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Harvard Business School Leverages Africa’s Entrepreneurial Community

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Harvard Business School

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

In a recent interview, Program Director Diane Waters highlighted the innovative AfricaLive! online course, meticulously crafted by Harvard Business School professors Caroline Elkins, Tarun Khanna, and Karim Lakhani. Aimed specifically at nurturing talent within the African market, these esteemed educators have tailored a curriculum that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the continent’s burgeoning business sector and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Here are the interview excerpts:

What are the reasons for starting AfricaLive? How important is this study program for young business leaders in Africa

The AfricaLive! online course was created by Harvard Business School professors to meet the urgent need for skill and knowledge development in Africa’s burgeoning business sector, aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to navigate and lead in a dynamic environment. Customized for individuals aiming to innovate and expand in the African market, AfricaLive! merges Harvard’s scholarly excellence with the practical wisdom of African industry leaders. The course offers a mix of interactive virtual sessions, small group activities, and asynchronous learning modules, providing a comprehensive and engaging approach to application and learning. Designed to encourage innovation, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership, AfricaLive! readies participants for impactful careers, providing a rich, engaging curriculum and culminating in dual certification from HarvardX and AfricaLive!, affirming their expertise and commitment to driving sustainable change.

Do you believe building the entrepreneurial capacity of the participants will enhance their understanding of the emerging challenges in the changing business landscape

Equipping AfricaLive! participants with essential skills and knowledge enhance their ability to navigate the dynamic and complex markets of Africa. Entrepreneurial capacity extends beyond business management to include innovation, critical thinking, and resilience. As they face technological advances and shifting economic trends, entrepreneurs must adapt and innovate. Training fosters agility and foresight, preparing them to anticipate changes, understand global impacts on local markets, and address emerging challenges, while promoting continuous learning and adaptation in a fast-paced world.

Entrepreneurship is very challenging. In what ways would you argue that the AfricaLive! educational program provides the necessary skills for young vibrant leaders

AfricaLive! is designed to prepare young leaders for the entrepreneurial landscape, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills in real-world contexts. The course offers discussions with Harvard faculty and African industry leaders, encouraging innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking. It emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and ethical leadership, equipping participants to navigate business uncertainties and contribute positively to society. Networking with peers and industry leaders further enriches the experience, creating a robust support system for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Do you agree that there are diversities in business culture in African countries? What could be the best way to systematize entrepreneurial policies to help Africa’s development

Indeed, there is a rich tapestry of diversity in business culture across African countries, reflective of the continent’s wide array of languages, ethnicities, traditions, and historical backgrounds. Each country, and often regions within countries, has its own unique business customs, economic environments, and regulatory frameworks. This diversity can present both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and policymakers.

To effectively systematize entrepreneurial policies for Africa’s development, a multi-faceted, collaborative approach is essential. Tailoring policies to local contexts, encouraging pan-African dialogue, and involving diverse stakeholders ensures policies are relevant and comprehensive. Emphasizing education and skill development, alongside creating robust support systems like funding, mentorship, and incubators, will equip entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to a unified and progressive business environment across the continent.

What are the future visions for African Entrepreneurs and the single continental free market (AfCFTA)

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a future of vast opportunities for African entrepreneurs, offering access to a larger market and a more integrated continent. It promises reduced trade barriers, streamlined customs, and a harmonious regulatory environment, enabling entrepreneurs to expand beyond local confines, innovate, and compete more effectively. This vision includes increased intra-African trade, collaboration, and shared knowledge and resources, leading to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Ultimately, AfCFTA positions entrepreneurs at the forefront of transforming Africa into a thriving, unified, and prosperous economy. The course is accessible at the website: https://africalive.education/

Education

No School, Still Learning: How GOtv is Helping Parents Win the Holiday Season

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Let’s be real: holidays are a vibe for kids. No early mornings. No homework. Just endless episodes of their favorite shows, and somehow, they still find the same joke funny after the tenth replay.

But for parents, it’s a different game. You’re trying to let the kids have their fun, and secretly wondering if they’ll forget everything they were taught in school before back to school season rolls in.

GOtv gets it. And that’s why they’ve created the perfect win-win: a holiday lineup packed with shows that are just as educational as they are entertaining. Now kids can enjoy screen time that actually teaches without feeling like they are stuck in a classroom.

Here are some shows on GOtv that are bringing the right blend of fun and learning this holiday season:

1. Cowbellpedia (Africa Magic Family, GOtv Channel 2)

Cowbellpedia is a quiz competition that tests students in subjects like mathematics and general knowledge. Beyond boosting academic skills, it helps kids improve their confidence, think critically, and build resilience. It is competitive, exciting, and a great way to show that learning can actually be fun.

2. The Loud House (Nickelodeon, GOtv Channel 60)


Living in a house with ten sisters is no joke, and Lincoln Loud is proof. The Loud House takes kids through the ups and downs of growing up in a big family. With every episode, children learn how to handle disagreements, share space, communicate better, and build stronger relationships with siblings and friends. It is like a crash course in real life, but with more laughs.

3. PAW Patrol (Nick Jr., GOtv Channel 61)

PAW Patrol is perfect for younger kids who love action and adventure. Ryder and his team of rescue pups go around saving the day in Adventure Bay. Each pup has a unique skill, and together, they teach kids the value of teamwork, helping others, solving problems, and staying calm during emergencies. It is a fun way to teach big lessons through little heroes.

4. Coop and Cami Ask the World (Disney Channel, GOtv Channel 57)

Coop and Cami are the kind of siblings who turn everything into an online poll. Instead of guessing, they ask their fans what to do next and make decisions based on the responses. Kids watching get to laugh along while learning about making smart choices, thinking through decisions, being responsible, and understanding how their actions affect others. It is all fun and games, but with meaningful takeaways.

5. Craig of the Creek (Cartoon Network, GOtv Channel 67)

Craig and his friends are always off on new adventures in their neighborhood creek. But behind all the exploring and creativity, kids are picking up serious life skills. The show encourages problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and how to be resourceful. It celebrates imagination and reminds kids that learning does not only happen in classrooms.

With GOtv, the holiday season is looking brighter for kids and less stressful for parents. Renew your GOtv subscription or upgrade your package today via the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. And if you are always on the move, download the GOtv Stream App so your kids can keep learning and having fun no matter where they are.

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Firm Unveils New Educational Game AfriTrivia in Lagos for African Children

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Jesin Games AfriTrivia

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

An organisation known as Jesin Games on Monday, April 7, 2025, launched a new educational game, AfriTrivia, in Lagos.

The trivial game was designed to promote facts about the African continent, improve awareness about Africa, even among Africans themselves, and to better connect the African Diaspora from all over the world to their continent of origin, according to the chairman advisory board of Jesin Games, Professor Soji Adelaja.

It was stated that AfriTrivia would amuse and challenge everyone with a host of intriguing questions for beginners and experts.

The game will also be launched in Marrakech at the African Heritage Concert and Award Ceremony this weekend, while that of United States launch will come up in few weeks to come.

“Many Africans know little or nothing about the rest of their continent, and many people in the diaspora have little opportunity to learn what they lack about their continent because they are left relying on books written by historians or other means of learning not presented by Africans,” Mr Adelaja stated.

He described AfriTrivia as more than just a trivia game but an educational tool that can be used to “discover all the cultural and historical diversity in Africa through different topics.”

The chief executive of Jesin Games, Mr John Esin, on his part, said, “AfriTrivia is a game that challenges you to test your knowledge on some of the most interesting categories like Quotations, History, Sports and Entertainment, Arts and Culture, Government and Politics, and People and Places about some of the historical sites such as the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, to The Great Pyramids of Giza.

“It is meant for families to play together, friends to play with each other, and classrooms to become “creative centres of learning about our world.”

A former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr Donald Duke, while speaking at the unveiling of the product, praised the organisation for the initiative.

“AfriTrivia Jesin Games will fill the void of lack of knowledge about the African continent,” the former presidential candidate remarked, urging the developer to make it available for schools in Nigeria so that they can know more about Africa.

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Education

Entries for 2025 MTN Foundation Scholarship Programme Open

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MTN Foundation Scholarship

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Nigerian students interested in getting funds for their tertiary education can now apply for the scholarship programme of MTN Foundation.

In the past 15 years, MTN Foundation has awarded 14,728 scholarships worth over N3 billion to students as part of its ongoing investment in education.

The scholars have been given platforms to acquire relevant skills and practical knowledge to thrive in today’s evolving job market.

This gesture has been done by the organisation to encourage excellence in academic pursuit, deepen diversity and inclusion by empowering blind students in Nigeria.

The main objective is to strengthen the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the country.

The scholarship is in three categories, the Science and Technology Scholarship (MTN STS), which is for all 300-level Science and Technology students with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 (Second Class Upper or its equivalent); the MTN Scholarship for Blind Students (MTN SBS), which caters to the educational needs of blind students in 200-level with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or its equivalent; and the Top 10 UTME scholarship for top 10 scoring candidates of the UTME, as announced by JAMB.

The application process is straightforward and conducted online, making it accessible for students nationwide. Eligible candidates are encouraged to visit mtn.ng/scholarships/ and apply before the application deadline on April 25, 2025.

Awardees are given N300,000 annually for three years until graduation, provided they maintain the minimum grade point requirement.

“Education is the backbone of national development, and at MTN Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints.

“This scholarship is not just about funding education; it is about investing in Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers,” an Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, stated.

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