Partnership Announcement
Harnessing the power of business for social and economic change in Kenya and South Africa
ygap is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with the Judith Neilson Foundation, a pioneering philanthropy that invests in people, places and culture to strengthen communities across Africa and Australia.
The partnership will enable ygap to run locally-led business accelerator programs in Kenya and South Africa, supporting 50 local entrepreneurs to access the resources they need to thrive. These programs will support socially and environmentally conscious businesses, especially those led by women, and operating in rural areas.
ygap Kenya team member Mercy Munene with Ridhiwan Mseya, founder of Smart-Taka. Smart-Taka is a waste management platform that connects households and businesses directly with waste collectors and recyclers in Tanzania.
ygap South Africa entrepreneur Khanyisile Dumakude shows off her wares. Nyame Adom Farming is a 100% black women-owned community empowerment agribusiness, that produces moringa leaf powder, porridge and moringa-infused cosmetics.
Capital can be crucial to the success of a burgeoning business. That’s why the Foundation will also provide $50,000 in 0% loans through yCapital, ygap’s innovative financial loan product. These funds will back promising program participants, investing in their potential for growth and scale.
Together, ygap and the Judith Neilson Foundation are committed to seeing brilliant entrepreneurs at the forefront of creating economic impact in their communities through the power of business.
The ygap Kenya team were thrilled to receive a visit from Upenyu Mawade, Head of Programs, Africa, representing the Judith Neilson Foundation in July of 2023.
We want to say a sincere thank you to the team at the Judith Neilson Foundation for their support, and we are proud to stand beside a partner with a shared vision for creating an equitable and sustainable world.
We look forward to sharing more updates across the duration of our partnership.
Are you interested in supporting ygap’s work? Get in touch with nooreen.dossa@ygap.org to explore partnership opportunities.