Africa is not just home to the world’s youngest population but also to a demographic dividend that presents a tremendous opportunity for growth. This growth, however, requires immediate and strategic investments in youth empowerment. The Africa Regional Review, which ensures youth involvement in decision-making, is a testament to the urgency of this mission. With Africa’s median age at 19.7, the youth’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges cannot be overstated. By 2050, Africa’s youth population will reach 830 million, making their involvement crucial. Organisations such as Ingressive for Good (I4G) are harnessing and transforming the potential of African youth.
The startup addresses Africa’s education and employment gaps by providing African youth with tech skills, resources, and opportunities. Their innovative programs and strategic partnerships have yielded remarkable results and inspired hope. Its impact is undeniable, with over 150,000 individuals trained in tech skills and 2,000 placed in jobs.
Co-founders Maya Horgan Famodu and Blessing Abeng are at the helm of Ingressive for Good, whose expertise and passion drive the organisation’s mission. Famodu, Founder and MD at Ingressive Capital, manages a $10 million VC Fund I and $50 million Fund II targeting early-stage startups across sub-Saharan Africa’s key tech markets. Her fund has seeded successful businesses like Paystack, Mono, and Carry1st, with 40% of portfolio companies founded by women and 50% being Y Combinator alumni.
As a two-time Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee and Kauffman Fellow, Famodu’s expertise spans private equity research and investment banking. Her features in prominent publications demonstrate her thought leadership.
On the other hand, Abeng, a seasoned branding and communications expert, drives growth through exceptional communication skills. Her work with brands like Seedstars, Facebook, and Heritage Bank showcases her ability to craft compelling brand strategies. As co-founder and Director of Communications, Abeng spearheads I4G’s growth from 0 to 250,000 community members, training over 100,000 and placing thousands in jobs. Her leadership attracted partners like Coursera, DataCamp, Facebook, Figma, and Alphabet.
Moreso, as co-director of Startup Grind Lagos, Abeng built a vibrant community of over 10,000 entrepreneurs.
The startup’s core value is empowering women in tech, as exemplified by the #WomenInX initiative. By providing industry-recognised certifications through collaborations with Meta, Coursera, and Datacamp, it is bridging the tech industry’s gender divide. This program has sparked a movement, inspiring countless women to explore opportunities in the field. It is proof of its dedication and inclusivity.
The company aims to amplify its impact by training 500,000 youth, placing 10,000 in jobs, and establishing a network of 1 million community members by 2025. To achieve this vision, I4G will continue fostering strategic partnerships, securing donor support, and leveraging collaborative opportunities to overcome funding and scalability challenges.
Africa’s youth population is projected to drive global growth, with the continent’s workforce expected to surpass China’s by 2035. I4G’s dedication to empowering young people drives sustainable development, innovation, and transformation.
Ingressive for Good is revolutionising Africa’s future by empowering youth and women through education and technology. With visionary leaders, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, Ingressive for Good unlocks the continent’s potential. As Africa’s youth population grows, the startup is committed to empowering young people, which will remain vital in shaping the continent’s future.
