Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alliance pulled through to form on of our most formidable cohorts of African executioners yet. 30 innovators were invited to join the 14th Class of Harambeans having been selected from over 4900 applicants, a 30% increase in our applicant pool. Representing 8 African countries, 23 universities and 8 accelerators, the incoming class of Harambeans have collectively raised over $130 million in venture capital.

Two GAP and three Oppenheimer Fellows joined a Knowledge Transfer Session with Jeff Hoffman, the Chairman of the Global Entrepreneur Network. Jeff is a successful entrepreneur in his own right with a number of well-known successful start-ups, including Priceline.com/Booking.com and uBid.com.

In today’s episode, we feature Melvyn Lubega H'16, University of Oxford, co-founder of Go1.com. Go1 is an online learning platform built on a subscription-based model that makes corporate training content available to businesses of all sizes.

The global Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has resulted in unprecedented economic turmoil and devastation affecting businesses, lives and livelihoods in nearly every country on earth. It has, however, importantly illustrated the power of the human spirit and the reserves of resilience and grit of so many to persevere and survive. The Harambean network of African entrepreneurs has more than ever used the power of its network to adapt and thrive during this crisis. 

Silicon Valley is synonymous with technology and innovation and is home to many of the world's largest tech companies. It was therefore fitting for Harambeans in the Knowledge Transfer Initiative (KTI) and the Global Access Program (GAP) to spend a weekend there meeting with Silicon Valley icons to learn from the best in order to take their ventures to the next level.

In today’s episode, we feature venture capitalist, Pardon Makumbe, the co-founder of CRE Venture Capital. CRE partners with visionary entrepreneurs who are building category-defining tech companies in Africa. They leverage their capital, relationships and experience to position the teams they work with for outsized success.