A quick look at Africa today and one thing is clear, the continent is a growing economy overflowing with opportunity and potential.
Organisations such as The African Leadership Academy (ALA) recognise this and are highlighting the advantages young people, who commit each day to thinking differently and breaking boundaries, bring to the region’s future.
The African Leadership Academy takes a step forward to acknowledge that Africa’s power will be significantly strengthened by leaders who promote peace, entrepreneurs who create jobs, and innovators that develop lasting solutions toward the inhibitors of Africa’s growth. By empowering young Africans with the skills necessary to achieve these goals, ALA is investing in the continent’s future.
On Saturday, November 27, 2021, The African Leadership Academy hosted an event in Lagos, Nigeria in partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI) to offer the necessary guidance into entrepreneurship and project management with the aim of solving issues within communities in Nigeria. The event was a huge success with over 100 young people attending, and the majority leaving with positive remarks and skills.
During the event, the students were offered scenarios and exercises to explore hypothetical simulations of real-world experiences, this gave them the opportunity to expand their thinking and tackle issues related to Nigeria. A common framework the team used was The African Leadership Academy problem-solving template ‘BUILD’; Believe, Understand, Invent, Listen, Deliver. Through this template, the students were taught how to implement solutions and tackle challenges in their communities to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to meet Nigeria’s core needs for active growth.
The story of the former ALA member and well-known African hero, William Kamkwamba is otherwise known as ‘The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind’ was noted at the event as a key changemaker for his village in Malawi as he managed to solve famine and drought issues in his village at the age of 14, through building a windmill. The students were inspired by Kamkwambas’s story and encouraged to see themselves as both changemakers for Nigeria, and vessels of talent that had the opportunity and ability to propel the country towards realising its full economic potential.
A study by Project Management Institute states that the disparity between available talent and the growing demand for project management skills is partly due to Africa’s huge growth in business and not enough talent to fill it. Through continuous educational events and courses like those offered by The African Leadership Academy and Project Management Institute, the next generation will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to tackle the issues facing Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through the skills gained, it is inevitable that the next generation of Africa will have the confidence to take advantage of the vast opportunities currently present in Africa with competence and ease.
