Jasiri is excited to announce the selection of the second cohort of high potential aspiring entrepreneurs from Rwanda and Kenya to its Talent Investor program. Starting in June 2022, 52 Jasiri Fellows will embark on a remarkable journey of empowerment and business development.
This year, the program received close to 1,500 applications from across Rwanda and Kenya, The high potential entrepreneurs were selected based on JASIRI competencies including being values driven, resilient and demonstrating innovative problem solving, among others.
The Jasiri Talent Investor is a one-year fully-funded entrepreneurship program supported by Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies (AGGP). The program supports high-impact aspiring entrepreneurs from idea generation to venture creation, and provides them with the tools and resources they need to launch high growth ventures, including intensive mentoring and coaching to guide them throughout the program.
In October 2020, the Government of Rwanda signed an agreement with the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Rwanda (AGGPR) to promote high impact entrepreneurship skills development and employment in the region. Rwanda is the regional hub of the program and six months later, Jasiri accepted its first cohort of Jasiri Fellows.
“We are thrilled to welcome another cohort of talented entrepreneurs from Rwanda and Kenya. The journey of an entrepreneur is never easy and success requires ambition, dedication and a positive attitude. Jasiri is all about supporting, empowering and removing barriers to enterprise success and impact. Our partners in both countries continue to play a significant role in the work that we do and we are grateful for their support on this exciting journey,” said Anthony Farr, Chief Executive Officer, AGGPR.
“We are proud of our contribution to East Africa’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. This year’s cohort includes aspiring entrepreneurs from a diverse range of sectors. We congratulate you, we believe in your potential and we are ready to guide and support you over the next year. Being a Jasiri Fellow will no doubt
supercharge your business growth,” said Aline Kabanda, Country Director, Rwanda, AGGP.
“Jasiri Fellows, your exciting journey with Jasiri has just begun! Kudos for your exceptional efforts during our rigorous selection processes. Based on those achievements, we are confident that you will succeed and flourish. Throughout the Jarisi Talent Investor program, take your discipline to another level – do something different every day, grow everyday!” said Roselyn Marandu-Kareithi, Country Lead, Kenya, AGGP
She also added, “Shine bright and make your family, your friends, and loved ones, as well as your community, nation and the African continent proud of you! Be counted, be brave, be Jasiri!.”
Through the program, the 52 Jasiri Fellows will be guided throughout the process of ideation, validation, prototyping and the formalization of a venture with market creating potential. They will be introduced and connected to equally ambitious co-founders and business coaching experts who will support them on an individual, team, and business level.
Meet the 2022 cohort of Jasiri Fellows here.
Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty through the creation of high impact businesses, creating new markets on the African continent. Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation, and provides the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders. Jasiri supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation.
It is supported by AGGP. AGGP takes a long-term approach to developing exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent. Learn more at jasiri.org.