Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz

Excited to Join Ubuntu.Lab Institute’s Cohort 6: Moving from Intention to Action I am thrilled that I have been selected to be part of the Ubuntu.Lab Institute’s, Cohort 6, an initiative powered by the Presencing Institute in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. This program offers a unique platform for Africans from diverse backgrounds to come together and learn how to transform intention into action, promoting impactful change at multiple levels—personal, community, organizational, and even national. The Ubuntu.Lab Institute brings together 36 hubs spread across Africa, with participants representing 19 countries. Over the course of five months—from September 17th, 2024, to February 4th, 2025—we will gather in our hubs simultaneously, connected through shared learning and experiences. The collaborative and practical approach of this cohort is designed to empower change-makers, innovators, and emerging and established leaders across the continent. Why I’m Excited This opportunity is particularly exciting for me because it aligns with my passion for leadership, mental wellness, and justice. Here are a few things I’m looking forward to: Connecting with Fellow African Leaders: Being part of such a diverse cohort allows me to connect with like-minded individuals across the continent who are passionate about making a difference. Learning the Art of Moving from Intention to Action: The core objective of Ubuntu.Lab is to move from theory to practice. I look forward to learning practical tools and strategies to transform ideas into tangible actions—whether it’s in the courtroom as a magistrate or in therapy as a psychologist. Facilitating Change at Multiple Levels: The program’s holistic approach focuses on change at the personal, community, organizational, and national levels. This is especially meaningful in my work as both a magistrate and mental health advocate, where I strive to create environments of healing and justice. Harnessing African Leadership Potential: Africa is home to some of the most innovative and resilient people, yet our potential often remains untapped. I am particularly excited about Ubuntu.Lab’s commitment to developing African leadership from an Afrocentric perspective. Integrating Insights from Diverse Disciplines: With participants from various professional fields—law, education, healthcare, business—I am looking forward to exchanging ideas and learning from multi-disciplinary approaches. Looking Ahead I hope to come out of Ubuntu.Lab with not only new knowledge and skills but also a renewed sense of purpose, grounded in the ability to facilitate real change across the sectors I am most passionate about. For anyone interested in following this journey, stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing my experiences and key learnings along the way! #UbuntuLabInstitute #AfricanLeadership #TransformativeAction #MentalHealth #Justice #ChangeMakers #MastercardFoundation #PresencingInstitute #LeadershipTransformation

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Today, President Biden welcomes President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit and Dinner to celebrate and deepen ties between our two nations. The two leaders’ agenda showcases how our ties deliver tangible benefits to the people of our nations in areas including Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance; Health Partnerships; People-to-People Ties; Shared Climate Solutions; Trade and Investment; Debt, Development, and Sustainable Finance; Digital, Critical, and Emerging Technology Cooperation; and Peace and Security Cooperation.

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As a founder, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle—endless meetings, strategy sessions, and the constant drive to push forward. I am set to finalize the team formation for FoodSaver Africa and also seeking for early-stage angel investors who believes in our mission of reducing food waste and feeding more people in Africa, let's tap into the $500 billion Africa's food market. I have been less active on LinkedIn for almost a week but one thing I’ve learned is the importance of taking time for myself, even when it feels like time is the one thing I don’t have. Stepping back for a moment to recharge isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s in those quiet moments that clarity and creativity can truly flourish. So, here’s a reminder: Take a deep breath, prioritize yourself, and trust that time invested in self-care is time well spent. Let’s conquer this week with a refreshed mind! 💪 #MondayMotivation #FounderLife #SelfCare #EntrepreneurMindset #GrowthMindset

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Check out this great story in Voice of America from Timothy Obiezu about Lagos Food Bank, and how they are using their innovative Agricovery program to rescue fresh produce for millions in #Nigeria suffering #foodinsecurity during the current economic crisis: https://lnkd.in/gJ--mVr8

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If you need a template to follow for impact storytelling I recommend Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). I shared other case studies (like BudgIT Nigeria, Connected Development [CODE], Paradigm Initiative, etc.) during this webinar and you can find out more about what I think about these brands and their storytelling. Full video 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/dgXMVq8G #impactstories #casestudies #storytelling

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Join us on August 1, 2024 for the annual Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KIGF). The KIGF) is a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, and academia. It plays a vital role in shaping the country's digital policies by addressing pressing issues such as internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion. The forum's inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard, promoting a more equitable and sustainable digital ecosystem. Through the KIGF, Kenya can advance its digital agenda, harnessing the potential of technology to drive socio-economic development and ensure the rights and freedoms of its citizens in the digital age. KICTANet Ali Hussein Kassim John Walubengo, CISA, CDPSE, (OGW)Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu Barrack Otieno Mwendwa Kivuva Victor Kapiyo Elizabeth Orembo David Indeje Neema Masitsa

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The dream of a United States of Africa can indeed be advanced through the work and vision of the African Young Leaders Foundation (AYLF) Through AYLF we can do the following 1. Leadership Development and Unity AYLF's mission of fostering leadership among African youth is a critical foundation for uniting Africa. By empowering young leaders from across the continent, AYLF can cultivate a generation that is committed to pan-African unity, collaboration, and shared development goals. These young leaders can work together to champion common African interests, break down barriers between nations, and promote a united vision. 2. Youth Engagement and Diplomacy As a platform for young leaders, AYLF can facilitate cross-border dialogues, fostering understanding, cooperation, and partnership among youth from different African countries. By creating opportunities for youth diplomacy and exchange programs, AYLF can help break down the historical and political divides that exist between African nations, building a sense of continental identity and shared purpose. 3. Shared Solutions to Common Challenges Africa faces many common challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, and economic disparities. AYLF can provide a platform for young leaders to come together, share ideas, and develop innovative solutions to these issues. Through collaborative projects and initiatives, AYLF members can promote policies and actions that push for regional integration, economic cooperation, and shared prosperity—key elements in achieving a United States of Africa. 4. Advocacy for Continental Institutions The work of AYLF can include advocating for stronger and more cohesive continental institutions like the African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By encouraging young leaders to support these institutions and push for more integration in areas like trade, governance, and infrastructure, AYLF can contribute to laying the groundwork for a more unified Africa. 5. Cultural and Social Unity AYLF can foster a sense of pan-African identity by celebrating Africa’s rich cultural diversity while emphasizing shared values, history, and goals. Through cultural exchanges, educational programs, and media initiatives, AYLF can help promote a unified African consciousness among the youth, essential for the realization of a United States of Africa. 6. Grassroots Movements and Local Impact While the dream of a United States of Africa may seem grand, it starts with local and national efforts. AYLF, through its regional and national chapters, can implement grassroots projects that promote unity, peace, and cooperation. These local initiatives, when connected continentally, can serve as building blocks for broader continental unity. #AYLFAFRICA# #AYLFNAMIBIA#

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NACCIMA-GABA Trade Mission to Michigan: Forging Stronger Economic Ties Between the Great Lakes Region and Africa In a landmark initiative, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in collaboration with the Global African Business Association (GABA), embarked on a Trade Mission to Michigan from September 24 to 27, 2024, coinciding with the 2024 UN General Assembly side events. This pivotal gathering aimed to enhance trade, investment, and market access opportunities between Nigeria and the Great Lakes region of the United States, marking a significant step forward in encouraging economic partnerships. Hosted by NACCIMA and GABA, the mission was instrumental in cultivating new alliances in sectors such as logistics, technology, and manufacturing, while also facilitating deeper political and economic ties between Michigan and Nigeria/Africa. While this trade mission was historic in nature we have now ramped up the work behind the trade mission on both sides of the Atlantic. We are looking to conduct another trade mission in 2025 as well as expand on our efforts of economic mobility and connectivity. We are moving forward.

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Outsourcing Creative Work to Uganda: Risk or Reward? Our good friend and client, Andrew DeVaney from AsOne Ministries, shares his experience of moving all AsOne Creative work to era92 Creative Uganda. Here’s how it benefited his organization: Exceptional Talent: era92 team members undergo intensive training to meet high standards in quality, process, and communication. Cost-Effective Solutions: AsOne Ministries receives tremendous value at a fraction of the cost compared to the USA. Social Impact: Supporting era92 aligns with AsOne's goals of empowering Ugandans, as profits support young people in the community. Seamless Collaboration: With access to the era92 Uganda team in the same time zone, collaboration is smooth and efficient. Local Talent by Local People: AsOne Ministries no longer needs to fly teams out to capture content. Era92 handles all their creative needs locally. Outsourcing to era92 Uganda offers access to top African talent, cost efficiency, and a positive social impact. It’s a strategic move that can transform your creative projects. For any international development organization, if developing Africa is part of your mission, hiring talent from Africa is a great option. Learn more: www.era92creative.com

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Week before last, I attended the 15th Anniversary Conference of the African Studies Center (ASC) at the University of Michigan. As Chair of the ASC Advisory Board, I was invited to speak on a panel under the theme "Innovate Africa: Technologies, Opportunities and Economic Possibilities". I chose to base my presentation, entitled "Toward Decarbonizing the Fertilizer Insuatry: Small Scale Modular Distributed Plant Innovations that are Emerging in Africa" on a company that we at AFAP are starting to work with in Kenya called Talus. Talus is addressing two of the key problem statements when it comes to fertilizer in Africa...a) the expensive cost build up related to transport (40% of the cost of fertilizer to African farmers is attributable to the logistics cost to get the product from the port to inland farms) and b) the significant carbon footprint of the manufacture of fertilizer, particularly inorganic fertilizer, much of which is derived from mined products ( phosphate rock) and gas (urea). Talus on the other hand produces low carbon distributed fertilizer on-site using solar photovoltaic energy to extract nitrogen from the air and create green ammonia liquid fertilizer. It is early days...but the green ammonia future is here and now...and it is exciting to be part of crafting solutions to help this technological breakthrough be used to help smallholder farmers in Africa to secure domestically produced, low carbon, and (potentially) less expensive nitrogen fertilizer. #innovationmatters! #Talus #theAfricaWeWant

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The streets of Nairobi were alive yesterday with the voices of Kenya's youth, as Gen Z took to the streets in protest against the controversial Finance Bill. What was remarkable about these demonstrations was the absence of political party leadership – this was a grassroots movement driven by the passion and conviction of young Kenyans.In a powerful display of civic engagement, these young citizens exercised their democratic right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Their actions serve as a reminder of the vital role that youth play in shaping the political discourse and holding leaders accountable. One cannot help but celebrate the enthusiasm and determination of Kenya's Gen Z in making their voices heard. This generation has shown that they are not mere spectators in the nation's political landscape but active participants, willing to stand up for their beliefs and advocate for change. Youth engagement in political dialogue is not only a right but also a necessity for a thriving democracy. It ensures that the concerns and aspirations of the younger generation are represented and addressed in policy-making processes. By taking to the streets, these young Kenyans have demonstrated their commitment to being agents of change and their unwavering belief in the power of collective action. As Kenya continues to navigate its democratic journey, the rise of youth political activism should be embraced and nurtured. It is a testament to the vibrancy of the nation's democratic fabric and a promising sign for the future. The excitement surrounding this surge in youth leadership in political discourse is well-deserved, as it represents a new era of civic engagement and a renewed hope for a more inclusive and representative political system. While the path ahead may be challenging, the energy and determination displayed by Kenya's Gen Z protesters should inspire all. Their actions have shown that the youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but are already shaping the present, one step at a time.

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Introducing Africa's premier Knowledge Business School - Knowledge Business Hub (KBH). At KBH, we're pioneering a paradigm shift. We're not just offering education; we're building a transformative system. Our mission is to guide tens of thousands of young individuals across Africa in recognizing their areas of expertise and empowering them to leverage that knowledge to create innovative digital solutions. These solutions not only enrich lives but also contribute to the betterment of society while fostering personal wealth creation. Through our programs, we aim to transition individuals from the traditional mindset of job seeking to that of job creation and from being mere consumers to proactive producers. By doing so, we actively support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (1, 4, 8 & 9), driving positive change on both local and global scales. In under a year, we've already impacted the lives of 753 individuals through our diverse offerings, including free trainings, our renowned Academy (KMA), comprehensive ebooks, and engaging online courses. And this is just the beginning. We remain dedicated to unveiling new ideas and initiatives to realize our vision and make a lasting social and global impact. Join us at Knowledge Business Hub , where knowledge meets opportunity, and together, let's shape the future of Africa's knowledge economy. Don't forget to follow us, like and share this post. #knowledgebusinesses #creatoreconomy #knowledgeeconomy #onlinebusiness #digitalbusiness #KBH #Africabusiness #sdgs #youngafricans #gloriadove

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My 3 Key Takeaways from the African Impact Challenge Showcase by African Impact Initiative 1. Co-create with the Community: Success is built through collaboration. Working closely with the community ensures that solutions are not only impactful but also profitable. 2. Remove Egos and Focus on Outcomes: Real progress happens when we set aside our egos and concentrate on achieving meaningful results. 3. Redefine Failure as Lessons: Failure isn't the end; it's an opportunity to learn and grow. By viewing setbacks as lessons, we set ourselves up for future success. These takeaways are not just lessons—they’re guiding principles that I’m excited to integrate into my work in helping hair care professionals build sustainable brands tailored to Type 4 hair. Looking forward to applying these insights in real-world scenarios! Below is a list of the Start-up Businesses. Please, support them. Source: Ting 🌟 Zhou  🪴BareMind: Revolutionizing mental wellness with Africa's first personalized mental health platform. 🪴Midesk Global: Bridging educational gaps by providing essential desks to underserved schools. 🪴 Rocket Health: Enhancing healthcare accessibility via telemedicine, reaching the most remote areas. 🪴 Propela Labs: Unlocking career growth opportunities with personalized support and guidance. 🪴 United Siyafunda: Empowering youth through innovative coding and robotics education, bridging the digital divide and fostering problem-solving skills for a tech-driven future. 🪴 FlexiGyn by Vas MedTech: Transforming women's healthcare with cost-effective innovations. 🪴 Umlilo Energy Nubian Smarts: Pioneering STEAM education for early childhood in underserved communities. 🪴Leruo: Boosting agricultural productivity with innovative technology like Face ID for cows. 🪴deaftouch: Enhancing communication for the deaf and blind, connecting lives. 🪴Moletsane Mophethe Mop Tech Industries: Leading clean-tech in water treatment, focusing on sustainability. 🪴ChuChuSofties: Promoting menstrual hygiene with eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads. 🪴Simple Influence: Connecting brands with young Black consumers through authentic influencer marketing. 🪴The A-Lite Vein Locator: Simplifying vein location in challenging healthcare environments. 🪴healthedu: Addressing healthcare worker shortages with innovative training solutions. 🪴Betalife Health Service: Connecting users to essential health services and facilitating real-time blood donation tracking. 🪴Enlighten Edu : Advancing STEM education with AI-powered platforms. 🪴Cashful: Streamlining financial operations with a comprehensive API across the continent. #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInnovation #AfricanImpact #SustainableBusiness #Leadership #GrowthMindset #AfricanImpact #SocialImpact #CommunityCollaboration #SuccessMindset

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I am honored to be quoted in the recent article AfricanBusiness-Magazine.com on the Aswan Forum and the Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD). My research sheds light on the environmental, social, and geopolitical impacts of GERD, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management and regional cooperation in the Nile Basin. It's crucial to continue these discussions as Ethiopia prepares for the fifth filling of the dam. Read more about the forum and my insights #WaterManagement #NileBasin #AswanForum #Research #Sustainability

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Avoid these 3 mistakes when soliciting donors #FundraiseWithAllwell Week 24 This November, #FundraiseWithAllwell is sharing insights on how to make successful donor solicitations. Make it a date as we have done for the last 24 weeks, every Monday by 9 a.m. in Lagos or 11 a.m. in Nairobi. It is about time to hit the nail on the head and make that donor ask, right! Be careful or “Faites attention!” as we would say it in French. Avoid these 3 mistakes to improve your chances of getting a Yes to your request for funding. 1️⃣ A superficial understanding of the problem Before approaching the donor with a proposed solution, dig deep to really figure out the problem. I like to use the 5 Why method to get down to the key underlying issues before figuring out what could be donor to mitigate. Don’t just trust your gut and design solutions that you want to force down the throat of potential beneficiaries. Talk to the people on the ground and let them lead with the solutions. Then find data that buttresses the scale of the problem and why it needs to be tackled right now ✅ . 2️⃣ Vague idea of what comes next after their funding You need to know what comes next for you if their funding dries up after phase one. This is a very likely scenario considering that 45% of nonprofits fail to retain their donors after the first donation. Remember that no one wants to invest their money into a sinking ship. 🤔 If your donor eventually puts their money where their mouth is - for you, they need to be sure that it is worth it. So clearly depict how you will ensure that the work keeps going and even scales when their funding stops- because it probably will. 3️⃣ Making it all about what's in it for you  When you go all in, guns blazing, solely focused on what you need immediately to fulfill your mission, that’s a sure way to get a resounding “No please” from your prospective donor- institutional or individual 🙄 . Take a step back and think- what’s in it for them too? How does funding you meet their impact goals and how does it make them look good to whoever they answer to- the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), their board, shareholders? You need to perceive your donor ask as an invitation to partner on something great. If you are both facing opposing directions, that invitation will be politely declined. Even the Holy Scriptures says “Can two walk together except they agree?” Reach out to Travaille Ensemble to write your winning grants, train your nonprofit fundraising team, create your 2-3 year fundraising strategies  and provide you with research on funding and philanthropic trends in your space. Subscribe to my Business Insights for NGO newsletter for transformative fundraising gems every other Wednesday by 12 noon in Lagos and 2 p.m. in Nairobi. Please share these fun insights with your network too. #AllwellBDNuggets #funding #grantwriting #proposalwriting #TravailleEnsemble #OnEstEnsemble #grants #nonprofits #philanthropy #sustainability

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Calling for visionary entrepreneurs and investors! Two years ago, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural FORGE summit in Cairo, Egypt. It was an exhilarating experience connecting with leaders passionate about developing entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging countries. Last year, the journey continued in Nairobi, Kenya, where I witnessed firsthand how business development is not just about profit but about enhancing societal well-being, creating jobs, and transforming nations.  Next week, we have the opportunity to host this Summit în Romania. The FORGE summit isn't just a conference—it's a movement. It's where visionary leaders converge to share, inspire, and craft sustainable development strategies that integrate economic growth with societal well-being and spiritual fulfilment. We stand at a pivotal moment, where the integration of Christian values within our entrepreneurial endeavours can lead to a fundamental shift in how emerging nations develop. It's about creating ecosystems that are not only profitable but also holistic and transformational. If you are a leader who dreams of more than just business success—if you strive for a legacy of impact FORGE is your platform. This is where you can connect with like-minded peers, learn from pioneering thinkers, and be part of transformative solutions that shape the future of emerging markets. Together we can be part of this transformative journey.  23-24 April Cluj-Napoca https://lnkd.in/djYHKN8Z #FORGE #GUILD #FDI #FDE #BAM #Entrepreneurship #Investment #SocialImpact #BusinessTransformation

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