The Legatum Center for Development & Entrepreneurship at MIT has unveiled the inaugural cohort of Legatum Foundry Fellows.
Hailing from eight countries, these thirteen entrepreneurs have grown ventures operating in nine different markets across Africa.
Having pioneered innovations in healthcare, fintech, education, and more, the Foundry Fellows have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to transforming systems and improving lives on the continent.
Launched earlier this year, the Foundry Fellowship is a first-of-its-kind fellowship focused on African entrepreneurs who have successfully grown ventures on the continent and have arrived at an inflection point in their entrepreneurial journeys.
The fellowship will provide the space for these entrepreneurs to come together to reflect on their achievements and consider their present and future leadership roles as entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders.
Collectively, the Fellows will explore the future of innovation ecosystems in Africa and demonstrate how Africa can be a hub for innovation globally.
Fellows will spend six months learning from MIT faculty, connecting with investors, and expanding their network of peer innovators through an interactive customized curriculum.
The fellowship will culminate in a three-week immersive session in the United States where Fellows will explore the MIT innovation ecosystem and showcase their ventures and lessons in innovation with faculty, staff, and students.
Meet the Legatum Foundry Fellows
Ehizogie Binitie, Rancard & Clear Space Labs-Ghana
Clarisse Iribagiza, Hehe Academy-Rwanda
Dare Okoudjou, MFS Africa
Delila Khaled, Development Innovations Group & Global Bio Fund
Opeyemi Awoyemi, WhoGoHost, Jobberman & Moneymie
Affiong Williams, ReelFruit
Obafemi Olayebi, Femi Handbags & Lagos Leather Fair
Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu, ColdHubs
Chinedu Azodoh, MAX
Adebayo Alonge, RxAll
Audrey Cheng, Moringa School
Brukty Tadesse, Whiz Kids Workshop
Sylvia Banda, Sylva Food Solutions
Reflecting on the incoming class of Foundry Fellows, Dina Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center at MIT, said, “Their unique perspective on innovation, inclusion and sustainability combined with their limitless ambition and resilience, make this extraordinary group of entrepreneurs particularly exciting. We look forward to welcoming the Foundry Fellows to the Legatum Center community and sharing their stories and lessons in impact with the rest of the world.”
