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Announcing the Top 3 Winners of Our 2018 ScaleUp Agribusiness Pitch Competition

Announcing the Top 3 Winners of Our 2018 ScaleUp Agribusiness Pitch Competition

The 2018 Cohort of the ScaleUp Lab Agribusiness Accelerator Programme officially came to an end on Friday, September 21, 2018. The Accelerator programme which was funded by African Capital Alliance Foundation and Accenture Nigeria was closed out with the Agribusiness Demo Day and Business Pitch Competition which provided a unique platform for the entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and pitch to investors and funding partners. The overall winner of the pitch competition was Oluwaseun Sangoleye(CEO, Baby Grubz) who received a prize award of NGN 1,000,000. Ezekiel Olajumoke(CEO, Nectar Green Snails) and Ettahsuren Ojoi (CEO, Konet Mills Limited) also emerged as runners-up and received prize awards of NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 respectively.

The ScaleUp Agribusiness Accelerator Programme by FATE Foundation is a unique accelerator programme aimed at providing targeted support to growth stage high-potential Nigerian agribusiness entrepreneurs who are looking to scale their businesses, expand their market reach and attract potential investors and strategic partners.

Over 345 applications were received from all 36 states of the Federation and through a very thorough screening process, top ten (10) entrepreneurs were selected as finalists and admitted into the 2018 ScaleUp Lab Agribusiness Accelerator. The 10 entrepreneurs are: Adewale Ajao (Oyo), Celina Onoja (Abuja), Courage Agbonlahor (Benin), Ettahsuren Ojoi(Rivers), Ezekiel Olajumoke (Ogun), Friday Ejam (Lagos), Gift Udoh (Rivers), Ikechukwu Amajuoyi (Rivers), Oluwaseun Sangoleye (Lagos) and Toviho Sefinrinmi (Lagos).

The Accelerator programme kick-started on Monday, May 21, 2018 and comprised an intensive one-week Accelerator Boot Camp, Individual Growth Plan Development, GAP Advisory and Coaching sessions, Entrepreneurial Growth visits, Group Mentoring and Interactive Workshop sessions, all aimed at preparing and positioning their businesses for investor readiness and scale with regard to Customer, Capacity and Cashflow growth. Some of the areas covered in the programme include

  • Agribusiness Value Chain & Ecosystem Mapping
  • Innovation in the Agribusiness Space
  • The Market & Business Model
  • People & Operations
  • Strategic Visioning
  • Business Ethics
  • Scaling Operational Capacity
  • Scaling Customer Acquisition
  • Cashflow Management & Budgeting
  • Pricing Strategies
  • Accessing Larger Supply Chains and
  • Investment Readiness.

While all the sessions were replete with new insights for the entrepreneurs and specific actionable ideas for growing their businesses, the following sessions are worthy of note:

  • Accessing Larger Supply Chains, facilitated by Sadiq Usman, Non-Executive Director & Deputy COO (Agro-Allied), Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc.
  • Am I Enough, facilitated by Mohammed Garuba, Partner & MD, CardinalStone Partners Limited, who facilitated the session.
  • Business Growth Linkage Session at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA),Ibadan made possible by Sylvia Oyinlola, Head Administration (West Africa) International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

FATE Foundation would also like to appreciate the following volunteer faculties for their extraordinary contribution to the success of the Programme:

  • Edobong Akpabio, CEO, Visionage Agrotech Farms Ltd. who was the Course Director for the 2018 ScaleUp Agribusiness Accelerator Programme and is also an advisor and mentor to our Agribusiness entrepreneurs.
  • AfricanFarmer Mogaji, Owner, X-ray Farms Consulting, for his exceptional advisory and mentoring support to our agribusiness entrepreneurs during the accelerator programme.

Post programme, the top ten (10) entrepreneurs will be enrolled in a 12-month sector-specific mentoring programme as they implement their growth plans to scale, and they will be officially graduating at the FATE Annual Celebration coming up on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

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The Nation Building Workshop 2018

The Nation Building Workshop 2018

The AiMP Network envisions a Nigeria that is strong, developed, united, industrious, functional, and caring; a God-fearing, democratic and inclusive society that is Africa’s leading economy, and is committed to making the basic needs of life available and accessible to everyone. AiMP believes as God said let us and let them … meaning that the onus is on all of us Nigerians, to make the dream of a new Nigeria a reality.

It is to this end that the Network hosted the Nation Building Workshop V; a forum where principles integral to nation building and high level discussions on how Nigeria can fast track her industrialisation took place. NBW V focused on ‘The Pathway To An Industrialised Nigeria’, hosted the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON and the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu E. Enelamah as special guests and keynote speakers as well as other thought-leaders, industry experts, sector leaders, nation builders, influencers, expatriates, owners of companies, investors interested in Nigeria’s future and Nigerians from all works of life.

NBW V comprised of distinguished Nigerians from both within Nigeria and in Diaspora featured five panel discussions namely: –

  • Harnessing Nigerians in Diaspora;
  • The Role of Religious Institutions in Nation Building;
  • The Future of the Nigerian Youth and The Role of IT;
  • Agriculture: From Potential to Reality; and
  • The Ease of Doing Business.

The Panellists included: Chinaza Onuzo, Vice President, Africa Capital Alliance, OnyekaAkumah, Co-Founder and CEO, Farmcrowdy Limited; Dr Kanayo Nwanze, Former President, International Fund for Agricultural Development; Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner, Sahel Capital Agribusiness Managers Ltd; Kofo Akinkugbe, CEO, SecureID Limited; Chike Maduegbuna, CEO, Afrinolly Limited; Jumoke Oduwole, Senior Special Assistant To The President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor, The Covenant Christian Centre; Leslye Obiora, Former Minister, Federal Ministry of Power and Steel;Seni Hazzan, President / CEO of Development II, Inc; Angel Adelaja, CEO/Founder, Fresh Direct Produce & Agro-Allied Services; amongst others.

Every aspect of NBW V under the chairmanship of Christopher Kolade, Richard Kramerand Wale Adefarasin, guided by Leke Alder, Founder, Leke Alder Consulting and Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa and other experienced moderators, was been designed to proffer actionable solutions to the issues facing our nation, foster national unity, educate, challenge and empower our youth, unlock the untapped resources of Nigerians in diaspora and fast-track Nigeria’s industrialisation process.

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Global Money Week 2018 – JAN Supports The Central Bank of Nigeria In Its Financial Inclusion Drive For Nigerian Youth

Global Money Week 2018 - JAN Supports The Central Bank of Nigeria In Its Financial Inclusion Drive For Nigerian Youth

This year, March 15th was declared as Financial Literacy Day by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); a day set aside within the Global Money Week (GMW) to execute the financial inclusion drive exercise of the CBN for all Nigerian youth. On this day in over 29 states, the Financial Literacy Day curriculum based on the GMW theme of “Money Matters Matter” which was developed by JAN was taught to secondary school students across the country.

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JAN Hosts 50 Youth To Her Annual Venture In Management Program 2018 Edition

JAN Hosts 50 Youth To Her Annual Venture In Management Program 2018 Edition

The Venture in Management Program is a mini-MBA program organized by Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), sponsored by African Capital Alliance Foundation, (ACA Foundation) and supported by the Lagos Business School(LBS)and Accenture Nigeria. 50 outstanding currently serving or recently finished serving members of the National Youth Service Corps are selected through a rigorous process to go through theresidentialprogram at LBS where they are exposed to lessons on  Strategy, Business Management, Finance, Corporate Governance, Ethics and Leadership as well as MBA modelled business cases. These lessons prepare the participants to become ethicalbusiness leaders who will go on to run their own businesses or manage already established businesses and social enterprises.

This year’s program ran from February 19th through February 23rd. After a tour and brief history of LBS, participants settled in for lectures on ‘Writing an effective CV & Preparing For an Interview’ and ‘Entrepreneurship in an Uncertain Economy’ both delivered by LBS faculty members on Day 1.The week long activities at LBS also featured interactive sessions with business leaders such as Kunle Elebute, Chairman, KPMG Africa, Chienye Ogwo, ViMP alum and CEO Africa Initiative for Governance as well as Tunji Elesho, ViMP alum and Managing Partner, Growth Capital Fund.

On Wednesday, February 21st, participants began the day teaching JAN programs on entrepreneurship and financial literacy in primary and secondary schools in the Ajah axis of Lagos. This activity is a part of the week-long ViMP program that exposes participants to the need to always give back to society either as individuals or business entities, teaching the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. Later that evening, participants convened at the Maison Fahrenheit Hotel, Lagos, where they got a chance to network with ViMP alumni, program sponsors, JAN board members and staff as well as local media correspondents.

On Friday, February 23rd, 2018, participants listened to Paul Kokoricha, Executive Partner, ACA, who delivered a powerful graduation lecture focusing on ACA’s 5 core values Integrity, Humility, Excellence, Discipline and Contribution, all of which he noted were relevant to any potential business leader. Thereafter, the most outstanding male and female participantswere recognized and awarded. Caleb Adebayo, a lawyer and graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and Elohor Udubrae, a Chemical Engineer and graduate of Caritas University won this recognition based on their participation and contribution to in-class activities.

The week ended on a highnote as participants were treated to a movie night experience, of the Black Panther movie. Once again, everyone left feeling like super heroes and ready to take over the world for good. #WakandaForever

Segun Adebanji, Principal and Head, FMCG Agric, ACA12345678910

On Saturday morning, two ViMP 2018 participants, Caleb Adebayo and Esther Adelaja, along with Executive Director, JAN, Simi Nwogugu and Vice President, Investor Management ACA, Ogedi Onyeama, featured as guests on the Channels TV’s Saturday Sunrise Show to discuss the week’s highlights and shed more light on the program’s objectives and impact.

It was certainly a whirlwind of activities and in the words of the ViMP 2018 president, Joseph Emeka Okoroafor, “participants have been equipped to go take over every sector of the economy and inspire the change they desire to see.”

We look forward to ViMP 2019 and we invite potential participants to visit our website at www.ja-nigeria.org and follow us on social media for more details in the coming months.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters: – Africa Capital Alliance Foundation; Lagos Business School and Accenture PLC as well as our media partners: – Channels TV; BellaNaija; Pulse TV; Punch and BusinessDay.

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NESG 2017 Activity Snapshot

NESG 2017 Activity Snapshot

Dear Stakeholder, I am pleased to present the NESG 2017 activity report that highlights critical engagements and initiatives pursued over the course of the year. Nigeria’s government and business community heaved a measured sigh of relief after GDP growth gures turned positive in the second…read more

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ALiWA graduates its 2015/2017 class of fellows

ALiWA graduates its 2015/2017 class of fellows

June 22, 2017, Aburi, Ghana – The Africa Leadership Initiative – West Africa (ALiWA) has successfully concluded its 2015/2017 fellowship program. The initiative, aimed at raising a new breed of community-spirited leaders, witnessed the graduation of 17 fellows in a ceremony held in Ghana.

Please click here to read more on this story.

About ALiWA

ALiWA is a not for profit organization aimed at raising a new breed of community spirited leaders who having achieved notable success in their fields, are called to tackle the core developmental needs in Nigeria. Over the past ten years, ALiWA has successfully graduated 87 Fellows from West Africa, 39 of who are Nigerians. These Fellows join the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), a growing, worldwide community of entrepreneurial leaders from business, government and the non-profit sector — currently more than 2,400 “Fellows” from over 50 countries.

About the ACA Foundation 

The ACA Foundation was established in September 2012 to promote the creation of an enabling business environment, which encourages and supports successful businesses led by ethical leaders. The ACA Foundation is a sponsor of the 2015/2017 ALiWA Fellowship Program.

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ACAF holds its 2017 annual roundtable event

ACAF holds its 2017 annual roundtable event

June 8, 2017, Lagos, Nigeria – The ACA Foundation today held its 2017 Annual Roundtable event. The event featured about 40 guests comprising of ACA staff, grantees and portfolio companies. It culminated in a keynote address by Dr. Christopher Kolade who spoke on the topic “Governance: Principles for Sustainability and Differentiation.” In his remarks, Dr. Kolade stressed the need for organizations to prioritize hiring the right people and putting effective controls and conditions in place to ensure sustainable success over time.

The event ended with short breakout sessions, during which participants assessed their current governance frameworks and brainstormed ways to improve going forward.

About the ACA Foundation

The ACA Foundation was established in September 2012 to promote the creation of an enabling business environment, which encourages and supports successful businesses led by ethical leaders.

The ACA Foundation Roundtable is an annual event, which affords partner organizations the opportunity to share best practices and explore prospects for collaboration.

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AiMP holds its 2017 nation building workshop

AiMP holds its 2017 nation building workshop

May 7th, 2017, Lagos, Nigeria – The Apostles in the Marketplace (AiMP) today held its 2017 Nation Building Workshop at the Civic Center in Lagos, Nigeria. The flagship event brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the theme “Positioning for Economic Recovery.” The workshop was attended by Okechukwu Enelamah, Ibukun Awosika, Bismark Rewane, Omobola Johnson and other industry experts who discussed strategies for revamping the Nigerian Economy.

Please click here to read more on this story.

About AiMP

AiMP is a network of Christian professionals and leaders in the marketplace who are committed to making a lasting impact on society.

About the ACA Foundation

The ACA Foundation was established in September 2012 to promote the creation of an enabling business environment, which encourages and supports successful businesses led by ethical leaders. The ACA Foundation is a sponsor of AiMP.

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JAN concludes the 2017 venture in management program

JAN concludes the 2017 venture in management program

February 24th, 2017, Lagos, Nigeria – Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) today concluded its 2017 Venture In Management Program (ViMP). The one-week intensive MBA-styled program, introduced 50 select members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to different facet of managing a business, making crucial business decisions, and developing skills for management.

The program was led by facilitators of the Lagos Business School (LBS) and included stimulating classroom sessions, case studies, panel discussions, networking, study groups and recreational activities, which culminated in a strategy workshop where participants presented solutions to real world case studies. Participants also engaged in a community service project at local primary schools.

About JAN

JAN is a non-profit organization, which aims to inspire and educate young people to become conscientious business leaders. JAN achieves this by implementing economic education programs that develop attitudes and skills necessary for personal success and social responsibility.

About the ACA Foundation

The ACA Foundation was established in September 2012 to promote the creation of an enabling business environment, which encourages and supports successful businesses led by ethical leaders. The ACA Foundation sponsored JAN’s 2017 Venture in Management program.

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ACAF administrator discusses the VIMP program

ACAF administrator discusses the VIMP program

February 25th, 2017, Lagos, Nigeria – Miss. Oare Ehiemua, Administrator of the ACA Foundation, was today invited to participate in a broadcast interview to discuss the recently concluded Junior Achievement Nigeria Venture in Management Program (JAN-ViMP). Speaking alongside the Founder and Executive Director of JAN, Mrs. Simi Nwogugu, and two recent graduates from ViMP, Miss. Ehiemua highlighted the impact of ViMP on the students, many of whom have described the program to as a life changing experience. She also spoke about the sponsorship support provided by African Capital Alliance, which goes beyond funding the program to leveraging the skills and expertise of its staff to provide strategic support where necessary. To watch the broadcast episode, please click here.