PearMonie at Young Africa Innovates
A Journey That Started With Belief
The journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring.
PearMonie is proud to have participated in the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, an initiative powered by UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation, designed to identify, support, and scale innovative solutions led by young Africans. From the very first day, the experience has been filled with learning, collaboration, and moments that reaffirm why building for impact truly matters.
About the Young Africa Innovates Programme
Young Africa Innovates is a flagship innovation programme created to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and ecosystem support needed to build sustainable businesses. Through intensive residential weeks, workshops, and showcases, the programme brings together some of the brightest minds working to solve real-world challenges across Africa.
For PearMonie, being part of this programme aligns deeply with our mission: to empower small businesses with simple, effective tools to sell, manage, and grow.
Day One: Stepping Into a Community of Innovators
The first day marked the beginning of an exciting journey. From the welcoming environment to the powerful sense of purpose in the room, it was clear that YAI is more than a programme, it is a community.
Participants were introduced to the vision behind Young Africa Innovates, connected with fellow innovators, and immersed in an ecosystem built to encourage collaboration and bold thinking.
Days Two to Four: Learning, Connections, and Momentum
As the first residential week unfolded, each day brought deeper conversations, new perspectives, and meaningful connections. Sessions focused on innovation, sustainability, leadership, and scaling impact-driven businesses.
For PearMonie, these days reinforced the importance of building solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and accessible for small businesses.
Transition to the Second Residential Week
After the first residential week, we returned with renewed clarity and excitement. The journey was far from over—if anything, it was just gaining momentum.
The second residential week brought even richer discussions, stronger collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences that pushed participants to think bigger and execute smarter.
Days Five to Eleven: Growth, Reflection, and Shared Purpose
Throughout the second residential week, the focus shifted toward refinement, collaboration, and real-world impact. Conversations became deeper, ideas more structured, and the sense of shared purpose stronger.
Each day was a reminder that innovation thrives when supported by the right ecosystem—one that provides guidance, mentorship, visibility, and access to opportunity.
A Defining Milestone: Top 27 Businesses in Lagos State
One of the most defining moments of this journey was being selected as one of the Top 27 businesses in Lagos State under the UNDP Young Africa Innovates Programme.
This recognition represents months of resilience, growth, and commitment to building solutions that make a real difference. Beyond financial support, PearMonie will continue to benefit from mentorship, ecosystem access, exposure, and strategic guidance—support that strengthens our ability to scale impact.
Our Gratitude to UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation for believing in innovation and creating platforms that empower African entrepreneurs.
Their commitment goes beyond funding—it is about building systems that help ideas grow into sustainable businesses and meaningful impact for communities across Africa.
What This Means for PearMonie
This journey has further strengthened our resolve to continue building tools that help small businesses thrive. The insights, connections, and support gained through Young Africa Innovates will play a key role in shaping PearMonie’s next phase of growth.
We are excited about what lies ahead and deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of a programme that is shaping the future of innovation in Africa.
Looking Ahead
The journey continues.
As PearMonie moves forward, we remain committed to building, growing, and creating impact—powered by the lessons, relationships, and support gained from Young Africa Innovates.
Empowering SMEs to sell smarter, scale faster, and succeed sustainably
