Evolve Africa: Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurs To Break The Cycle Of Poverty

 

Evolve Africa is on a mission to transform the lives of young, aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria by providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed in a competitive marketplace. The organization, which focuses on reaching out to entrepreneurs from the grassroots, ensures that they have equal opportunities to launch and sustain their businesses, helping them compete favorably with their peers.

At the heart of Evolve Africa’s approach is a deep commitment to partnering with entrepreneurs throughout their journey. Whether they are experiencing the highs of early success or navigating the inevitable challenges of running a business, Evolve Africa offers a reliable support system to guide them every step of the way.

Nzube Okonkwo, the Creative Head and Program Lead at Evolve Africa, explains that their network programs are designed to be cohort-based, providing a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals. “You have the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs and meet potential investors and partners from our vast network,” Okonkwo shares.

Evolve Africa's mission extends beyond mere mentorship; the organization actively empowers young entrepreneurs to succeed both in business and in the broader marketplace. Their aim is clear: to help young people break the cycle of poverty through entrepreneurship. This ambitious goal is pursued through three key initiatives:

The Youth Innovation Hub is the first pillar of their strategy. Here, young people with promising business ideas are admitted into the program, where they receive guidance on refining their ideas and accessing necessary funding. To date, this initiative has supported around 300 entrepreneurs, helping them secure over $5 million in funding.

The second pillar is their E-Learning Platform, which equips young people with valuable vocational skills. From fishery and baking to wig-making, the platform offers training in a variety of trades, enabling individuals to gain practical skills essential for starting their businesses.

The third pillar is the Business Kickstart Program, a nonprofit initiative aimed at the most impoverished members of society. This program provides vocational training and equips participants with the assets and resources they need to launch their own businesses.

Since its launch, Evolve Africa has reached thousands of entrepreneurs across Nigeria, helping them secure seed capital, including business grants, equity funding, and business loans. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to grooming the next generation of African entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable economic growth, and reducing poverty.