Education
Harvard Business School Leverages Africa’s Entrepreneurial Community

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
International Scholars to Chronicle Life of Nigerian Historian Kenneth Dike

By Adedapo Adesanya
The duo of Emmanuella Agayapong, an industrial economics expert from Accra, Ghana, and Jy’Quan Stewart, an American writer and historian, are co-authoring a new biography titled The Biography of Kenneth Dike: Nigerian Pioneer in a rare cross-continental collaboration effort.
This forthcoming work aims to illuminate the life and legacy of Kenneth Onwuka Dike, a seminal figure in African historiography and Nigeria’s first indigenous Vice-Chancellor.
Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1917–1983) was instrumental in redefining African historical studies. He championed the decolonization of African history, emphasizing the importance of indigenous perspectives and oral traditions in historical research.
Dike’s tenure as the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan marked a significant milestone in the nation’s academic development.
His efforts led to the establishment of the Nigerian National Archives and the Historical Society of Nigeria, institutions crucial for preserving the continent’s rich heritage.
The biography will delve into Dike’s early life in Awka, Nigeria, his academic pursuits across institutions like Fourah Bay College and the University of Aberdeen, and his pivotal role in promoting African leadership in scholarly works.
By chronicling his journey, the authors aim to shed light on Dike’s enduring impact on African historiography and higher education.
Emmanuella Agayapong brings a unique analytical perspective to the project, intertwining her expertise in industrial economics with a deep-seated passion for history and economic development. Jy’Quan Stewart, known for his dedication to uncovering unsung stories, contributes his extensive experience in historical research and advocacy.
Their partnership exemplifies an innovative approach to self-publishing, aiming to reach a global audience and inspire future generations.
This collaboration not only honors Kenneth Dike’s legacy but also sets a new precedent for international literary partnerships. By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, Agayapong and Stewart are poised to offer readers a comprehensive and insightful narrative of a man who reshaped the understanding of African history.
Emmanuella Agayapong is an industrial economics expert based in Accra, Ghana. With a passion for history and economic development, she brings a unique analytical perspective to the book.
Jy’Quan Stewart is an American writer and historian dedicated to uncovering unsung stories. His experience in historical research and advocacy makes him a vital voice in documenting Kenneth Dike’s legacy.
Together, Agayapong and Stewart are breaking new ground in self-publishing, demonstrating the power of international collaboration in historical literature.
Education
Hydrogen Donates to Ikosi High School Lagos

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A company fostering financial and technological inclusion, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, has donated some items to Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu, Lagos.
The company partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Education District II to provide a 5KVA solar-powered inverter system to the school.
In addition, the school had its water outlet area renovated to improving both its aesthetics and hygiene in line with Hydrogen’s commitment to enhancing learning environments.
Further, it donated some textbooks to the school library, ensuring they have the academic resources needed for a well-rounded education.
Also, the firm invested in the future of the students by equipping them with essential digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Through expert-led, interactive sessions, students were introduced to key tech-driven career paths, including Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Software Development, Payment Technology, Product Management and Design, Sales and Business Development, Customer Experience, Digital Marketing, and Project Management.
According to Hydrogen, this comprehensive initiative reinforces its commitment to bridge the digital divide, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and preparing the next generation for the future of work, calling on all stakeholders to join in igniting potential, fostering financial and technological inclusion, and shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.
It stated that by merging sustainability with digital education and academic support, it is ensuring students not only have access to reliable infrastructure and learning materials but also the knowledge and skills to navigate the global digital economy.
“At Hydrogen, we believe sustainability is about more than just environmental responsibility, but about investing in people, communities, and the future we are building together.
“This initiative is a comprehensive investment in young minds, ensuring they have both the resources and the skills to lead Africa’s digital transformation,” the Business Head for Payment Switching and Processing at Hydrogen, Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola, said.
Education
GOMYCODE Offers Master’s Degree in Software Engineering in Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A leading technology education provider, GOMYCODE, has partnered with a global collegiate higher education institution, Woolf University, to offer a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Software Engineering.
This provides an opportunity for aspiring and established tech professionals in Nigeria to hone their skills at GOMYCODE, with a globally recognised certificate to show for it.
The institution disclosed that the program’s online and flexible structure caters to the demands of working professionals, enabling them to balance their studies with existing commitments.
Students will benefit from Woolf University’s rigorous academic standards and GOMYCODE’s practical, industry-relevant approach to learning.
This is because the Master’s program is designed to empower busy professionals and ambitious individuals with advanced skills and qualifications, opening doors to global job opportunities and facilitating potential emigration for those seeking international careers.
This Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering program is ideal for tech professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications, individuals aiming for global job opportunities, those considering emigration and requiring advanced degrees, and ambitious individuals looking to accelerate their career growth.
“In today’s competitive tech landscape, advanced degrees are increasingly essential. This partnership allows us to provide a flexible, world-class education that empowers our students to achieve their career aspirations, whether they seek to excel locally or on a global stage,” the co-founder of GOMYCODE, Yahya Bouhlel, stated.
Also commenting, the Head of Strategy and Growth at Woolf University, Naveen Jangir, said, “Our mission is to democratize education, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of providing accessible, accredited degrees to learners worldwide. We believe this program will equip Nigerian tech professionals with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in the global economy.”
On his part, the Country Head of GOMYCODE in Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Olaifa, said, “By offering a globally recognized Master’s degree, we are empowering our professionals to compete on a global scale, giving people an opportunity to level up their careers, and to open doors that they previously thought were closed. We are very excited to see the impact that this program will have on the lives of our students and the broader Nigerian tech community.”
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