A once in a lifetime experience
In October 2024, our AWE DRC cohort 1 top entrepreneurs embarked on a transformative journey to Harvard University. Out of a competitive group of 100 participants, this faction of ten has been chosen to attend a week-long AWE DRC leadership training program at Harvard University in Boston. This leadership training program was designed to equip our top entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to scale their businesses and make lasting contributions to Africa’s economic growth. Over the course of six days, participants engaged with world-class professors, attended high-level discussions, and explored the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.
This blog article delves into the key themes and lessons from the AWE DRC Leadership Training at Harvard University, highlighting the powerful takeaways that are set to impact the business landscape in the DRC and beyond.
Day 1: A Glimpse into Harvard’s Legacy and African Entrepreneurship
The first day set the tone for a rich learning experience, starting with a tour of Harvard Law School. Participants learned about the university’s storied past, its role in producing global leaders, and its vast resources, such as the Langdell Law Library, which houses over 1.6 million volumes. The importance of leadership, resilience, and education was underscored in a welcome address by Professor Ruth Okediji, a prominent figure in intellectual property law.
A significant part of Day 1 focused on entrepreneurship in Africa, led by Professor Jacob Olupona. This session highlighted the crucial role women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth on the continent. According to Professor Olupona, women contribute between $250 billion and $300 billion to Africa’s GDP, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, 58% of the self-employed population is female. Despite these contributions, challenges such as gender bias, limited access to funding, and cultural barriers persist. The session concluded with strategies to overcome these obstacles and support women in business.
One of the most valuable insights of the day came from Professor Amy Kao, who discussed the importance of legal frameworks in entrepreneurship. While entrepreneurs are often risk-takers, having sound legal advice is essential for protecting and growing a business.
Day 2: Understanding the Metrics of Entrepreneurial Success
Day 2 shifted the focus to financial metrics and management. Professor Ebehi Iyoha from Harvard Business School led a session on key concepts such as cash flow, EBITDA, and equity financing. These tools are vital for entrepreneurs seeking to manage their business’s financial health and attract investors.
One-on-one discussions with Professor John Macomber further explored the financial challenges African entrepreneurs face. Through case studies from Ghana and Nigeria, participants gained valuable insights into attracting investment and navigating the complexities of the African business environment. The day concluded with a tour of the Harvard Innovation Hub and Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, where participants learned about Harvard’s support for innovation and the resources available to budding entrepreneurs.
Day 3: Leadership, Sustainability, and the Power of Networks
Day 3 was all about leadership and sustainability. The highlight of the day was a conversation with Ms. Nicola Williams, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. Ms. Williams shared her journey, focusing on sustainability—not only in environmental terms but also in social, economic, and cultural dimensions. She emphasized the importance of building a strong support system and finding values-driven partners who can help propel a business forward.
Later in the day, Professor John Brown facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on the spiritual lives of leaders, exploring how faith can provide guidance and resilience in both personal and professional life. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the ways spirituality can positively influence their leadership style, while remaining inclusive of diverse perspectives in the workplace.
Day 4: Culture, Resilience, and the Future of Work
Day 4 opened with a discussion led by Professor Peter Blair on the Future of Work. He emphasized the role of culture in shaping entrepreneurship and shared an inspiring story about how the ride-sharing company Lyft was inspired by the openness of Zimbabweans to offer rides to strangers. This session encouraged African entrepreneurs to draw inspiration from their own cultural heritage and use it as a foundation for innovative solutions.
Professor Andy Wu continued the theme of resilience, highlighting how even the most successful companies, like Microsoft and Google, began with modest resources. His session focused on growth strategies and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal life, especially for female business leaders.
Day 5: African Free Trade and High-Level Engagement
Day 5 featured discussions on Doing Business in Africa After the Africa Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), led by Professor Ada Order. The AfCFTA presents enormous opportunities for African entrepreneurs by creating a unified market and reducing trade barriers. Participants were encouraged to leverage bilateral agreements and explore new markets.
A highlight of the day was a VIP luncheon with Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director of the US Trade and Development Agency. Her session addressed the gender gap in digital entrepreneurship, noting that female entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts. She shared various initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in Africa, encouraging them to seek out partnerships and resources from the U.S. government and private sector.
Day 6: Reflections and Networking
The final day was filled with reflections on the key themes and lessons from the week. A roundtable discussion focused on the importance of unity, strategic partnerships, and human capital development for Africa’s future. Participants also explored the role of soft power—including music, fashion, and film—in shaping Africa’s global image and driving economic growth.
The day concluded with a session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa, exploring how AI can be leveraged to address critical challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. The discussion emphasized the need for a balanced approach to regulating Africa’s digital economy to ensure growth while protecting social justice.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The AWE DRC Leadership Training at Harvard University offered invaluable insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. The combination of academic rigor, real-world case studies, and high-level networking empowered the participants to return to the DRC equipped to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s economic development.
By embracing the lessons from Harvard’s world-class faculty and the inspiring experiences shared by industry leaders, these female entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact. The future of Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is bright, and programs like AWE are paving the way for the next generation of African leaders.
Final Thoughts
This leadership training was not just a learning opportunity—it was an awakening to the possibilities that exist for African entrepreneurs when given the right tools, mentorship, and networks. The participants of the AWE DRC program now have a roadmap for success that is built on resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Their journey has only just begun, and their potential to shape the future of Africa is limitless.
If you’re interested in learning more about the AWE DRC program or supporting initiatives that empower African entrepreneurs, visit our website www.awedrc.com or the one of our implementing partner: Groupe Utalii Kwetu.