The Afara Initiative, a youth-focused organisation at the forefront of leadership and career development in Africa, has secured significant institutional funding from two United States-based foundations. The investment marks a pivotal step in expanding access to professional growth opportunities for thousands of young Nigerians and Africans.
The funding, described as a six-figure grant, is expected to deepen the impact of Afara’s core programmes, including its flagship Bridge Fellowship, while extending its reach to underserved communities. The initiative also plans to enhance its career accelerator scheme, known as Pathway, targeting up to 7,000 university students in 2025.
Speaking on the development, Afara’s founder, Lara Rabiu, said the funding was a clear vote of confidence in the organisation’s model and mission. “Securing this six-figure grant is a testament to the remarkable work Afara has accomplished over the years in bridging the gap between African talent and the global economy,” she said. “Thanks to the backing of respected institutions, we will enhance our programmes, broaden our reach, and strengthen our influence for countless young leaders throughout Nigeria and beyond.”
Since its inception, the Afara Initiative has supported over 730 young professionals, many of whom have gone on to secure roles in multinational corporations such as Google, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Microsoft, and Bank of America, as well as Nigerian firms including Kingmakers, ARM and Elektron.
With a five-year plan to reach 55,000 students across Africa, the new round of funding will also see Afara expand its partnerships with universities and employers. Ten additional Nigerian universities are expected to join its B2B network, further strengthening the link between higher education and employability.
The announcement came just ahead of the Skoll World Forum 2025, held in early April, where Afara participated in high-level discussions with global funders, policymakers and social impact leaders. The organisation used the platform to outline its vision for scalable leadership and employment solutions aimed at reducing youth poverty and driving economic transformation.
Afara’s strategy, as presented at the forum, positions it as a key player in efforts to address youth unemployment in Africa by equipping the next generation with the tools, networks and experiences needed to thrive in the global economy.
