Alumni aren’t just part of Anzisha’s legacy; they are its future. Through mentoring programs that guide the next wave of innovators and grassroots initiatives that strengthen communities, Anzisha alumni are building something bigger than themselves: a living, breathing ecosystem of African youth entrepreneurship. The new Alumni Engagement Excellence Award celebrates this spirit, honouring those who turn personal success into collective impact.
When a group of Anzisha alumni gathered on campus this past August, one comment set the tone for the conversation: “We feel part of a family.” That sense of belonging, of being part of something larger than oneself, is more than emotional. It is becoming one of Anzisha’s greatest assets in shaping Africa’s entrepreneurial future.
Bringing the Community to Life
Nowhere was this family spirit more visible than at the 2025 Entrepreneurship Education Summit. Alumni didn’t just attend; they shaped the program. They led discussions, offered practical advice, and modelled what sustained entrepreneurial success can look like.
The standout moment came at the Gala Awards Ceremony, where Boluwatife Omotayo took the stage as keynote speaker. Founder, innovator, and Anzisha alumnus, Bolu spoke candidly about his journey—the setbacks that forced him to pivot, the lessons hidden in rejection, and why sometimes the best “yes” begins with a firm “no.”
His words struck a chord with both fellows and seasoned stakeholders. For the younger entrepreneurs, it was a reminder that failure is not the end of the road but part of the process. For investors and educators in the room, it was proof that Anzisha alumni embody resilience and adaptability—the very qualities Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape needs.
The Alumni Perspective
Faustino Quissico (Mozambique), Raghda Medhat (Egypt), Rebecca Andrianarisandy (Madagascar), Noah Walakira (Uganda), and Krys Elfried Digbehi (Cote d’Ivoire) spoke openly about how their journeys have been shaped by Anzisha and what more could be done to strengthen alumni engagement.
Several described the impact in deeply personal terms. One recalled how access to an Anzisha coach was “life-changing,” helping them overcome procrastination and stay accountable. Another credited the network with helping them raise over a million dollars in venture capital. Others said the program had connected them to their “origins,” introducing them to peers from across the continent and giving them a stronger sense of identity as African entrepreneurs.
Alumni also pointed out the value of the Anzisha brand itself. The trust and prestige attached to the name has opened doors to press opportunities and new markets. Yet, while they feel part of a strong family within their cohorts, some admitted they still struggle to connect with alumni outside their immediate circles. As Noah put it: “We want to support the broader network, but sometimes we don’t know how. A stronger system to connect us would unlock so much more value.”
The Power of Connection
When Ahmed Elkarib, Chief of Staff at Anzisha, speaks about alumni engagement, his vision is clear:
“Working with alumni across different cohorts allows us to create multiple layers of engagement. Whether through mentorship, speaking opportunities, or networking events, we’re building bridges between the past, present, and future of young African entrepreneurship.”
These bridges aren’t abstract. They are personal, practical, and deeply needed.
“A strong alumni network means young creators are never navigating entrepreneurship alone. Together, they innovate faster and more sustainably,” he says.
Celebrating Alumni Impact
The summit also spotlighted alumni achievements through the Alumni Engagement Excellence Award. The 2025 winner, Fadwa Moussaif, founder of IDYR, has built a creative design venture that merges cultural heritage with modern expression. Her win was not only recognition of business success but also an acknowledgment of her commitment to giving back.
Fadwa has remained a consistent presence in the Anzisha community, mentoring fellows, participating in events, and serving as a visible role model for women entrepreneurs on the continent. Her work with IDYR shows how entrepreneurship can be both creative and catalytic, offering young Africans a vision of business that is rooted in identity while opening doors to opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Anzisha’s alumni remind us that entrepreneurship is most powerful when it is shared. They embody what happens when young Africans are given space, trust, and a community to thrive. They remind us that the future of entrepreneurship on the continent won’t be built by individuals working in isolation, but by networks of innovators who lift one another up.
Entrepreneurs like Faustino, Raghda, Rebecca, Noah, and Krys prove that when young founders stay connected, their impact multiplies. They mentor, they fund, they inspire, and through these actions they demonstrate that entrepreneurship in Africa is not a solo pursuit. It is a collective endeavour.
Watch the alumni stories come to life and see how they are shaping Africa’s future.
