Tosin Adejuyigbe
The Mara Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by a remarkable individual, Ashish J. Thakkar, who has made it his mission to empower young African entrepreneurs.
Thakkar himself is a businessman and philanthropist who started his own business at just 15 years old and has since become a prominent figure in Africa’s business world. With the Mara Foundation, he aims to give back to the community and help create a new generation of African business leaders.
Established in 2009, the foundation is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and operates in several African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and South Africa. Its programs are designed to provide young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to start and grow successful businesses.
One of the key programs of the Mara Foundation is the Mara Mentor program, which connects young entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who can provide guidance and mentorship. The program uses an online platform to match entrepreneurs with mentors based on their industry, business stage, and location. The mentors provide advice on everything from business planning and strategy to marketing and networking.
The foundation also offers a range of training programs and workshops to help entrepreneurs develop their skills and knowledge. These include entrepreneurship boot camps, business planning workshops, and financial management training. The programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on training that can be applied directly to the entrepreneurs’ businesses.
In addition to its programs for entrepreneurs, the Mara Foundation also supports education and community development initiatives. For example, it has partnered with the African Leadership Academy to provide scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend the school. It has also supported community development projects in Uganda, such as the construction of a health clinic and the installation of clean water systems.
The Mara Foundation has received recognition and support from a range of organizations and individuals. In 2014, Thakkar was appointed as a member of the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council. He has also received awards for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy, including the African Business Leader of the Year award from the African Business Awards.
The Mara Foundation is an important initiative that is helping to create a new generation of African business leaders. Its programs provide young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to start and grow successful businesses, while its support for education and community development initiatives is making a positive impact on communities across Africa. Ashish J. Thakkar’s vision and commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs is truly inspiring, and the Mara Foundation is a testament to his dedication to creating a better future for Africa.
Source: Espact
