Parminder Vir OBE

Looking forward to this conversation tomorrow on how we can g=fiance this critical segment of our creative industry thus creating more jobs and building wealth for Africans, especially our youth and young adults who make up the core of this entire industry.

25

4 Comments

Opportunities for Impact Businesses 🏝 1) The #F100 Growth Fund programme of Black Equity Organisation in partnership with Sky is accepting applications from Black founders for its upcoming cohort. Selected founders can pitch for up to £15,000 in equity-free funding, gain access to supply chains, connections and insights from world-class operators, participate in a bespoke 10-week programme of workshops, present your business to investors and VCs and receive mentorship and coaching from renowned business leaders. Deadline: 21 July 2) Grow F by Female Founders is a 5-week investment readiness program for gender-diverse ventures. Deadline: 28 July 3) The Climatebase Fellowship is a career accelerator designed to help ambitious mission-driven professionals supercharge their careers in climate, land their next job, or start their own projects and ventures. Deadline: 1 Aug 4) Google.org's Impact Challenge: Strengthening Democracy in Europe - Google is launching a €15M open call for European nonprofits, civic entities, academic institutions, and social enterprises to help scale initiatives promoting democratic resilience in the region, including through the use of advanced technology and AI. Successful applicants may receive anywhere between €250K up to €1M+ in funding and additional support to accelerate their project. Deadline: 9 Aug 5) #Fit4Start by Luxinnovation GIE offers entrepreneurs and startups intensive coaching and mentorship, co-working space, and access to key networks and resources to grow and scale their business. Startups selected for the programme and that incorporate in Luxembourg receive €50,000 equity-free seed funding each from the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy. Those that graduate, successfully raise funds and employ at least two employees may receive an additional €100,000 in state aid. Deadline: 12 Aug #opportunities #calls #deadlines

41

4 Comments

Black Female Entrepreneurs needed for Diaspora VC Research Project Research Objectives: 1.Critically analyse system biases and barriers within Venture Capital 2.Conduct primary research to investigate the systemic inequalities against Black Female Entrepreneur’s? 3.Formulate solutions and recommendations Introduction Venture capital is not a level playing field’. (British Business Bank, 2023). VC firms are the critical gatekeeper of technological innovation globally. ‘VC’s decide which new technologies and tech companies are worthy of funding’, (Kleinman,2021). Consequently, excluding marginalised groups in society from the opportunity to build generational wealth and better future for their offspring. Barriers to capital flow for black female entrepreneurs (BFE’s)report (2021) identified three ‘demand side barriers’, within the context of the investment pipeline. a)‘BFE’s access to existing investment instruments is difficult or not possible’. The contributing factors are poor financial literacy and access to financial instruments. The limited ‘access to quality education’ to study business or STEM subjects. Social and economic challenges like lack of generational wealth further compound these issues. b)‘Historical interactions discourage BFE’s from engaging with investors.’ Therefore, a resistance to dilute ownership of their company. c)‘BFE’s have limited ability to ‘bootstrap’ or access early-stage capital’. Contradictorily, bootstrapping is the only option. The Context -       the project is a university module called the live commercial project with Leeds Beckett University. However, I intend to start the fund independently from the university when I complete my studies in September. -       I must conduct primary research to validate the hypothesis; Is there a need for this for fund? And what ‘value creation’ do Black Female Founders desire in a VC Fund? 🔌 Participants needed Are you a Black Female Founder, with experience of VC fund raising? Whether you were successful or not, is no issue. I would love to interview you to substantiate the need for the new fund. Interview slots are available between the 12th – 26th of August 2024. At a flexible time between 8am – 10pm.  The Interviews are under 60mins and conducted remotely. 🔔 Contact me for participant information. And everyone, please share and comment below.  

2

The The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and The Rockefeller Foundation are joining forces to support Mission 300. -This initiative, led by the The World Bank and the African Development Bank Group, aims to provide electricity to 300 million people in Africa by 2030!** -With 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lacking electricity, Mission 300 will create a new technical assistance facility and attract private investments to electrify Africa. -The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation are committing $10 million for this initiative, with plans for projects in 11 African countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. Here is more: https://lnkd.in/eDC-YKQC RF Catalytic Capital (RFCC) Akinwumi Adesina Ajay Banga #DrRajivJShah Damilola Ogunbiyi #Mission300 #ElectricityAccess #WorldBank #AfDB #SustainableEnergy #GlobalPartnerships #Africa

148

20 Comments

*Harnessing Tech for Sustainable Development in Africa* I had the opportunity to speak on News Central TV's FAFANUA AFRIKA about the role of technology in driving sustainable development across the continent, with a focus on how African youth are shaping the future. Key takeaways from the discussion: - The importance of digital literacy and expanding digital infrastructure to empower our youth. - The role of community tech hubs and innovation centers in fostering creativity and problem-solving. - How public-private partnerships can drive growth in tech, ensuring sustainable solutions. - The delicate balance between regulation and exploration in the digital space, creating an environment for innovation while safeguarding users. Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/djek5QWG

11

A pressing economic challenge in Nigeria is the mismatch between employer demand for skilled talent and the availability of job-ready youth. Despite numerous job openings, young individuals struggle to secure employment due to inadequate training and development opportunities. Recognizing this gap, I established the Healthcap Graduate Training Program to equip young professionals with comprehensive investment expertise, a pioneering initiative in Africa. Our holistic program encompasses: - Financial modeling - Critical thinking - Study of renowned business literature - Deal sourcing strategies - Writing persuasive Investment Memos (IMs) - Accounting principles What sets us apart? We prioritize our participants' well-being by providing a monthly salary throughout the program, ensuring they can focus on their growth without financial burdens. This endeavor aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): - SDG 4: Quality Education - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Hear from Fiyin, a former graduate trainee (now analyst), about her transformative experience in the program. By bridging the skills gap, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and supporting our participants' financial stability, we can empower Nigeria's youth to thrive in the workforce and drive economic growth. #SDGs #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #InvestmentEducation #AfricaInnovation #HolisticDevelopment

21

1 Comment

Environmental, social and governance disclosure is critical for Africa’s sustainable development

1

"The next African story will be written by Africans, and there are people crafting the narrative now." - Building The Future Podcast by Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku A few years ago, our Managing Partner, Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku, launched the BTF podcast to share deep insights from Africa's tech ecosystem. After a hiatus in 2020, the renowned #BTFPodcastByDotun is back, highlighting major advancements in  Africa's tech landscape through the perspectives of key players who have raised substantial capital, generated millions in revenue, or added significant value to their businesses. Here are the latest 5 episodes to catch up on this week: 🌟 Tosin Eniolorunda of Moniepoint Group - On scaling fintech products to the mass market. 🌟 Shola Akinlade of Paystack - On building for the long-term, managing talent and growing as a Leader. 🌟 Anu Adedoyin Adasolum of Sabi - On differentiation in B2B ecommerce and complexities of the offline market. 🌟 Mark Straub of Smile ID - On digital Identity as a fundamental driver of economic growth. 🌟 Bode Abifarin - On scaling Flutterwave, startup growth, and expansion. Subscribe here - https://lnkd.in/e-c8dacS to listen to all the episodes. A new episode drops every Wednesday morning! 

47

Unlocking domestic resources within East Africa is no longer a fiscal strategy but a foundational step towards actualizing a self-sustaining economic model essential for the region's advancement. Strategic redirection towards internal resource mobilization is crucial for mitigating the pervasive reliance on external aid, which often fluctuates with geopolitical and economic shifts abroad. Considering these criticalities, the East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN the Rwanda Philanthropy Forum (RPF), and the rwanda civil society platform are hosting a critical high-level development dialogue on '𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬' at the Sainte Famille Hotels, Ltd on 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, from 𝟖 𝐀𝐌 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐌. Please join us as we sculpt a cohesive and actionable framework to maximize the region’s inherent economic capacities. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤: https://lnkd.in/dpczGN4n

13

1 Comment

Finance Bill 2024 Advances to 2nd Reading in National Assembly Kuria Kimani, Chairperson of the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee, has introduced the Finance Bill 2024 for its second reading, signaling a crucial legislative milestone. This bill represents a comprehensive framework aimed at shaping Kenya's economic policies and fiscal strategies for the forthcoming fiscal year. It encompasses a wide range of proposals designed to bolster revenue generation, streamline fiscal management, and optimize national planning efforts. These measures are intended to support sustainable economic growth, enhance public sector efficiency, and address emerging challenges in the national economy. The Finance Bill 2024 underscores the government's commitment to fiscal prudence and economic resilience amidst evolving global and domestic dynamics. As it proceeds to the second reading in the National Assembly, stakeholders and policymakers will engage in robust deliberations to ensure the bill's alignment with national development priorities and its potential impact on various sectors of the economy. #FinanceBill2024

1

The Potency of Collaboration, Innovation & Wellbeing As Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, which completes our 19th year and enters our 20th year of continued Advocacy, Action and Impact, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the Toyin Saraki Global Office and Philanthropy 2023 Annual Report. A testament to our steadfast dedication to safeguarding global commitments and advancing the mission of #WBFA through our global promise of enhancing community health and wellbeing across Nigeria and beyond, in harmony with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; this alignment remains resolute as we expand into another decade of impactful national and global advocacy, policy and frontline programmatic initiatives. The 2023 programmatic year heralded transformative milestones that highlighted the power of #PSHE Education centred frontline schools and HCF engagement implementations, community-led solutions, and solidarity in enhancing health and wellbeing for all and improving the quality of planetary life. My Global Office and Philanthropy remains firm in supporting The Wellbeing Foundation Africa's resolve to confront the gaps within health systems, build capacity in basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric levels of care, advanced obstetric surgical skills, and better equip healthcare workers, to counsel, support and confidently navigate their patients journeys, particularly within reproductive maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition #RMNCAH+N, maternal mental health, water and sanitation hygiene #WASH, as well as neonatal intensive care unit #NICU support for lactation and breastfeeding. To read the full report, please visit - https://lnkd.in/e7VdECMF #WellbeingForAll

6

With Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) accounting for approximately 71% of all deaths worldwide, it's clear that urgent action is needed [source: World Health Organization]. As a member of the eHealth Africa Board of Directors, I am immensely proud of our ongoing FREE medical outreach initiative, in collaboration with EHA Clinics, which aims to combat NCDs in underserved communities in Nigeria. Since kick-off, we have witnessed firsthand the impact of our efforts, with over 400 patients screened and close to 300 enrolled for treatment and management of Hypertension and Diabetes. The results of this initiative bring joy to my heart, knowing that we are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals affected by NCDs. However, there is still much work to be done. We must continue to expand our reach and scale up our interventions to reach even more communities in need. read more about the outreach here :https://lnkd.in/gH9kFvfF #MedicalOutreach #healthcare #WeAreEHA #NCD #qualityhealthcare eHealth Africa

10

We are delighted to announce the Partnership between the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) and Sterling One Foundation at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 - An Africa centric annual event dedicated to explore the dynamics of socioeconomic contributions of the private sector while challenging the complexity of multi-dimensional gaps and issues. In this year's Summit, ABCHealth positions to bring private sector health investments and its impact in Africa as a mainstream topic to the front burner of the conversations, whilst catalyzing strategic partnerships that would improve health outcomes across Africa. Details: Date: Thursday, 25th - Friday 26th of July 2024 Venue: Eko Convention Centre, Lagos Time: 9:00am prompt At the heart of this year's summit is our highly anticipated African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth ) Health Panel Session, themed: "Envisioning Africa’s Growth through the Lens of a Thriving Health Economy: Private Sector Perspectives." on the first day of Summit. The topic underscores the crucial role of a robust health economy in fostering sustainable development across Africa. By focusing on private sector perspectives, it also aims to explore innovative solutions and strategic partnerships that can drive the transformation of health systems and contribute to broader economic growth. Warmed up already, by the 2nd day of the Summit, on Friday, the 26th of July, the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) will host a high-level roundtable session titled: “Public-Private Collaborations - The Key to Unlocking Opportunities in Nigeria’s Healthcare Space”. This high level Round table will be chaired by the President of the Health Commissioners' Forum and the Honourable commissioner for Health and Human Services for Ekiti State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, (Dr.) Oyebanji Filani who will be in attendance with 15 other State Commissioners of Health (Hon) across Nigeria. Dr. Tayo Aduloju - CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) will Co-chair the session with the Honourable commissioner, alongside selected Business leaders, Healthcare entrepreneurs and professionals and Development partners. Discussions will aim to dissect the hurdles to domesticate and scale PPPs in the Health sector while exchanging knowledge on successful models that have worked in sub-saharan Africa. Insights around mobilizing resources and creating innovative funding mechanisms to address the financial challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare sector will also feature. More discussions will center on leveraging private sector investments, resources and competencies to complement government funding. The insights gained from these discussions will be pivotal in formulating strategies that encourage greater private sector participation and foster a more conducive environment for impactful health investments in Nigeria.  📖 REGISTER NOW!!! 👇🏾 theimpactsummit.org #TheAfricaWeWant

89

2 Comments

It is the #DecadeforAfrica. For the keen-eyed international investor seeking new frontiers, every social service, infrastructure, energy access gap, just about anything we call crisis is a business opportunity. All risks mitigated. The Texas Africa Chamber of Commerce (TXACC), City of Houston, City of Houston Mayor's Office of Trade & International Affairs, Africa Diaspora Advancement Council, Texas Medical Center turns the spotlight to #healthandhumanservices in #Africa by hosting the #AfricaFirstLadiesHealthSummit - https://aflhs.org/ Every 17 seconds, a child is stillborn. In other statistical terms, 1 in 72 total births results in a stillborn baby as captured in the UNICEF State of the World Children’s Report. The Report states that “Women in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia bear the greatest burden of stillbirths in the world.......In sub-Saharan Africa, the estimated stillbirth rate of 21.1 stillbirths per 1,000 total births was eight times higher than the lowest regional average stillbirth rate of 2.6 found in the Western Europe.” WHO-UNICEF Model of Care for Small and/or Sick Newborns has identified 10 core components for scaling up action for Maternal and Child Health and these include: Vision, political commitment, leadership and national plan as well as adequate and sustainable financing. Another classical case of #purposedrivenplatforms. First Ladies are pivotal to driving trade, investments and economic cooperation in #socialinfrastructure just like H.E Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Convener of the #AfricanFirstLadiesforDevelopment. #Houston has the largest medical center in the World and is well positioned to drive an international strategy to build business bridges not just for fossil and renewable energy but also #healthandlifesciences The silent emergency in overall health care services delivery especially in maternal and child health care is a clarion call for new capital flows to improve the #qualityoflife index in Africa. Moving away from #aidtotrade, from a tokenistic approach to strategic investments. Surely the #newscrambleforAfrica must go beyond the “scavenging” for cobalt, copper and all the critical minerals. Take your stake. Register for the #AfricaFirstLadiesHealthSummit! For #HealthCareinstitutions, #DiasporanandBlackProfessionals, #HealthTechandinnovation, #financialservices, #nonprofits, #professionalservicesfirms Posso Ganame, Christopher Olson, Mazda Denon, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-ErewaYele Aluko MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI. Oluyinka Olutoye, MD, PhD. Chinyere Anyaogu MD MPH FACOG, Gertie Chimeka Anyanwoke, MD, MBA, FIDSA, FACP, Njide Okonjo-Udochi MD,MPH,MBA,MS FAAFP, Uzodinma Iweala, Uchechi Iweala, Ihuoma Azuike MPH, Engee Ibe, The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Africa Healthcare Network, Ajong Mbapndah, Nana K. Asare, 𝕮𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊𝖉𝖚 𝕸𝖔𝖌𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖚, Tolu Opeloye, MHCA, Naomi Adjei, MD, MPH, MSEd, Dr.OLUTOLA SOBANDE,Pharm.D, M.P.S.N

5

2 Comments