s a place for you in our community.
