The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) recently collaborated with Lagos-based Pelse Consulting to host a transformative business and leadership dialogue. Titled “Dialogue that Matters: Building Businesses that Strengthen Communities,” the event served as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between global leadership insights and local entrepreneurial action.
The gathering integrated the Mandela Washington Fellows Network with participants from the Amplifier Business Clinic—a flagship youth enterprise initiative by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
Strategic Highlights: People, Purpose, and Profit
The dialogue emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to remain resilient, small businesses must pivot toward sustainable models that prioritize community value over mere short-term gains.
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U.S. Diplomatic Support: Ms. Raisa Dukas, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy, highlighted the Mandela Washington Fellowship as a cornerstone of U.S.-Nigeria relations, offering young leaders six weeks of intensive academic study and networking at top U.S. universities.
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The Power of SMEs: Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, Mr. Adeniji Boboye, provided staggering data: Small and Medium Enterprises contribute approximately 48% of Nigeria’s GDP and represent 70% of total employment.
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Sustainability & CSR: Discussions moved beyond basic business management to address Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), urging entrepreneurs to use data-driven social initiatives to tackle local challenges like infrastructure deficits and unemployment.
Amplifying Local Success: The Clinic’s Growing Impact
A key focus of the event was the success of the Amplifier Business Clinic, which has seen a steady increase in direct financial support from the Lagos State Government:
Voices from the Field
For alumni like Mr. Seyi Akinsanmi, the fellowship’s true value lies in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs like Mr. Opeoluwa Shobowale credited the training with providing the “strategic thinking” necessary to scale a business sustainably in a challenging economic climate.
