Ubuntu Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Project
About this new initiative:
Across Africa, countless young people carry big dreams—dreams of building businesses, creating innovations, and shaping a better future for their communities. Yet, many are losing hope. They have the diplomas, the skills, the creativity, and the determination, but what they lack is belief—from society, from institutions, and from those who can open doors. These youth need someone to trust in their potential, to give them a chance to take charge of their lives and turn aspirations into reality. The Ubuntu Initiative exists to be that bridge—transforming hope into opportunity and dreams into action.
The Ubuntu Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation project is a new project of the Kantiono Foundation, designed to empower Africa’s next generation of changemakers. Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—this initiative champions collaboration, community-driven solutions, and shared prosperity.
KAFO is aiming to collaborate with local organizations and government agencies to advance youth entrepreneurship and innovation in our partner countries. Through mentorship networks, entrepreneurship training, and seed funding, the Foundation’s goal is to support young people with the tools to launch sustainable businesses and impactful projects that address community challenges.
By partnering with local organizations, government agencies, and private-sector actors, KAFO ensures that its initiatives are:
- Culturally relevant – grounded in local realities and traditions
- Scalable – designed for long-term growth and replication
- Transformative – capable of driving economic growth, job creation, and social change
Together, we can create an ecosystem where youth—especially girls and young women—turn education and creativity into livelihoods, innovation, and community impact.
Beneficiaries:
The Ubuntu Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative will prioritize:
- Youth aged 18–25 in partner countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Central African Republic).
- A special focus will be on girls and young women, who face additional barriers such as limited access to finance, mentorship, and networks
- Graduates, unemployed or underemployed youth, and those with innovative business ideas or prototypes
- Inclusion of rural youth and persons with disabilities
Selection Process:
The Ubuntu Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Initiative will use a community-based approach to ensure inclusivity and cultural relevance. The process will be implemented through local organizations and agencies that are already working with youth and girls in partner countries.
- Partnership with Local Organizations
- Collaborate with NGOs, community-based organizations, and youth associations that have established trust and networks in local communities.
- These partners will help identify and mobilize eligible youth, especially girls and young women.
- Application & Nomination
- Youth will be nominated by partner organizations.
- Application forms will be simplified and available in local languages to ensure accessibility.
- Screening & Shortlisting
- Local partners will assist in initial screening based on agreed criteria.