Stellenbosch course approved!

Today we received confirmation that Afriversity is going to run a 3 month training programme in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

It will start within the next 6 weeks so stay tuned for more details.....

Because Good Deeds Make Good Business Sense

The fast-changing events of 2009 reinforced how important it is to understand the undercurrents of change that shape our world—and determine the success of business strategy. Companies that anticipate underlying social, economic, technological, and political changes are positioned to win.

Join Afriversity, in partnership with KPMG and MAQs Law Firm to learn, grow, be inspired, make new connections from around the globe and become part of this expanding movement.

Date: Thursday, March 4th 2010
Location: MAQs Office, Östra Hamngatan 24, GBG
Time: 3pm-6pm

Price to attend: FREE!! (Places are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis)

Listen to companies that successfully integrate CSR within all areas of their business stand to gain financial and social benefits through the identification of new business opportunities, the strengthening of their brands and corporate reputation, the attraction and the retention of top employees, and recognition as trusted partner. Successful CSR integration also creates a climate that can enhance public acceptance and support.

For more information and register, go to ww.csr2010.org

Learn how to write a "VC ready" business plan

Andrea Böhmert, co-managing partner of venture capital fund Hasso Plattner Ventures Africa, will present a workshop on how to write a business plan for technology startups on Friday 5 February 2010 from
13h00 - 15h00

Böhmert will highlight the typical shortcomings she sees in business plans submitted to her organisation, explain what she likes to see in business plans and provide useful guidelines to follow when submitting a business plan to a venture capitalist. This presentation will be followed by discussion and a question and answer session.

As only one out of every 100 business plans received by funders ever gets funded, this is a valuable opportunity to increase you chances of getting funding for your technology startup.

This event costs R 100 including VAT, unless you are a member of CITI, a student or academic, or a staff member of PGWC, CoCT or a non-profit organisation, in which case it is free.

RSVP to rsvp@citi.org.za

Street: 5th floor, 125 Buitengracht Street (between Pepper and Bloem St)
City/Town: Cape Town

Inspiration Injection and Window of Opportunity!

Yesterday we met with some wonderful individuals that have started an organisation called Industries for Africa. The goal of the Industries for Africa Foundation is to aid the people in Africa in building the sustainable industrial infrastructure that they so desperately need. With the hard work and dedication of our patrons this goal can be reached in an entirely feasible way. It will begin with the production of 100 plantations, roughly 50 square kilometers each. These plantations will be used for the harvesting of the Jatropha nuts, which, while inedible, provide by-products that can be used in a variety of incredibly beneficial ways. These nuts can be harvested for up to 30 years and are comprised of around 38% oil. This oil is in turn refined for the creation of bio-diesel. Any remnants of the Jatropha nuts after the refining process are pressed into pellets which, when burned, create energy.

While it is the purpose of their organization to create the foundation of this industry, it will be the responsibility of the local citizens to carry on with it. Locals will be trained to proficiently perform any and all of the tasks required in order to keep this project running successfully for years to come. The plan is not to support the people of Africa financially but rather through a strong support system that revolves around the transference of knowledge. It is with your help accompanied by the generosity of others that we hope to achieve this goal and give the people of Africa the fighting chance they deserve.

Afriversity and Industries for Africa will work together to provide these individuals with the training and support they need to create a sustainable business.

Please meet our new friends and see if you can help:

http://www.industriesforafrica.com/

A New Year - New Opportunities

This holiday season has been filled with love and laughter with family and friends but Afriversity was never far from our hearts. During the festivities, brainstorming and planning were in full swing and we are excited to start this new year with wonderful new opportunities and energy. Within the coming weeks, we will release information regarding partnerships with leading global corporations and new exciting opportunities for both our Afripreneurs and sponsors.

Watch this space...

Dear Afriversity Friend

In my last visits to South Africa I was again reminded of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that exists amid the tough economic conditions. South Africa has not escaped the global recession and unemployment is a whopping 24.5%. It's of course no better in neighbouring African states. Everyone is trying to find a way to sell their services and products. For many, starting and running a business is not a choice but a necessity to put food on the table.

So when I met our latest Afripreneurs during our small business development courses, I was so impressed by their resilience, determination and energy to want to learn how to better manage their businesses. They all want to go from survival mode to growing their business into sustainable ventures. They want to understand which tools are available to help them spring board their business. There is no lack of positive attitude towards learning. They are hungry! They just need more knowledge and skills, and mentors that believe in them as successful business people. They need the networks of contacts to expand sales and partnerships. They need access to loans and investment to realize their dreams.

We are also so excited to see the power of diversity in the South African entrepreneurship community. Although we believe in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment programme (BBBEE), we believe even more in the potential of multi-cultural, multi-racial entrepreneurship networks that can draw on experiences from all cultures. I have personally witnessed first-hand the successes of multi-diversity management teams and I have always found it to be far superior to anything else. At Afriversity we are seeing the power of networking and we have set up an Afriversity social networking site for all our Afripreneurs and anyone else who wants to join the party! Please go to www.afriversityct.ning.com and enjoy the team spirit and contribute your blogs, ideas, inspirations, and share with other fellow entrepreneurs' experiences and resources.

Lastly, I want to thank our corporate and private sponsors as well as partners. Your donations are making a real difference. A difference to create new sustainable jobs and helping to make dreams happen.

It's coming up to the Festive Season so let that generous spirit flow into Afriversity!

With Seasonal Greetings and Wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone!

Love,

Thorgeir

Founder of Afriversity

The Time is Right to Invest in Africa!

Whilst Tony Blair was Prime Minister, he put Africa at the heart of his foreign policy - from the Commission in Africa to the military intervention in Sierra Leone. Since leaving office, Tony Blair has renewed his commitment to Africa's development and economic growth by setting up the "Africa Governance Initiative". The Africa Governance Initiative is underpinned by two key principles that Tony Blair came to see as central to achieving the vision of a stable, prosperous Africa taking its rightful place in the world with an end to aid-dependence.

First, that good governance, including an effective centre of Government and a thriving public policy space, is essential for development.

Second, that growing Africa's private sector is the only long-term way to escape from poverty. Increased investment - including foreign direct investment - is vital to this.


Click here to listen to Blair´s enthusiasm and hope for Africa!