NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Monday, April 22, 2019

In the audience at the Ashoka Sea Change Event, more than 140 impact investors, diverse supporting organisations, and leaders in the African ecosystem together at Bowmans in Sandton, South Africa.

The social entrepreneurs pitched for a cumulative total of approximately USD10-million. In return, they plan to provide billions in impact return to African communities: From increased crop yields, to reduced school absenteeism, to solar-powered irrigation to new jobs for informal traders. 

The entrepreneurs pitch their solutions for social impact

On the day, each entrepreneur presented a case for the social impact of their venture coupled with a convincing financial return on investment.

Joseph Nkandu, Executive Director of NUCAFE, will use USD750 000 for the working capital to directly reach 128 000 coffee farmers in Uganda, providing them extra cumulative revenue of more than USD60-million in the next seven years.