Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Youth Co-creation Lab is an innovative initiative tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment by cultivating a culture of social entrepreneurship among young people. The project provides a comprehensive support system to young social innovators.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

iLEAD AFRICA is a dynamic leadership and social innovation hub dedicated to empowering African youth and marginalized communities through leadership development, digital literacy, and social entrepreneurship. Our flagship initiative, Youth Co-creation Lab, addresses the critical issue of youth unemployment by encouraging young social entrepreneurs to create innovative, sustainable businesses. We provide a comprehensive support system that includes mentorship, training, and access to resources, helping young people turn their ideas into impactful enterprises. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, we aim to create job opportunities, drive economic growth, and promote social change across Africa. Our approach involves localized content to ensure relevance, strategic partnerships to expand reach, and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess and enhance our impact.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem iLEAD AFRICA is trying to solve is the high rate of youth unemployment and underemployment across Africa. Despite being the continent with the youngest population globally, Africa faces significant challenges in providing meaningful employment opportunities for its youth. Many young people lack the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to secure stable employment or start their own businesses. This situation is exacerbated by inadequate education systems, limited access to technology, and insufficient support for entrepreneurship. Consequently, many young Africans are trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to realize their full potential. Our Youth Co-creation Lab addresses this issue by fostering social entrepreneurship and innovation among young people. We provide mentorship, training, and resources to help youth develop and implement sustainable business ideas that create jobs and drive social impact.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: iLEAD AFRICA’s Youth Co-creation Lab provides young people with the skills, knowledge, and resources to develop and launch their own businesses, fostering self-reliance and innovation. 2. Job Creation and Economic Growth: By promoting social entrepreneurship, our platform helps create job opportunities and stimulates local economies, addressing youth unemployment and fostering long-term economic development. 3. Inclusive Social Impact: Our services engage marginalized groups, including women and rural populations, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and driving social change, building more resilient communities. Overall, our comprehensive approach tackles youth unemployment, promotes economic development, and ensures inclusive social impact across Africa.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

iLEAD AFRICA’s Youth Co-creation Lab is aimed at serving young people across Africa, particularly those facing unemployment and underemployment. Our targeted beneficiaries include: Unemployed and Underemployed Youth: Young individuals aged 18-35 who lack access to stable employment opportunities or meaningful work, equipping them with the skills and resources to start their own businesses. Marginalized Groups: We focus on engaging marginalized communities, including women, rural populations, and those from low-income backgrounds, ensuring they have equitable access to our programs and resources. Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs: Young people with innovative ideas and a passion for social change, providing them with mentorship, training, and support to develop and implement their entrepreneurial ventures. By targeting these groups, iLEAD AFRICA aims to empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and social change across the continent.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-06-20

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Oluwakemi, the Chief Operating Officer of iLEAD AFRICA, brings a wealth of skills and experience to the startup. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and has over a decade of experience in operations management, strategic planning, and organizational development. Oluwakemi has a proven track record of successfully leading and scaling social enterprises, particularly those focused on youth empowerment and community development. Her skills include: Operations Management: Expertise in streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and managing large-scale projects. Strategic Planning: Proficient in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with the organization’s mission and goals, driving long-term growth and sustainability. Leadership and Team Building: Strong leadership skills, with a focus on mentoring and developing high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://ilead4africa.org/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly contributes to the goal of "No Poverty" by addressing the root causes of youth unemployment and fostering economic empowerment through our Youth Co-creation Lab. We equip young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to start and sustain their own businesses, thereby creating employment opportunities for themselves and others within their communities. This entrepreneurial approach not only generates income but also stimulates local economies and reduces dependency on external aid. Our focus on marginalized groups, including women and rural populations, ensures that those most affected by poverty have access to opportunities and support. By providing mentorship, training, and financial resources, we empower these individuals to break the cycle of poverty, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to the economic resilience of their communities. Additionally, our programs promote financial literacy, business acumen, and innovative thinking,

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA significantly contributes to the goal of "Good Health and Well-being" by empowering youth through education and entrepreneurship, which indirectly but powerfully impacts overall community health and well-being. Through our Youth Co-creation Lab, we provide training in health-related social entrepreneurship, promoting innovative solutions to local health challenges. Our programs include health education components that raise awareness about critical health issues such as nutrition, mental health, and preventive care. By integrating health education into our entrepreneurial training, we ensure that young entrepreneurs are well-informed and can incorporate health-conscious practices into their businesses and daily lives. We also support health-focused startups that aim to improve access to healthcare services, develop affordable medical solutions, and promote healthy lifestyles.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA contributes significantly to the goal of "Quality Education" by providing comprehensive educational programs through our Youth Co-creation Lab. We focus on equipping young people with essential skills in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and leadership, which are often not adequately covered in traditional education systems. Our training modules are designed to be practical and hands-on, ensuring that participants gain real-world knowledge and experience. We also prioritize inclusivity by making our educational resources accessible to marginalized groups, including women, rural populations, and low-income communities. By doing so, we ensure that those who are often left behind in conventional educational settings receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Our mentorship programs connect young entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who guide them through their learning journey, providing personalized advice and encouragement.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Gender Equality" by actively promoting equal opportunities and empowerment for women through our Youth Co-creation Lab. Our programs are designed to ensure that young women have equal access to entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and resources. We prioritize gender inclusivity by implementing targeted initiatives that support women entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and financial resources needed to start and grow their businesses. This focus helps to bridge the gender gap in economic participation and leadership. Additionally, we address societal barriers that hinder women's progress by offering training on gender equality and women's rights, fostering an environment of respect and support. Our efforts include advocacy for policy changes that promote gender equality and protect women's rights in the workplace and beyond.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Affordable and Clean Energy" by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector through our Youth Co-creation Lab. We equip young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to develop and implement sustainable energy solutions that are both affordable and environmentally friendly. Our programs include training on renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and bioenergy, as well as business management skills to help participants launch and scale their energy ventures. By doing so, we enable young entrepreneurs to create sustainable businesses that provide clean energy solutions to underserved communities. We also prioritize projects that address energy poverty in rural and marginalized areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations have access to reliable and affordable clean energy.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure" by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among young people through our Youth Co-creation Lab. Our programs are designed to develop the next generation of innovators and business leaders who can drive sustainable industrial growth and infrastructure development. We provide young entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to create innovative solutions to pressing challenges in their communities. This includes training in cutting-edge technologies, business development, and market analysis, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to build scalable and impactful enterprises. Our focus on technology-driven solutions encourages the adoption of new and efficient methods in various industries, from agriculture to renewable energy. By promoting the use of modern technologies and digital tools, we help bridge the technology gap.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Reduced Inequalities" by actively working to bridge the opportunity gap for marginalized communities through our Youth Co-creation Lab. Our initiatives are designed to ensure that underrepresented groups, including women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged individuals, have equal access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities. We provide targeted training programs that equip these groups with essential skills in business development, financial literacy, and digital literacy. By focusing on inclusivity, we help level the playing field, enabling marginalized individuals to start and grow their own businesses, thereby improving their socio-economic status. Our mentorship and support networks specifically address the unique challenges faced by these groups, offering personalized guidance and resources to help them overcome barriers to success. This approach fosters a more equitable distribution.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Responsible Consumption and Production" by promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship through our Youth Co-creation Lab. Our programs encourage young entrepreneurs to develop and implement business models that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. We provide training on sustainable production techniques, resource efficiency, and waste reduction, ensuring that participants are equipped to create products and services that minimize environmental impact. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we help reduce the ecological footprint of new businesses. Our initiatives also focus on educating entrepreneurs about the importance of responsible sourcing and supply chain management. We emphasize the need for transparency and ethical considerations in all aspects of business operations, from raw material procurement to product distribution.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA strongly agrees (7) that our startup contributes to the goal of "Climate Action" by empowering young entrepreneurs to develop and implement innovative solutions that address climate change. Through our Youth Co-creation Lab, we focus on fostering sustainable practices and promoting green technologies to mitigate environmental impact. Our training programs include education on climate science, sustainable business practices, and the importance of reducing carbon footprints. We equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to create businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability and resilience. We support the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and bioenergy, among young entrepreneurs. By promoting clean energy solutions, we help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA's startup significantly contributes to the goal of "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions." Our initiatives promote good governance, transparency, and accountability through various programs designed to empower young leaders and encourage civic engagement. By fostering a culture of integrity and ethical leadership, we help build stronger institutions that are more responsive and just. Our Youth Co-creation Lab educates young people about their rights and responsibilities, equipping them with the skills needed to advocate for policy changes and hold leaders accountable. This empowerment leads to more active participation in democratic processes and helps ensure that institutions are fair and effective. We also facilitate dialogues and workshops on conflict resolution and peacebuilding, helping communities address and resolve disputes peacefully. By promoting non-violent approaches to conflict and encouraging collaboration.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

iLEAD AFRICA places a strong emphasis on partnerships to achieve our goals effectively and sustainably. We recognize that addressing complex social and environmental challenges requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector. Our startup actively seeks and cultivates partnerships to amplify impact and leverage resources. We collaborate with local governments to advocate for policy changes that support youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. These partnerships enable us to influence systemic changes and create an enabling environment for our initiatives. We also collaborate with NGOs and international organizations to access expertise, funding opportunities, and best practices in areas such as education, climate action, and social entrepreneurship. These collaborations enable us to scale our programs and reach more communities, maximizing our impact.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include other social enterprises and NGOs focused on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in Africa, such as Ashoka, Junior Achievement Africa, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. What sets iLEAD AFRICA apart from these organizations are: Holistic Approach: Unlike many competitors that focus on single aspects of empowerment, we integrate leadership development, digital innovation, and community engagement into our programs, providing a comprehensive support system for young entrepreneurs. Tech-Driven Solutions: We leverage digital technologies to enhance learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities, making our programs more accessible and scalable. Inclusivity: Our targeted efforts to empower marginalized groups, especially women and rural youth, ensure that our impact is broad-based and equitable, addressing the diverse needs of our community.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

iLEAD AFRICA is deeply committed to promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. We actively initiate actions to support and empower women in entrepreneurship through various targeted programs and initiatives. Training and Mentorship Programs: We provide specialized training and mentorship opportunities tailored for female entrepreneurs. These programs equip women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to succeed in their business ventures. Access to Resources and Funding: We facilitate access to financial resources, grants, and investment opportunities specifically for women-led startups. By connecting female entrepreneurs with funding sources, we help them overcome one of the significant barriers to business growth. Advocacy and Awareness: We conduct advocacy campaigns and awareness programs to highlight the importance of female entrepreneurship.