Evolve Africa stands at the forefront of nurturing young entrepreneurs by providing essential support and resources to individuals at the grassroots level.
The organization is dedicated to helping aspiring business leaders launch and sustain their ventures, ensuring they have the tools and network necessary to succeed.
At the core of Evolve Africa’s mission is a commitment to partnership and support. The organization works closely with entrepreneurs, guiding them through the ups and downs of their business journey. Nzube Okonkwo, the Creative Head and Program Lead at Evolve Africa, highlights the importance of their network programs, which are designed around cohorts. This approach not only connects entrepreneurs with each other but also introduces them to potential investors and partners from a vast network.
“Our goal at Evolve Africa is not just to groom young entrepreneurs but to empower them for success in the marketplace,” Okonkwo explains. “We aim to break the cycle of poverty through entrepreneurship, and we accomplish this through three main strategies.”
The first of these strategies is the Youth Innovation Hub. This initiative welcomes young individuals with promising business ideas and supports them in refining and developing these concepts. By providing access to funding and resources, the hub has successfully assisted around 300 entrepreneurs, helping them secure over $5 million to advance their ventures.
Secondly, Evolve Africa leverages its E-Learning Platform to impart vocational skills to young people. The platform offers training in various fields, including fishery, baking, and wig making. This approach equips participants with practical skills that are crucial for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
The third strategy is the Business Kickstart program, which targets the most economically disadvantaged members of society. Through this non-profit initiative, Evolve Africa provides vocational training and essential resources, enabling individuals to start their own businesses despite their limited financial means.
In addition to these core programs, Evolve Africa offers supplementary services such as business plan writing, financial statements, and pitch deck development. These services are designed to help entrepreneurs present their ideas and secure the necessary support and funding.
Since its inception, Evolve Africa has made a significant impact, reaching thousands of entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The organization has played a crucial role in helping many secure seed capital, including business grants, equity funding, and loans. Evolve Africa remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate the next generation of African entrepreneurs through its comprehensive incubation and support programs, driving innovation and economic growth across the continent.
