Muvafrika - Advocating for Quality Education in Africa

What is your organization?

I’m the founder of Muvafrika (pronounced Mother Africa), we advocate for educational quality in Africa through projects, consulting and community. We support corporates, foundations, philanthropists, impact investors, and social enterprises to maximise their social impact in Africa. Our work is split into two business practices: Afro-focused consulting and public policy. 

Our team works with private and public organisations looking to donate to transformative programmes that focus on educational equality in Africa. Whilst also supporting governments and local authorities with strategic planning on education initiatives, evaluation and management of negotiations with the private parties.

Over time, our mission is to make sure we are increasing retention within education for these children and young adults, but also encouraging our community to collaborate, campaign and take action. 

At Muvafrika, we want to try and change the way people look at philanthropy and the way people give because there isn’t always full transparency with large charities and not-for-profit organisations. Instead, donating through Muvafrika is as though you’re handing money directly to the person it’s intended for. We partner with small charities and projects because we’re able to do the due diligence and ensure that 100% of donations are used for charitable activities. 

Our operating costs are funded through our online store and member subscription (£1 a month). Our shops sell items directly from Africa, typically in Nigeria and I use these funds to keep the advocacy going.

What inspired you to start that business? 

We are all one race and I must ensure that the impact that I make on this earth helps other people. Education, for instance, is a human right and yet not everyone has that human right. This is a tragedy because education is a way in which people can alleviate themselves out of poverty. Africa is economically set back compared to the western world, with rampant social and political issues (70% currently live in poverty), for many education is a key to alleviating those pressures but yet 263 million children and youth are out of school. How can I not help? I need to raise awareness. Education is so important. I know the benefits it has created in my life. 

I am able to communicate things that I want. I am able to speak to different people. I have more financial literacy and human development; education is the stepping stone that we all need. And when you don't have that, it's a disadvantage. 

I started this company while at university to support different charities in Africa and, since then, I've been self-funding and created a community that’s determined to ensure that there are changes in policy and practice when it comes to education. 

It hasn’t been easy. Throughout my professional career, I've just been putting money aside and just trying to do what I can. I incorporated my company in 2016 and then a couple of years later I went dormant. It was very challenging. At the time, I was in the middle of moving and was going for a new job.

Fast forward, today, I’m in a better position. I relaunched at the beginning of the year (2020) and have no plans on stopping. Right now, I am focused on the fourth Sustainable Development Goal -- ensuring exclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030. The goal reaffirms the belief that education is one of the powerful and proven vehicles for sustainable development. 

We all need to start having the conversation and pushing the agenda forward. We must break the cycle of inequality. Especially for girls and women. While some may recognise the challenges here in the UK, few can imagine the constraints females are faced in Africa. For example, in the UK women get their periods, have access to sanitary items, and continue as usual. In the worst case, they will stay home. But in Africa, some girls are faced with great difficulty in both scenarios. Access to sanitary products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma isn't always a reality. Missing days at school can lead to girls dropping out, putting them at greater risk of child marriage, and getting pregnant at a younger age. 

Female education should become a priority, statistics have shown that women have a greater chance of escaping poverty, leading healthier and productive lives, and raising the standard of living for their children, families and communities.  

Muvafrika is a community inspired to change the world, even if it's not us doing it, maybe we may kickstart a fire in another person. I just want to open that conversation.

What are some resources that have helped you so far?

Here’s me wishing I’d kept a list over the years… I’d credit my knowledge to university studies, research papers, self-help books, project management courses, marketing training, seeking expertise in specific sectors from friends, family, colleagues and Google (everyone's best friend). 

What advice do you have for your peers?

For aspiring entrepreneurs and humanitarians, be passionate, study your craft, accept support and manifest. 

If you have an idea, try and find the resources needed to bring your idea to fruition. In this life anything that you do, even if it’s just a day job (9-5) needs to utilise your skills, you’ll find fun (maybe not every minute) in what you offer to the business. 

I’m a minority - black, young and female. I represent my community, culture and future. I’m empowered every day that I can spread kindness, selflessness and relentlessness to break the socioeconomic inequalities in our world. It's not an easy road, but it's worthwhile. 

We have to be the change that we want to see. And if you're not seeing something in your industry or your workplace, then you can start that conversation. Yes, we are all individuals but remember we are all for this earth and that there isn't anyone anywhere who can tell you otherwise.