{"id":13756,"date":"2016-12-22T10:42:22","date_gmt":"2016-12-22T10:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.francinebeleyi.com\/?p=13756"},"modified":"2025-04-23T19:08:32","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T19:08:32","slug":"digital-africa-what-ive-learnt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francinebeleyi.com\/digital-africa-what-ive-learnt\/","title":{"rendered":"DIGITAL AFRICA: What I’ve Learnt"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0\u201cIt’s been a fabulous and unforgettable seven week. Great thanks to all those who made this Course a reality.\u201d Francis Oguaju<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

We\u2019ve just finished the final week of Digital Africa<\/a> <\/u>strategy, management and innovation course (cohort 2), delivered by the Centre of Global Entrepreneurship (CGE), where more than 700 students across 27 countries enrolled.<\/p>\n

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The programme has enabled participants from managers, entrepreneurs, academics to students to learn the principles of building and managing digital platforms<\/a> and improve their skills in a rapidly changing business environment where new leadership capabilities are needed.<\/p>\n

The 5-week curriculum, which in fact lasted seven weeks, culminated with 5-minute presentations pitched by six teams selected by their peers, through likes and comments on the final project submissions. The selected teams exemplified the most creative and original application of the course material. What a worthwhile journey!<\/p>\n

As co-Head Teaching Assistant, I was fortunate to work with a team of world-class academics and digital platform practitioners Dr David Olayinka<\/a> from Lagos Business School, Geoffrey Parker<\/a> from Dartmouth College and co-author of Platform Revolution, Dr Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga<\/a> from MIT, David Rogers<\/a> from Colombia university and author of The Digital Transformation Playbook, Ira Sager<\/a> and Amy Millette<\/a> from the Centre for Global Entrepreneurship, and my buddy Timothy Aluko<\/a>, from Lagos Business School.<\/p>\n

It was also a real pleasure to work with four dedicated teaching assistants Chris Makaal, Rafael Ette, Oyodemi Ayobami and Glory Enyinnaya as well as Andrew Linford at Novoed<\/a>, the e-learning platform that has enabled such a great learning experience.<\/p>\n

But most importantly, I was inspired by the motivated and enthusiastic men and women in the course, who defied all kind of technical limitations to make it to the end of the course and diligently watched the pre-recorded lectures, read the extra-materials, participated with eagerness in the live weekly sessions and engaged actively in the forums sharing local platform news and other insights from the course.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0\u201cThis course is one of the best thing that would happen to me this year; very insightful, engaging and of course expository\u201d. Olawale Faniyi<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here are my 10 key takeaways:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The digital platform business model map<\/a>, that is now part of my toolbox when helping businesses to create value in a digital age<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Digital platform is not just about the technology. Strategy and business models<\/a> are crucial elements for success<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Delivering an experiential eLearning program to hundreds of learners is all about planning and perfect execution<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A dedicated, proactive and reactive teaching team makes engaged learners<\/p>\n

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\u201cA truly impactful and eye-opening course so far. Kudos to the faculty and support staff.\u201d Funmi Oluduro<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Discussing how building trust in exchanges will drive the adoption of digital platforms by consumers in Africa<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Having an entrepreneurial mindset doesn\u2019t necessarily mean to start a business; you can join forces with a team that is working on problems that you are care about<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Playing a key role in the digital economy is possible even if you are not a techy. All skills are needed<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t wait for the perfect solution to start solving problems, a low fi version is good enough to start<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt is very motivating to be part of this course and think about how to address local needs.\u201d Dilankumar Jivanji<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Boosting creativity and ability to spot and solve problems is a valuable skill to develop to succeed in the digital economy<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The final projects submissions were so good that it was hard to pick the top five to make a live presentation; so we pick the top six<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt was a wonderful learning experience. had a great time. Thank you CGE for this great opportunity. The Academy is just wonderful.\u201d Vinah S. Kehinde<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Digital Africa Alumni network has now increased with a few more hundreds of knowledgeable individuals in digital platforms businesses. The most entrepreneurial minds have joined the Digital Africa Club<\/a> to further explore ideas and create real digital solutions for Africa problems. All passionate are welcomed to join.<\/p>\n

Happy holidays and best wishes for 2017 where we will bring you fresh news about some of the exciting projects in the making.<\/p>\n

Did you like this article? Post your comments below and share it with your friends.<\/p>\n

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About Francine Beleyi<\/strong><\/p>\n

Francine Beleyi is bilingual French-English, international digital and change consultant, entrepreneurial journalist & speaker who helps corporate executives, entrepreneurs and organisations, to adapt and thrive in the digital age.<\/p>\n

Francine spends her days speaking with and studying the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the new economy, and sharing her findings with her clients and those who want to understand and master the new rules for business growth.<\/p>\n

She has worked across EMEA, for major corporations like TOTAL, BNPPARIBAS, AXA and also for not for profit organisations and small businesses. She holds a Master\u2019s degree in organisation consulting and change management, a Bachelor\u2019s degree in accounting and finance, a degree in computer science and an NCTJ diploma in multimedia journalism.<\/p>\n

Need help to create an\u00a0innovative business model\u00a0for an existing company or a new venture?\u00a0Book<\/a>\u00a0a complimentary\u00a0Strategic session<\/a>\u00a0with Francine to discuss your objectives.<\/p>\n

Visit\u00a0|nucleusofchange<\/a> | @FrancineBeleyi.<\/a><\/p>\n