Benjamin Fernandes

I'm happy to share that I will be starting a new role as County Support Officer for Youth Transforming Africa Narrative (YOTAN) effectively soon! In my capacity as CSO, I will serve key responsibilities; and serving as the liaison of YOTAN at the county level (Bong County). I'm happy to serve in this position, and I look forward for the best as I team up to with others share and contribute to the vision and mission of YOTAN. In serving such role, these are my key responsibilities: **Key Responsibilities**: 1. Collaborate with local stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and youth organizations, to identify key issues affecting youth in the county. 2. Design and implement programs and activities that promote youth empowerment, leadership development, and civic engagement in the county. 3. Provide capacity-building support to local youth groups and organizations to enhance their effectiveness and impact in advocating for positive change. 4. Monitor and evaluate the impact of YOTAN's programs in the county and provide regular reports to the organization's leadership. 5. Represent YOTAN at local events, meetings, and conferences to raise awareness about the organization's work and build partnerships with other stakeholders. 6. Support the organization's advocacy efforts at the county level by engaging with policymakers, conducting research, and drafting policy briefs. 7. Contribute to the development of fundraising proposals and grant applications to secure funding for YOTAN's activities in the county. Looking forward for the best as I transition to a new position in my professional career.

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🌟 Today, I had the pleasure of sharing insights with over 40 CSOs under the @Kenya NGOs Alliance Against Malaria (KeNAAM) network on developing impactful fundraising plans. 🌟 During the session, we tackled some of the key challenges growing organizations face, particularly in developing meaningful fundraising strategies. Traditional strategy development can be time-consuming and costly, making it impractical for growing non-profits with limited budgets. ⏳💸 In our discussion, I covered: 🔹 How to ensure your plan is anchored to your mission and strategic plan 🔹 Setting fundraising goals that meet your needs 🔹 Developing strategies aligned with the fundraising cycle 🔹 Top strategies that growing CSOs should consider At Realtime Insights, we specialize in creating packages that help grassroots and mid-sized organizations design simple, practical fundraising plans. 📊✨ Our streamlined approach significantly reduces the timeframe, making the process more accessible and cost-effective. 🚀💡 Need a fundraising plan? Reach out to us on WhatsApp: 254 790 410 139 Thank you, KENAAM leadership Edward Mwangi the opportunity to share and collaborate! #Fundraising #NonProfit #StrategyDevelopment #CSO #KENAAM #RealtimeInsights

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Ghana’s tech ecosystem was valued at $2.6 billion from 2021 to 2023. This is according to Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 which provides insights into the world’s leading startup ecosystems, emerging trends, and key challenges facing entrepreneurs. Lead for iSolveAfrica Ltd, Henry N.A Cobblah shared some perspective. #Ghana #tech #startups #value

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Catalyst Fund investing $1.8 million in 9 innovative African climate tech ventures! These startups are tackling critical challenges in agriculture, healthcare, energy access, and waste management, paving the way for a more resilient future. Here's a glimpse into the diverse group of companies receiving funding: Earthbond (Nigeria): Making financing accessible for SMEs seeking reliable solar energy. Keep IT Cool (Kenya): Providing solar-powered cold chain solutions and an e-commerce platform for the white meat value chain. MazaoHub (Tanzania): Empowering smallholder farmers with AI-powered farm management software and soil testing services. Medikea(Tanzania): Offering virtual and in-person healthcare solutions to build resilience against climate-related health issues. NoorNation (Egypt): Delivering solar energy and water desalination solutions for farmers and rural communities. Scrapays (Nigeria): Revolutionizing waste management with a digital waste collection platform for small businesses. THOLA (South Africa): Streamlining compliance automation within the food and agriculture value chains. Tolbi (Senegal): Leveraging satellite data and analytics to support climate-smart agricultural practices. Zebra CropBank (Nigeria): Building a network of solar-powered micro-warehousing and trading solutions for farmers. A huge congratulations to all the teams behind these incredible ventures! P.S. As a leader, what majors have you taken to implement eco-friendly practices within your office or consider the environmental impact of materials used in your product/service delivery? In your experience, what are some of the biggest hurdles facing climate tech startups in Africa, and how can we overcome them? Beyond financing, what kind of non-financial support (e.g., mentorship, policy advocacy) would most benefit early-stage climate tech startups in Africa? #ClimateTech #Africa #Mondyfunding  

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I learned so much from Ivka Kalus, the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner of Promethos Capital, during the United Planet Impact Investment Program as one of the selected social enterprises (WECO Africa). Ivka, an accomplished investor with over two decades of experience managing global and international equity portfolios, has significant expertise in sustainable and gender-lens investing. In 2018, Citywire ranked her as the #3 female portfolio manager in the US and among the top 20 female managers in the world. From her, I gained valuable insights into sustainability and impact, the importance of gender and diversity in investment, and the need to reframe the concept of investment and public equity markets for social good. She emphasized the value of time, the allocation of all forms of capital across investments, the importance of a financial return model of sustainability, and the necessity of measuring and gathering data on the impact of your company or activity. Additionally, she highlighted the opportunity cost of decision-making in any endeavor. https://lnkd.in/g8S8X7Vp Connor Huang Oudou Sanogo #ImpactInvesting #Sustainability #GenderLensInvesting #DiversityInInvestment #FinancialReturns #SocialGood #InvestmentStrategies #UnitedPlanetImpact #PromethosCapital #GlobalEquity #SustainableGrowth #InvestmentInsights #EconomicImpact #DecisionMaking #CapitalAllocation

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Entrepreneurship and innovation are critical to Africa’s continued prosperity. Check out my latest interview with CNBC Africa.

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In Kenya, the number of internet users has reached over 46 million, and the digital economy is growing fast. Do you have startup and you would like to secure funds from donors around the globe; by using these strategies, you can connect with donors more effectively and help your projects thrive. Donors and funders play a crucial role in the success of entrepreneurial initiatives. But how can we truly engage them effectively? Here are five practical ways to build meaningful connections with donors and funders to support your groundbreaking projects. 1️⃣ Clear Vision and Mission 🗺️: Just like navigating without a map is challenging, engaging donors without a clear vision and mission is equally tough. Define your goals clearly and ensure they align with your donors' objectives. Be specific about the impact you aim to achieve – the more tangible, the better! 2️⃣ Demonstrate Impact 📊: Donors appreciate a compelling story backed by data. Highlight how your activities have made a difference by sharing powerful stories and statistics. This not only builds trust but also showcases your effectiveness and the positive outcomes of your work. Remember, everyone loves a good success story – especially when it comes with impressive numbers! 3️⃣ Transparent Communication 💬: Keeping someone in the dark and expecting them to stay interested doesn’t work – unless you’re planning a surprise party! Regular updates and transparent reporting on the use of funds and project progress are essential. This keeps donors involved and fosters trust, making them feel like true partners. 4️⃣ Personalized Engagement 🎁: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for donor engagement. Tailor your approach to each donor by understanding their interests and priorities. Customize your communication and engagement strategies to align with their values and goals, making them feel special and valued. It’s all about making that personal connection – after all, nobody likes to feel like just another number! 5️⃣ Collaboration and Partnership 🤝: View your donors as teammates rather than just financiers. Build strong relationships by involving donors as partners in your mission. Engage them in planning and decision-making processes, creating a sense of ownership and long-term commitment. Think of them as your co-pilots on this journey – it’s always better to have someone by your side! Engaging donors is not just about securing funds – it’s about building lasting partnerships that drive innovation and impact. Don't forget to like, share, and comment if you find this information helpful. Your feedback helps us create better content for you. Let's grow together! ........copied. #SmartBusiness #SMEs #supportingsmallbusinessowners #SmallBusinessSupport #FinancialPlanning #BusinessSuccess #supportinglocalbusiness #FinancialManagement

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The African VC ecosystem is young, inching past its first decade of existence. The African internet revolution took a different shape than it did elsewhere: between 2005 and 2019, the share of African households possessing a computer went from 4% to 8%, while other developed economies witnessed a 55% to 80% jump over the same period. One can’t expect a VC industry to suddenly flourish in an economy where microchip-equipped computer and smartphone ownership is so scarce.

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#Update 2 weeks into the AIIDEV Africa program and I am reconsidering a lot of my choices. The first workshop session featured the founder of Chanja Datti Recycling Co Ltd, Olufunto Boroffice. She explicitly explained the need for a strong and viable business model because your ideas and team members can only take so far but for your target audience to take you seriously, your business model must speak for you. The second workshop series was an eye opener about the #agenda2063. It revolves around building an Africa we want adopted from the 2030 sustainable development goals. Did you know social impact spaces in Africa can collaborate with the AU especially your vision or goals align with the Agenda 2063. Here's more: https://lnkd.in/dVnD6Cyy

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🚀 Yesterday, I had the privilege of being part of a monumental event - the launch of Timbuktoo! This innovative startup is not just a company, but a beacon of hope for the African market. I am thrilled to announce that Ethiopia is on its way to becoming the 9th member state of the Timbuktu Initiative. This initiative is a game-changer, providing startups with the stability they need to grow, opening up investment opportunities, and paving the way for a unified African market. Here's to the future of Africa, one startup at a time! 🌍💼📈" #Timbuktu #StartupLaunch #Ethiopia #AfricanMarket #InvestmentOpportunities #FinancialStability #OneAfricanMarket #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Startups #Africa #EconomicGrowth #InvestInAfrica #AfricanStartups #BusinessOpportunities #EmergingMarkets #InvestmentReady #AfricanEntrepreneurs #BusinessInAfrica #StartupAfrica #InvestInStartups #AfricanInnovation #StartupLife #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #InvestmentOpportunity #StartupInvestment #BusinessInvestment #AfricanBusiness #StartupSuccess #EntrepreneurGoals #InvestmentGoals #BusinessGoals #StartupGrowth #BusinessInnovation #InvestInInnovation #AfricanEconomy #StartupEconomy #BusinessEconomy`

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Smart African cities: It's about people, not just tech! It's about making African cities more livable & efficient. #UM6P #AfricaSmartCityForum UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

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An Outsider's Admiration for Kagame's Visionary Leadership As an outside observer, I have been struck by the remarkable transformation of Rwanda over the past three decades under President Paul Kagame's leadership. The recent appointment of Butera Michael, a fresh Harvard Law School graduate, as Chief Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Justice within 48 hours of his graduation is just the latest example of Kagame's strategic approach to nation-building. For those unfamiliar with Kagame's leadership style, let me provide some context. Since the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) put an end to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Kagame has made it a priority to recruit Rwandans abroad with expertise to contribute to the country's rebuilding efforts. This seemingly simple strategy has been a driving force behind Rwanda's meteoric rise. Kagame understands that no president can succeed without a great team. He has consistently surrounded himself with an army of expert advisors who are vastly more knowledgeable than him in areas where he lacks technical expertise. His impressive advisory board includes billionaire philanthropists, policymakers, scientists, investors, financiers, retired statesmen, and more. Consider this: the Rwandan sovereign wealth fund, Agaciro Development Fund, has on its board Andrew Rozanov, the originator of the term "Sovereign Wealth Funds." How does one even recruit such a person? Pure genius. The examples of top-tier talent in Kagame's government are numerous: - The CEO of Agaciro Development Fund, Bdwy, attended Stanford Business School. - The current Prime Minister previously held a senior position at the World Bank. - A former Minister of Health is still a professor at Harvard Medical School and played a key role in bringing the University of Global Health Equity to Rwanda. - The current Minister of ICT and Innovation is an MIT graduate. - The current Deputy Governor of the Central Bank was a successful banker with leading European banks. The pattern is clear: Kagame recruits like a CEO, not a politician. He recognizes his limitations and leverages his political acumen to attract top talent to the government. On the same day as Michael's appointment, Kagame also named Lassina Zerbo, a nuclear science diplomat, geophysicist, and chairman of the Nasdaq-listed company Nano Nuclear Energy, to his Strategy and Policy Advisory Council. This is why Rwanda works and will continue to work. Kagame's visionary leadership and ability to assemble teams of world-class experts have been instrumental in the country's remarkable transformation. As an outside observer, I cannot help but admire this approach and the results it has yielded.

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Important insights on last-mile electrification and the vast difference between philanthropic and market-led approaches.

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I recently had the amazing opportunity to produce the inaugural AYuTe Africa NextGen 2024 in Rwanda, thanks to the incredible family of Heifer International , AYuTe Africa, and Scripted Optics for trusting me with this. This project truly expanded my understanding of Africa's agricultural potential and the ingenuity of youth-led agribusinesses. During one of the production meetings in Rwanda, I was reminded of the value of working with a multicultural team. As a Nigerian familiar with collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds, I am excited to share my insights on effectively leading such a team. To lead a multicultural creative team in Africa effectively and harness the power of diverse perspectives and talents, consider these key principles: 1. Respect local cultures and practices. 2. Demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 3. Simplify communication processes. 4. Embrace diverse perspectives and involve team members in decision-making. 5. Approach interactions with humility and without a superiority complex. 6. Practice active listening. 7. Make an effort to know and use team members' names correctly. 8. Use humor as a tool to foster productivity. These principles are universal and can be applied to any industry or project across the continent. Which one resonates with you the most? ❤️🙏🙏 Oyewale Oyewole Rwanda Convention Bureau - RCB #OnyeUbanatu #SimplifyingProcess #LargeEventProducer #VisualNarrativeExpert #PanAfrican #AfricasCreativeEconomy

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THEY NOT LIKE US! THEY NOT LIKE US! THEY NOT LIKE US! Kenya is undergoing a significant transformation - economically, socially, and culturally. We made history by engaging our President on X-space to address the #rejectthefinacebill protests that were wrongfully dubbed as riots and unfortunately many lost their lives. As a millennial, I once experienced a situation where, after a departmental meeting, we were 'encouraged' to share our thoughts on upcoming changes that would negatively impact the team. When I professionally voiced my concerns, I was unexpectedly reprimanded. Upon reflection, I realized that the issue wasn't resistance to change, but rather the way it was communicated and the expectation of unquestioning acceptance without collaborative discussion. The problem wasn't the content of my feedback either, but the mere act of speaking up, despite raising valid concerns shared by many affected colleagues. What followed was a significant decrease in morale and a wave of resignations. However, generations have shifted. The influence of Gen Z on the future workplace is profound. Their expectations and strengths are reshaping corporate cultures, advocating for more ethical, flexible, and purpose-driven work environments where they feel valued and can express themselves freely. While this shift challenges traditional management approaches, it also presents unique opportunities for innovation, social impact, and increased employee engagement. As a manager, leader, or business owner who will inevitably hire Gen Z workers, it's crucial to recognize that as these younger generations constitute a larger portion of the workforce (and growing); embracing their values and leveraging their unique strengths will be essential for success in the evolving business landscape. How will you change your leadership to embrace the new labour force?

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