Obuntu Foundation, MEDA to Empower Emerging African Fund Managers

The Obuntu Foundation has announced a partnership with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) to run the third cohort of the Obuntu Launchpad Program, which equips early-stage fund managers with the essential tools and expertise to build and operate successful funds within an African context.

Supported by MEDA, the Obuntu Launchpad Program which is a 12-month program will provide tailored training, LP engagement opportunities, and a collaborative network for knowledge sharing and deal flow to candidates enrolled in the program.

The call for nominations to the third cohort is open until June 9th. African-focused fund managers are invited to apply so they can have the opportunity to advance their investment approach, optimize fund outcomes, and expand their impact.

“We are excited to join forces with MEDA, an organization that shares our passion for empowering African entrepreneurs and driving economic development,” Wambui Kinya, Co-Founder of the Obuntu Foundation said in a press statement. “This partnership serves as a validation of our successes to date and will significantly enhance our Launchpad Fellowship, providing our fellows with unparalleled access to MEDA’s vast network, resources, and expertise.”

Dr. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA said the company is thrilled to partner with the Obuntu Foundation to build a continent with shared prosperity and sustainable, inclusive growth.

“This partnership is critical and represents our shared commitment to strengthening the impact investment ecosystem in Africa by enabling more women to lead investment vehicles thereby unlocking the full potential of African entrepreneurship to job creation for women and youth via investments in small and medium-sized enterprises,” said Nyambi.

The partnership with MEDA will strengthen the Obuntu Foundation’s mission of empowering a thriving ecosystem of African fund managers. By attracting significant investments from both local and international backers, this collaboration injects vital capital into a continent where startups remain underfunded yet abound with potential.

Since its launch in 2022, the Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship has successfully run two cohorts, supporting 24 fellows representing 21 funds with a combined target Assets Under Management (AUM) of USD$281 million (approx. UGX1.069 trillion). The program’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of skilled, innovative fund managers continues to contribute significantly to the entrepreneurial landscape across Africa, highlighted by its alumni achievements:

• 58% of the fellows are female.
• Alumni are based across 8 African countries in Anglophone, Francophone, and Arabic-speaking Africa.
• Actively investing across Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.

By catalyzing the energy of the venture capital ecosystem on hand to support first-time fund managers investing in belief capital, MEDA, and Obuntu ensure that successful participants will receive ongoing support; this includes mentorship, fundraising assistance, and promoting innovative fund models tailored to the unique needs of African startups.

The fellowship features practitioner-led sessions by industry experts like Lewam Kefela (Partech), Andreata Muforo (TLcom Capital), and Fope Adelowo (Helios).

Nominations are open (LINK FOR SUBMISSION) until June 9th for active Africa-focused VC Fund Managers who meet the following criteria:

1. Diverse profiles ranging from local startup and corporate operators to experienced senior roles within a VC fund.
2. Prior experience investing in Africa, and active pursuit of building their new fund.

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