When the Africa Impact Academy launched its first cohort, the governance module stood out from the rest. Unlike the other training areas, it was designed as an in-person experience, held across three countries and six cities. The goal was straightforward: deliver relevant, practical governance training and give entrepreneurs the chance to meet each other and connect with industry leaders for the first time.

Six Events, Three Countries

A total of six events were held. Three in Nairobi, Kenya. Two in Nigeria, covering Lagos and Abuja. One in Johannesburg, South Africa. Each session was tailored to its local context, with governance training that reflected the specific business and regulatory environment of each country.

Alongside the training, guest speakers who are experienced entrepreneurs shared their own journeys and offered practical insights that participants could take back to their businesses. A structured networking session gave cohort members the space to talk about their work and hear from each other.

What Came Out of It

One outcome worth highlighting is the partnership between Mkulima Value Chains Consultancy and Guild Code. The two met through AIA’s networking session and went on to build eKuza, a farmer-centred AI platform designed to make agriculture more intelligent, inclusive and profitable.

On the governance side, the training shifted how many participants thought about the subject entirely. Some had not considered governance relevant to a business of their size. Others had existing structures but left with reason to rethink them, with a number choosing to rebuild from scratch.