LinkedInconnectafrica

21/03/2025

27 Global Fellowships for Young Africans currently open!

Are you a young professional, changemaker or social innovator looking to take your impact to the next level? Here are 27 fellowships that offer funding, mentorship, global exposure, and leadership development.

Don’t miss out — check them out and apply!

1. United Nations Young Leaders for the SDGs
Link: opd.to/4ipUTFq | Deadline: Apr 18

2. Vital Voices Global Fellowship
Link: opd.to/4c5i8Ct | Deadline: Apr 15

3. Internet Society Mid-Career Fellowship 2025
Link: opd.to/4iOQwUf | Deadline:

4. Halcyon EquityTech Fellowship 2025 for Startups
Link: opd.to/4bG4rJU | Deadline: Apr 18

5. BeChangeMaker Social Entrepreneurship Programme
Link: opd.to/4ieEt2G | Deadline: May 31

6. Young Impact Associates in Agri-Food Systems Fellowship
Link: opd.to/4bIaAoQ | Deadline: Apr 30

7. Africa Healthcare Innovation Fellowship
Link: opd.to/4ipVIy0

8. Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity Program
Link: opd.to/4huYvEU | Deadline: Mar 31

9. Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program
Link: opd.to/41z2xWW | Deadline: Mar 24

10. GOAL NextGen Youth Programme
Link: opd.to/3XxzQbE | Deadline: Apr 1

12. 776 Foundation Fellowship
Link: opd.to/3xdB7tY | Deadline: Apr 14

13. AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship (Fully-funded to Germany)
Link: opd.to/3XYeeoK | Deadline: Apr 11

14. Creative Climate Fellowship
Link: opd.to/4bGCiCA | Deadline: Apr 4

15. I AM Nala Fellowship for Young African Women
Link: opd.to/3DHQCOn | Deadline: Apr 14

16. Reach for Change Green Business Incubator
Link: opd.to/3FEQhwo | Deadline: Mar 31

17. Greentech Africa: The Future of Sustainability
Link: opd.to/3R1oVDf | Deadline: May 9

18. Compute for Climate Fellowship for Tech Startups
Link: opd.to/3DHQEFZ | Deadline: Apr 6

19. Global Fellows in Courage Accelerator
Link: opd.to/41M5Bjw | Deadline: Apr 1

20. UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship in Germany
Link: opd.to/3Fde3zK | Deadline: Mar 23

21. UNESCO YOUTH IMPACT – BECAUSE YOU MATTER for Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action
Link: opd.to/4hz6eBL | Deadline: Apr 8

22. ITU160 Gender Champions Program
Link: opd.to/4izLNWw | Deadline: Apr 6

23. Dr. Roger Arliner Young Fellowship
Link: opd.to/41VcqxZ | Deadline: Mar 31

24. Toilet Board Coalition Accelerator
Link: opd.to/4iTOSk3 | Deadline: Apr 30

25. ITU-Huawei Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme
Link: opd.to/3F76dre | Deadline: Mar 31

26. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Women PeaceMakers Fellowship
Link: opd.to/43DDlAY | Deadline: Mar 30

27. Africa Institute Global Africa Translation Fellowship
Link: opd.to/4ikJZRc | Deadline: Apr 17

All the best with your applications. Follow Opportunity Desk for more.

Deadline: April 18, 2025 Applications are open for the United Nations Young Leaders for the SDGs 2025-2027. The Young Leaders for the SDGs initiative recognises exceptional young people who are leading efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every two years, 1...

05/02/2025

Dear Employpreneurs

Have you wondered how support can be rendered to sustainable ideas in Africa that aren't venture-scalable?

Because not all bold ideas fit the "100x in 10 years" VC model, but they still deserve funding.

Sustainable growth is as crucial as exponential growth. We must rethink funding models for Africa's future.

This is for Non tech founders and this is how you can be funded if you are not in the tech space

1. Private Equity (PE)
a. Small Cap PE: Focuses on smaller companies with lower valuations. These firms invest in businesses that might not attract larger funds but have solid growth potential in niche markets.

b. Large Cap PE: Targets bigger companies with established market positions. These investments often come with strategic support to scale up operations or expand market reach.

2. Bank Loans
This is the most traditional form of financing. The primary advantage is that it doesn't dilute ownership or control over the company. However, terms can vary, with secured loans requiring collateral and unsecured loans potentially offering more flexibility,but at higher interest rates.

3. SME Equity Funds
These funds are increasingly prevalent across Africa, offering a mix of equity, debt, and sometimes mezzanine financing. They cater specifically to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for capital to expand without the high growth expectations of venture capital.

4. Microfinance
Tailored for microbusinesses, microfinance institutions provide small loans, without requiring equity. This is crucial for very small enterprises or individual entrepreneurs who might not qualify for traditional bank loans.

5. Customer Finance
This involves customers paying for products or services over time. It can be managed directly by the company or through third-party financing options, which can help in sales but require careful management of cash flow.

5b. Invoice Discounting
Businesses sell their invoices to a third party at a discount for immediate cash flow, helping manage working capital without taking on additional debt or giving up equity.

6. Angel Investment
Wealthy individuals invest in startups or small businesses, often providing not just capital but also mentorship and networking opportunities. Unlike venture capital, angels might invest in less scalable businesses if they see potential.

7. Grants
These are non-repayable funds provided by governments, foundations, or other organizations. They can be particularly beneficial for businesses in sectors like technology, social innovation, or those addressing environmental issues.

8. Export Finance
Specifically for companies engaged in international trade, this includes mechanisms like export credit insurance, guarantees, and direct financing to support export activities.

9. Friends and Family
Often the first source of capital for many entrepreneurs, this method provides flexible terms.

10. IPO (Initial Public Offering)
An option for those who grow significantly. In Africa, most listed companies on exchanges are not tech-focused

11. DFI (Development Finance Institutions)
These are organizations aimed at promoting economic development in less developed countries. They offer loans, equity investments, and guarantees, often with favorable terms for businesses contributing to social or economic development.

12. Government Loans (e.g., Bank of Industry in Nigeria)
These are loans provided by government-backed banks or institutions with the goal of fostering local business growth. Terms can be more favorable than commercial loans, aimed at supporting SMEs or specific sectors.

Did you miss LinkedInConnect Masterclass last week?

More is coming. This year we are intentional about your business growth and Increase in Your ROI.
Stay tuned

05/02/2025

The Complexity of US-China Economic Relations

The relationship between the US and China is intricate and multifaceted.

Chinese imports tend to be relatively inexpensive, allowing China to help finance US consumption. Nevertheless, about 20% of China's economy depends on exports, and only around 3% of that comes from exports to the US.

In contrast, exports comprise 11% of the US GDP, with exports to China accounting for 7.5% of the total as of 2022.

However, examining only the nominal figures does not reveal the complete picture. A more pressing question is which country can inflict more significant economic pain.

Losing access to the vast Chinese market would be damaging and affect the US stock market. Additionally, US companies face significant barriers to entering the Chinese market, particularly with joint venture regulations, whereas Chinese firms can operate in the US relatively efficiently.

On the other hand, China would suffer if it lost the US market to competitors like Taiwan, Mexico, Vietnam, or even India. When the Trump administration imposed tariffs in 2017, Chinese companies and the government absorbed the costs to maintain their market share in the US.

Politically, China is less likely to find allies in Washington than Mexico and Canada.

The US political class is prepared to accept higher costs to prevent China from achieving market dominance in the US. To the US, China represents competition, whereas Canada and Mexico are not.

This situation is not likely to resolve quickly with a “fold”; rather, it will be a long process that must ultimately yield benefits for both nations.

02/02/2025

The was an insightful one with E Charles Emmanuel and Balqees Hamzat. Thank you for the time and knowledge shared with our community.

2025 events:

01/02/2025

The session was insightful with our convener E Charles Emmanuel and Balqees Hamzat the founder of Valumast. We wll do more this as we prepare for LinkedInconnect Lagos, LinkedInconnectEnugu this year.

29/01/2025

🌟 Exciting Opportunity Alert!

Join us for the Masterclass: 2025 Relevant Skills for Business Success! This FREE event is designed to help you develop the essential skills you need to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

📅 1st February 2025
Don't miss out—registration is required, so secure your spot NOW!
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/42yobwzLinkedInConnectMasterclass

Let's prepare for a successful future together! 💼✨

18/05/2024

LinkedInConnect Abuja came through today the 18th of May 2024.

As part of the effort to help business ecosystem in Africa find footing and thrive, another edition of the LinkedInConnectAfrica which began since 2019, has again held in Abuja, Nigeria

It was great sessions with the arrays of business experts speaking on the theme "Navigating the terrain of business and workplace in a VUCA era."

Thank you to Victor Prince Dickson Faith Iyahen Hazel Wendy Simon Matthew Cynthia Yinkere and Olumayowa Fapohunda, and our moderators Spenze of Podbetang and Chioma Otieh our program manager.

The participants were all excited to be have been educated on what VUCA is and how they can thrive in it regardless.

LinkedInConnectAfrica is committed to your personal, professional, career and business growth. Join our community today!!

18/05/2024

LinkedInConnect Abuja 18th of May 2024

18/05/2024

01/05/2024

Hello Everyone
LinkedInConnect Abuja ,

We hope this message finds you well. We're writing to inform you that the date for LinkedInConnectAfrica has been rescheduled to May 18th. This change will allow us to make necessary arrangements to ensure an exceptional event you deserve.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope the new date works for you. Should you've not registered, we encourage you to take advantage of the sponsored slots and do so, using the link below.
https://bit.ly/LinkedInConnectAbuja

Do share this opportunity with your network, as we believe this transformative experience will benefit many.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Regards,

Saintcharles
Team Lead, LinkedInConnectAfrica

30/04/2024

Meet our Facilitator: Faith Iyahen https://www.facebook.com/faith.iyahen

A dynamic leadership and mindset coach, team development strategist, and TEDx Speaker.

With a passion for empowering teams and unlocking leadership potential, Faith helps individuals and organizations achieve greatness through effective communication, positive work environments, and strategic goal setting.

As a dedicated women's empowerment advocate, Faith has been featured on national TV shows and is committed to helping women unlock their potential.

With her expertise and enthusiasm, Faith is the ideal facilitator for , as She will be uncovering the secrete strategies of winning in a era in business.

Secure a seat to connect with her this Saturday https://lnkd.in/dUyXdWj7

29/04/2024

Join us at in Abuja this Saturday for a transformative experience! In today's VUCA era, Startups, employees, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unprecedented challenges. From Disruptive technologies, to the shifting market dynamics, and overwhelming global competition, all are redefining the business landscape. To thrive, you must adopt innovative strategies and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.

At LinkedInConnectAfrica, we'll dig deep into the impact of VUCA on business and uncover winning strategies for success. Our expert speakers will share practical tools and methods to increase your stand for winning in a VUCA-defined future. You'll connect with professionals from diverse industries, learn from industry thought leaders, and gain valuable insights to navigate the complexities of the VUCA world.

Don't miss this opportunity to future-proof your business and stay ahead of the curve. Register now https://bit.ly/LinkedInConnectAbuja and join the conversation that will shape the future of business in Africa! "

The Volunteer Plug Abuja, Nigeria Amama Benn Benedict Jœy Shekwonuzhibo LinkedInConnect Abuja Ezekiel Ardytex Oladejo Esther Mounter