Welcome To

LaunchPad Africa

Equipping entrepreneurs to transform Africa's future.

Launchpad Africa is a non-profit organization that exists solely for the promotion of the African entrepreneur.

Who We Are

As a business services program, Launchpad Africa provides participants with opportunities such as training, knowledge sharing, networking, mentorship, and financial resources to help proven business ideas take off.

We began in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Founded by four passionate African professionals, we firmly believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship as the cornerstone of a thriving economy. We are dedicated to unlocking new avenues for job creation, improving livelihoods, and fostering business growth—all of which contribute to the development of African communities.

In addition to our core programs, we also implement flagship initiatives such as the Youth and AI Futures Program, which introduces advanced digital tools to help Africa’s fast-growing youth population—particularly recent graduates—transition from job seekers to job creators..

OUR MISSION

To equip African entrepreneurs, especially the next generation, with the knowledge, networks, and innovative tools they need to build sustainable businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive inclusive growth.

OUR VISION

Our vision is an Africa where young entrepreneurs transform challenges into opportunities, creating jobs, prosperity, and vibrant communities powered by innovation and collaborations

WHAT WE DO

At Launchpad Africa, we run a portfolio of programs designed to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. Our work spans training, mentorship, research, and flagship initiatives that position African entrepreneurs for long-term success.

  • Youth and AI Futures Program

    This flagship program empowers Africa’s fast-growing youth population, especially recent graduates, by blending mentorship with AI and other cutting-edge digital tools. It helps young people move from job seekers to job creators, launching enterprises that generate employment and drive inclusive growth.

  • Networking & Mentorship

    We connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, peers, and partners to provide both guidance and encouragement. Through these connections, participants build relationships that foster collaboration, open doors to new opportunities, and create lasting networks that support growth far beyond the program experience.

  • Workshops, Webinars and Training

    Our workshops, training, and webinars provide practical, skills-based learning in business planning, marketing, finance, and leadership. Built from our accelerator curriculum, they equip entrepreneurs with essential tools to grow sustainable ventures and apply lessons directly to real-world opportunities.

  • Market Entry Research & Feasibility Studies

    We support organizations entering African markets by combining research with stakeholder engagement. When needed, we conduct feasibility studies and analyze competition and consumer demand. We also convene key stakeholders: government, business, and civil society, to create connections, foster dialogue, and build strong foundations for sustainable expansion.

OUR IMPACT

WEBINAR: The Power of Digital Marketing

Moderated by Mr. Joannes "Joe" Hotagua, Co-Founder of Launchpad Africa, this webinar featured an all-female panel sharing their insights on using digital media to grow brands and businesses.

Panelists included:

Mafei James, Founder of Femafric, an e-commerce brand specializing in handmade hair extensions and care products.

Marie Lahai, Motherhood & Lifestyle Blogger at RieDefined.com, creating digital content across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Henrietta Adjetey, Founder of Brand E, a Ghana Tour Curator, Travel Vlogger, and graphic designer focused on sustainable packaging.

This session explored strategies for leveraging digital platforms to achieve sustainable business growth.

SEMINAR: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

This seminar focused on key strategies for business growth and sustainability, including financial planning and projections, identifying areas for improvement, and investing in human capital.

Attendees learned the importance of:

  • Strategic goal setting

  • Developing a written business plan

  • Forming strategic partnerships

  • Optimizing employee headcount

  • Leadership structures for long-term success

TRAINING: Resource Mobilization, Grants & Contracts, and Financial Management

We conducted a comprehensive training for L.A.W.Y.E.R.S., an organization focused on providing free legal advice and court representation to vulnerable woman and girls.

The training was focused on resource mobilization, grants and contracts management, and financial oversight. Participants gained valuable skills in financial management practices and learned to navigate the complexities of grants and contracts. The training also covered strategic tools such as SWOT and PESTLE analysis, helping participants assess their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, to better align their financial and strategic goals for long-term success.

NEW MARKET ASSESMENT: Junior Achievement Stakeholder Engagement Event

Launchpad Africa hosted a key event with Junior Achievement to support their exploration of entering the Sierra Leone market. We brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local business leaders, government representatives, and community influencers, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of expanding their programs in Sierra Leone. This engagement allowed Junior Achievement to assess the local market landscape, gain insights from industry experts, and build connections essential for a successful market entry.

OUTREACH: Power Fest 232, Ignite the Spark

Power Fest 232 is a networking and professional development festival that brought together entrepreneurs and professionals from various industries to promote learning, collaboration, and networking.

At the event, Launchpad Africa (LPA) engaged with over 500 young participants, introducing them to our company and building strong connections. As a result, we successfully signed up 70+ individuals to our email list, expanding our reach and growing our community.

Meet the Team

Our team boasts a collective experience of over 20 years, specializing in helping businesses and companies monetize, launch, and scale. Our expertise spans various domains, including financial management, stakeholder engagement, international development with a focus on grants and contracts, business development, communications, marketing, and advertising, with an emphasis on lead generation for direct-to-customer companies.


  • Co-Founder, Biz Dev, Media & Marketing Consultant

    Ajara Marie Bomah is a seasoned Business Development, Media Marketing, and Communication Strategist with over 18 years of professional experience. She specializes in diaspora engagement and business development in Africa, with a particular focus on facilitating innovative solutions in technology, agriculture, board governance, and the creative sectors. Her contributions have significantly impacted the growth of the Sierra Leone entrepreneurial ecosystem and women-owned businesses in Africa.


  • Co-Founder, Digital Marketing Executive

    Joe Hotagua is a seasoned Strategic Advisor with 17 years of professional experience dedicated to helping startups maximize the value of their digital assets and assisting Fortune 500 Brands in reaching their target customers through digital media advertising. He also built a social media platform with over 200k followers.

  • Co-Founder, Finance Executive

    Isaac Too, Co-Founder and Finance Executive, boasts an impressive career spanning over 18 years in Financial Management. His extensive expertise encompasses financial management, budgeting, cost control, stakeholder engagement, auditing, business development, financial analysis, and staff development. He has a rich background in both the private and public sectors, with a dedicated focus on international development.


  • Co-Founder, Nonprofit Management Executive

    Seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in international non-profit and academic sectors, with the last seven in senior roles overseeing grants and contracts management, sponsored projects, and country office operations. Deep expertise in U.S. Government grants and contracts, financial oversight, and compliance. Proven ability to develop and track KPIs, lead performance management, and support business development. Adept at using digital tools and data to market social impact projects. Known for strong communication, mentorship, and collaborative leadership.

Contact us.

EMAIL: LaunchPadAfrica20@gmail.com

USA: 4854 Eisenhower Ave, STE 357, Alexandria VA 22304

SIERRA LEONE: 40 B Riverside Drive, Freetown, Sierra Leone