Technology/Science
Changing the African Narrative Africa’s story is not just about poverty and disease. Those of us who grew up here know a di erent version exists, and it is about the potential of the continents irrepressible, abundant young talent. But whose job is it to unlock that potential? More to the point, where could my suppressed 15 years of Silicon Valley experience be most useful? At Impact Africa Network we do 3 things: • Develop innovation leaders • Launch startups • Build community
Impact Africa Network CEO Mark Karake Andrew Kendungu via Impact Africa Network
Startup studio in Nairobi on a mission to ensure young talented Africans can access Africa's digital transformation opportunity as creators and owners. In March 2018, after much soul searching and anguished second guessing, I made the decision to repatriate back home to Africa to immerse myself in the economic development struggle. This is what I have dedicated the rest of my life to doing, my TED talk if you will. I had finally come to my ‘two roads divided in a wood’ moment, and realized I could either let my life peter out in an unhappy, warmed over false sense of financial ‘security’ in the Bay Area, or, I could dive head and feet first into the adventure of making an impact. In January 2019 I launched a non-profit startup studio in Nairobi with a mission is to ensure young talented Africans have a chance at participating in the digital transformation of Africa as creators and owners. 86
July-August 2020
We opened our doors (my apartment) in January of 2019 and so far we have provided the opportunity to 25 fellows and are working on 7 exciting projects including; a STEM school, a media platform, Gen Z fintech, Upwork for Africa, a documentary,…… there is so much to be done Impact Africa Network is a non profit charitable entity US 501(C)3 EIN 83–2020331. Why non profit? Because it is the only financing model that can work for the patient, capacity building work that needs to be done at this very early stage. Don’t argue with me on this one. This is hard, unglamorous work and only possible when one is truly in love with the process.
Make An Impact Despite the challenges we are facing the world is filled with individuals with amazing hearts, and I always knew we would find believers. Most people are eager to be support causes they believe can make a di erence. Like every non profit we are always fund raising and we invite you to be part of our micro-donations support program. It works just like Netflix. We are seeking 500 champions willing to give $20 a month until December 2021. For this, I will send you a signed copy of the book before the end of the year. Je Weiner of LinkedIn has committed to match every donor who subscribes to our micro-donations support program via LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/feed/ update/urn:li:activity:6675813081085571072). DAWN
www.africanbusinessassociation.org
