The Green Rise Africa Fellowship, a six-month hybrid program, is being spearheaded by Acumen in partnership with the Masafa Foundation. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs working in the climate and green economy space in Gambia. The program combines virtual workshops and in-person sessions across West Africa, focusing on self-reflection, values-driven leadership, and resilience in business.
The fellowship's curriculum is designed to cultivate moral leadership among participants. Acumen representatives emphasized that the program is not just about business growth but about setting the tone for change. The initiative encourages participants to see themselves as agents of change, with a powerful reminder: "If not me, who?" This approach aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who can tackle poverty and climate challenges with integrity.
Omono Etomi, Acumen Fellows manager, explained that Acumen's mission is to invest in entrepreneurs who build inclusive societies. The Green Rise Africa Fellowship is part of this effort, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to develop their skills and leadership qualities. Oluchi Okoroafor, Acumen's fellowship senior associate, highlighted that the program goes beyond technical training, asking leaders to examine their values and be intentional in their decisions.
The fellowship includes workshops such as Authentic Voice and Adaptive Leadership, which help fellows navigate ethical dilemmas and competing priorities. These sessions aim to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the climate and green economy space. By focusing on values-driven leadership, the program seeks to create a lasting impact in the region.
Oyinda Adegboye, founder manager of Acumen, described Acumen's global network of over 2,000 fellows as the fellowship's greatest legacy. Graduates gain lifelong membership, access to peer collaboration, and opportunities for funding through the Angels Green Rise Africa program. This program offers grants of $25,000 or $50,000, providing critical support for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
Local entrepreneurs have shared how the fellowship has transformed their work. Beran Dondeh Gillen, co-founder of The Hub Ltd, described the program as "truly transformational," emphasizing that it validated his commitment to integrity in business. Mariam Sarge, founder of Electric Energy Solution, explained how the fellowship helped her delegate tasks and amplify her business story.
The event underscored Acumen's vision: to nurture leaders who can tackle poverty and climate challenges with integrity. As the Green Rise Africa Fellowship expands across 15 countries, Gambian entrepreneurs are finding themselves part of a larger movement that blends business innovation with moral leadership. The program's impact is expected to be felt in the region for years to come.
Key points
- The Green Rise Africa Fellowship is a six-month hybrid program that combines virtual workshops and in-person sessions across West Africa.
- The program's curriculum focuses on self-reflection, values-driven leadership, and resilience in business.
- Graduates gain access to funding opportunities through the Angels Green Rise Africa program, which offers grants of $25,000 or $50,000.
