Africa Forward by Catalyst 2030
Driving Social Innovation and Change in Africa
What is Africa Forward?
Africa Forward is a groundbreaking initiative co-created by members of the African Chapters of Catalyst 2030 (a social entrepreneur and innovator-led movement committed to achieving the UN’s SDGs).
Africa Forward is focused on accelerating the actions needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by empowering the next generation of social entrepreneurs and innovators across Sub-Saharan Africa. It seeks to address the continent’s pressing challenges through collaborative and partnership driven opportunities.
Why Africa Forward?
Africa Forward aims to create a self-sustaining social innovation field that significantly contributes to Africa’s development agenda. By supporting the recognition and importance of social innovation, achieving financial sustainability, and fostering job creation for African youth, Africa Forward seeks to transform the social enterprise ecosystem into a powerful force for positive change.
How We Work: Strategic Blueprint and Pillars of Action
Africa Forward’s strategy is built around three main pillars of action, each designed to foster collaboration, build capacity, and drive sustainable development:
Social Innovation Field Development
- Data Platform: Create a pan-African data platform to be used by social innovation ecosystem stakeholders for evidence-based decision-making and policy engagement.
- Policy Reform: Advocate for supportive policy frameworks to enable a conducive environment for social innovation.
- Movement-Building: Shift perceptions and build a robust social innovation network through events and storytelling.
Job Creation and Skills Development
- Leadership Training: Equip social enterprise leaders with essential skills and networks.
- Capacity Building: Establish accelerators and hubs to provide technical assistance and mentorship.
- Youth Training: Prepare youth for roles in social enterprises through targeted training programs and curriculum interventions.
- Upskilling: Enhance the skills of existing social enterprise employees and those transitioning from the private field.
- Job Linkages: Create platforms to connect job seekers with opportunities in social enterprises.
Sustainable Financial Empowerment
- Engaging Funders: Develop innovative financing approaches with donors, impact investors, and commercial investors.
- Training Social Enterprises: Equip social enterprises to navigate and secure sustainable funding sources.
Cross-Cutting Themes
Africa Forward also emphasizes youth inclusivity and development, gender equity, climate change, and training and capacity development, ensuring these crucial aspects are integrated into all our initiatives.
Our Vision for the Future
Africa Forward envisions a robust and recognized social innovation field that drives job creation and aligns with Africa’s development goals. By fostering financial sustainability and empowering African youth, we aim to transform the social innovation landscape and deliver lasting impact across the continent.
Events
The Africa Forward Blueprint: Driving Investment, Innovation, and Jobs
- Alexandra van der Ploeg, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, SAP
- Luvuyo Rani, Co-Founder Silulo Ulutho and Co-Chair Africa Forward
- Nasri Adams, Regional Director, African Venture Philanthropy
Our moderator will be Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs.
25th September 2024
2 - 4 pm
UNGA in NYC
Catalyst 2030 Principles in Action
Convene
Bringing together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
Connect
Building networks and partnerships to amplify our impact.
Co-create
Collaborating with local chapters to shape our strategies and actions.
Cohere
Ensuring our efforts are unified and strategically aligned.
Celebrate
Recognizing and promoting the achievements of social entrepreneurs.
Calibrate
Continuously refining our approach based on feedback and outcomes.
Change Consciousness
Shifting perceptions and narratives around social innovation in Africa.
