AFRICA – The Obuntu Foundation, a catalyst for the next generation of Africa-focused Fund Managers, has announced a strategic partnership with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a global non-profit organization focused on economic development and entrepreneurship.
As part of the collaboration, the call for nominations to the third cohort of the Obuntu Launchpad Program is now open, inviting African-focused fund managers to advance their investment approach, optimize fund outcomes and expand their impact.
The Obuntu Launchpad Program, supported by MEDA, equips early-stage fund managers with the essential tools and expertise to build and operate successful African funds.
The 12-month program will provide tailored training, LP engagement opportunities, and a collaborative knowledge-sharing and deal flow network.
By catalyzing the energy of the venture capital ecosystem to support first-time fund managers investing in belief capital, MEDA, and Obuntu ensure that successful participants will receive ongoing support. This includes mentorship, fundraising assistance, and promoting innovative fund models tailored to the unique needs of African startups.
The fellowship features practitioner-led sessions by industry experts like Lewam Kefela (Partech), Andreata Muforo (TLcom Capital), and Fope Adelowo (Helios).
“We are excited to join forces with MEDA, an organization that shares our passion for empowering African entrepreneurs and driving economic development,” said Wambui Kinya, Co-Founder of the Obuntu Foundation.
“This partnership validates our successes to date and will significantly enhance our Launchpad Fellowship, providing our Fellows with unparalleled access to MEDA’s vast network, resources, and expertise.”
Since its launch in 2022, the Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship has successfully run two cohorts, supporting 24 fellows representing 21 funds with a combined target Assets Under Management (AUM) of US$281 million.
Notable alums include Yewande Odumoso (Founding Partner, HoaQ), Aly El Shalakany (Managing Partner, Acasia), Thandeka Xaba (General Partner, Savant) and Emmanuel Adegboye (Head, Madica).
The program’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of skilled, innovative fund managers continues to contribute significantly to the entrepreneurial landscape across the continent, highlighted by its alumni achievements.
58% of the alumni are female, and they are based in 8 African countries in Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic-speaking Africa.
It actively invests across Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
The partnership with MEDA will strengthen the Obuntu Foundation’s mission of empowering a thriving ecosystem of African fund managers.
By attracting significant investments from local and international backers, this collaboration injects vital capital into a continent where startups remain underfunded yet abound with potential.
“MEDA is thrilled to partner with the Obuntu Foundation as we need to do everything it takes now to build a continent with shared prosperity and sustainable, inclusive growth,” said Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA.
“This partnership is critical and represents our shared commitment to strengthening the impact investment ecosystem in Africa by enabling more women to lead investment vehicles, thereby unlocking the full potential of African entrepreneurship to job creation for women and youth via investments in small and medium-sized enterprises.”
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