On November 15, 2022, the world’s population was supposed to reach 8 billion people and is projected to reach almost 10 billion in 2050. Much of this growth will be concentrated in just eight countries of which five are in Africa. In fact, countries in sub-Saharan Africa will likely contribute to more than half the growth anticipated through 2050. To frame this in both demographic and educational terms, much of the world’s young talent already comes from places like India and Africa and will increasingly do so in the future. But how do we harness this talent, particularly from Africa, and why is it critical to create global opportunities for African students? This episode’s guest is Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, the founder and CEO of 8B Education Investments, a financial and education technology platform specialized in lending to African students to attend world-class global universities and supporting them to succeed. 8B is on a mission to strengthen Africa’s human capital by equipping the continent’s future leaders and ecosystem builders to innovate, compete, and thrive in the knowledge economy of the 21st century.
A Kenyan national, Lydiah brings to the field of innovative finance her personal experience, and over eighteen years working on issues of international politics, development, and human rights. Prior to founding 8B, Lydiah worked at the United Nations, the World Bank, and leading global NGOs. Lydiah currently serves on the board at WorldQuant University, and is a member of the UWC Atlantic College Advisory Council. She publishes and speaks on a wide range of topics, including on the role of innovative finance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN and the World Bank in conflict-affected states, and the role of world-class human capital in African development.
Episode highlights:
Lydiah’s educational journey from Kenya to the U.K. and the U.S., why obtaining global scholarships shouldn't be a matter of luck, and her professional journey in the field of international development
Lydiah’s aspirations to work in multilateral organizations like the UN and the World Bank, and why so many young people in the Global South also nurture a similar dream
Scaling impact by investing in the education and future of African students.
Lydiah’s reflections on brain drain and brain circulation
Increasing financial for African students through a new Clinton Global Initiative commitment.
Lydiah’s lessons learned and top advice for future entrepreneurs
Episode Resources:
