About us
Our Story
In the spring of 2020, Ambitious.Africa kickstarted its series of online matchmaking events connecting young changemakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in Africa and the Nordics. The timing was perfect. People were forced to stay at home due to the pandemic and therefore more people across the two continents could attend. However, this was about more than just luck.
Many dots had to be connected long before the events kicked off in order to bring the Ambitious.Africa concept to life. To understand how Ambitious.Africa started, one needs to go back to when Peter Vesterbacka – one of Ambitious Africa’s principal backers and advisors, former Mighty Eagle of Angry Birds – co-founded Slush, one of the world’s biggest startup events.
Read the whole Ambitious.Africa story to learn more!
Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
Ambitious.Africa is the bridge between the African and the Nordic youth who collaboratively build a sustainable future together.
Mission
We facilitate the collaboration between Africa and the Nordics by focusing on Education, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment. We connect, inspire, and empower young people in all African and Nordic countries to work together, lead the change, and create transformation.
Our Common Values
Our values are based on the shared Nordic values that are not exclusive to the Nordics.
These are global values translated into one functioning model that allows
teamwork, trust, equality for global welfare and sustainable development.
Collaboration
We learn from each other, and we work together towards a sustainable future. Alone we are fast, together we go far.
Transparency
We are transparent in our decisions and actions. Clear communication and decision-making processes are key for us.
Leading the Change
We are proactive and we want young people to be in charge and lead the change towards a sustainable future.
Trust
We are trustworthy and we trust each other. We have a united vision and we understand that only together can we achieve change.
Learning by Doing
We are passionate learners. We believe it is important to learn things and gain experience through active doing, not just thinking.
Openness
We value honesty, communication, and we cherish inclusiveness.
Our approach
We bring together young people, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, experts, industry leaders, governments, and authorities.
We connect and empower young people in order to collaborate.
Our aim is to promote an entrepreneurial mindset, connect people, and create an unstoppable stream of actions towards the transformation we want to see in the world.
Mindset.
Connection.
Action.
Transformation.
From our volunteers
“Being part of Ambitious.Africa introduced me to using Dealroom. I have learned how to connect and organize online events both small and big. I have also made connections with people I have never physically met. This has taught me more about myself and just how similar we are.”
- Theresia Bilola, Ambitious.Africa Sustainability Coordinator
“I have gained better insight into how people work depending on what roles they play and the different ways people communicate. I've learned how countries differ from each other but also seen the commonalities between them. Through Ambitious.Africa, I've received more insight on things than what any news article or course in school could provide.”
- Alexander Gröning, Head of Global Partnerships at Ambitious.Africa
“Interacting with different people from various cultures has been my passion. Ambitious.Africa has given me a first-row seat to understand the African market from a business perspective as well as cultural. The opportunity to engage with inspirational individuals has made me addicted to being part of this youth-led movement.”
- Katariina Komulainen, Global Head of Community and Human Resources at Ambitious.Africa