African Masterclass Series

For numerous changemakers, social innovators and entrepreneurs, realizing their entrepreneurial vision presents a formidable challenge due to a lack of clarity and specificity. This uncertainty in the early stages of business can leave them questioning their potential for impact and success.
However, when these ideas are meticulously developed and strategically implemented, they possess the capacity to initiate transformative change within individuals, communities, and the environment.

A clear vision outlines the purpose and mission of a sustainable enterprise,venture or business, guiding every decision and action towards achieving meaningful goals. With the right vision in place, strategies, initiatives, and resources can be aligned towards fulfilling long-term objectives to address social challenges and improve the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. This makes it easier to track success and make adjustments as needed.

Weeks

Modules

Mentors

Case Studies/Projects

0 +

The African Masterclass Series 4.0 with the theme: Vision to Venture: Navigating your Entrepreneurial Journey from ideas to Impact focuses on empowering aspiring mid-level social entrepreneurs, social innovators, changemakers, and impact-driven individuals with the knowledge, skills, tools, thinking and resources needed to navigate their entrepreneurial journey successfully from ideation to impactful ventures.

The AMS 4 recognizes that ideas which are visually and strategically executed successfully, have the potential to create positive change within people’s lives, communities and the environment.

Download the Public Leadership Roadmap

A successful business as a visionary changemaker and social entrepreneur involves creating positive social or environmental impact while also maintaining financial sustainability and profitability. Whether you’re a budding changemaker, social innovator, social entrepreneur or seeking to enhance your entrepreneurial skills, this program provides valuable insights into the key stages of entrepreneurship, equipping you for success that will drive sustainable development and address pressing global challenges in the communities and world at large.

Participants will learn key principles, strategies, and best practices to transform their vision into thriving ventures that create sustainable impact across their communities, systems and globally.

Objectives of AMS 4:

Equip participants with the foundational knowledge of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset.
Provide practical tools and frameworks for idea generation, validation, and refinement.
Foster skills in market research, customer discovery, and value proposition development.
Guide participants in crafting effective business models and strategies for growth and scalability.
Cultivate an understanding of financing options, funding sources, and financial management for startups.
Explore marketing and branding strategies to effectively reach target audiences and build customer relationships.
Offer guidance on building and leading high-performing teams and fostering a culture of social innovation.
Address challenges and opportunities in social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and ethical business practices.
Empower participants to develop actionable business plans and pitch their ventures to potential investors and stakeholders.

Guest Mentors

Debola Deji-kurunmi

Munachiso Okonkwo

Bodam Taiwo

Martins Udotai

Rosemund Phil-Othitiwa

Dr Naomi Osemedua

Mercedes Ifon

Chidi Nwaogu

Frank Rimalovski

Sola Adesakin

Oluwatoyin Aralepo

Solomon O. Ayodele

View Mentors’ Bios

The African Masterclass Series 4.0 Curriculum covers the following modules

Module One: The Entrepreneurial DNA - The Mindset, Habits and Actions of a Bold Visionary

An entrepreneurial mindset encompasses a willingness to take calculated risks, comfort with uncertainty, and the ability to think creatively and strategically. In this module, we will uncover ways to cultivate this mindset and be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the business world and turn obstacles into opportunities.

Module Two: Accountability: Innovative Ideation: Nurturing the Seed of Innovation

Every entrepreneurial venture begins with an idea—a spark that has the potential to revolutionize industries or meet unmet needs. The ideation phase involves brainstorming, market research, and refining the business concept. In this session, we will explore ways to possess the ability to recognize opportunities, innovate, and envision the potential impact of ideas on the market.

Module Three: Business Model Framing and Planning: Crafting the Blueprint for Success

Once an idea is solidified, entrepreneurs transition into the crucial phase of business planning. This involves developing a comprehensive blueprint that outlines the business model, target audience, revenue streams, and operational strategies. In this module, we are taught how to create a well-crafted business plan that serves as a roadmap, guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Module Four: Safety: Market Research and Customer Discovery

Market research is essential for businesses because it provides valuable insights into the needs, preferences, and behaviors of customers. By understanding their target market, businesses can tailor their products or services to meet customer demands effectively. In this module, we are taught how to identify market opportunities, conduct effective market research, and understand customer needs and preferences through hands-on exercises and case studies.

Module Five: Value Proposition Design and Product-Market Fit

It is crucial for a business to clearly articulate the unique benefits and value that a product or service offers to customers, thereby differentiating it from competitors and compelling customers to choose it over alternatives. In this module, Discover how to create compelling value propositions that resonate with target customers and achieve product-market fit to drive adoption and growth.

Module Six: Financing Your Venture: Funding Options and Financial Planning

Every business needs resources to start, operate, and grow effectively. In this module, we will explore various funding options available to entrepreneurs, including crowdfunding, angel investors, grants and venture capital, and learn how to develop financial plans and projections.

Module Seven: Marketing and Branding Strategies for Startup

Through targeted marketing strategies, startups can reach new markets, expand their customer base, and grow their business. Effective branding helps create a positive perception of the startup’s products or services, making it easier to penetrate new markets and attract customers. In this module, we are taught how to develop a solid understanding of marketing principles and strategies tailored to startups, including brand positioning, digital marketing, content creation, and customer acquisition techniques.

Module Eight: Unlocking the Art and Power of Storytelling: Identifying Your Big Why, Finding Your Sense of Purpose, Work Ethics and Building Strong Relationships.

Storytelling allows businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences. We will look into the key components that elevate storytelling to an art form: Your Big Why, a Sense of Purpose, Work Ethics, and Building Strong Relationships. By crafting compelling narratives, businesses can effectively communicate their brand’s values, mission, and purpose, engage and captivate their audience, differentiate themselves from competitors, build trust and credibility, and ultimately drive customer loyalty and retention. This module will equip your storytelling skills to effectively communicate your vision, mission, and value proposition to stakeholders, investors, and customers, creating emotional connections and driving engagement.

Module Nine: Leveraging Technology for entrepreneurial success

This involves utilizing digital tools and platforms to enhance efficiency, expand market reach, foster innovation, facilitate data-driven decision-making, and enable scalability and growth. By embracing technology, entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve sustainable success in today’s digital economy. In this module, we will explore different strategies for adopting and integrating technology into business operations.

Module Ten: Legal and Regulatory Considerations for Entrepreneurs

There are rules and standards that guide any effective industry. Failure to comply with legal requirements can result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, or even business closure. By staying compliant, entrepreneurs mitigate legal risks and protect their business reputation. In this session, we will gain insights into business registration and Tax compliance.

Module Eleven: Building and Leading High-Performing Teams

Building a High-performing team fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, where team members feel empowered to share ideas, experiment with new approaches, and contribute their unique perspectives. In this module, we will learn essential skills for recruiting, managing, and leading high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, communication, and a positive organizational culture.

Module Twelve: Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Practices

Social entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices are crucial for addressing societal challenges, driving positive change, and ensuring long-term business viability.
In this session, we will explore the principles and practices of social entrepreneurship, including creating positive social and environmental impact while maintaining financial sustainability.