For thousands of ambitious African students, the aspiration of attending prestigious universities is often derailed by financial constraints and limited support systems. In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 54% of adults express deep concern about affording school fees, with 29% identifying it as their primary financial worry. Recognising this issue, Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, a distinguished Kenyan social impact investor, established 8B Education Investments in 2017.
8B Education Investments is a financial technology company that empowers African students to pursue higher education at prestigious global universities. By providing fair and flexible student loans, 8B aims to bridge the financial gap that often hinders talented people from accessing world-class educational opportunities.
8B Education Investments has a Student Loan Marketplace, which offers a secure and transparent platform for students to explore various loan options tailored to their financial needs. These loans are designed to accommodate the financial constraints of students and their families, ensuring they can focus on their studies without the constant burden of economic stress.
Beyond financing, 8B connects students with experienced mentors from various industries. These mentorship programs help students navigate their academic journeys, prepare for the global job market, and build networks that enhance their professional prospects.
It leverages technology to simplify the application process for international universities and provides a centralised platform for students to access educational resources, explore funding options, and track their progress. This streamlined method reduces barriers to entry and ensures that students can focus on achieving their academic goals.
Lydiah Bosire has successfully led 8B Education Investments to experience exponential growth. The platform has already made a tangible impact, with over 54,000 students in Uganda benefiting from its resources, including loans, mentorship, and a streamlined application process for international studies.
One remarkable achievement the platform experienced was in June 2024, when World Education Services (WES) announced an investment partnership with it to help unlock additional student loan capital from banking partners. This investment aims to make higher education more accessible and inclusive for African students.
The businesswoman’s dedication to improving the educational system for African students has transformed individual lives and contributed to the continent’s broader development. Her vision transcends educational financing. It is about redefining what is possible for African students. For Lydiah Bosire, the goal is to ensure that Africa’s brightest minds can access the world’s best educational opportunities.
