Donate to support MFAI’s new Africa fund campaign
MFAI Kenya and Zimbabwe are raising $5,000 to strengthen farmer groups, improve quality handling, and expand into new markets, including the U.S.
Challenge Ends: 31st March 2026
Each dollar donated will be matched by New Africa Fund
Contact Information
+263 772839436 | +254725 864556
Our Initiatives
Youth-led hybrid training strengthening gender equality advocacy and inclusive development practice.
A virtual exchange seminar exploring Africa’s place in the world through African-centered perspectives.
A fully funded residential practicum connecting youth agripreneurs with mentors and investors.
Our Mission
We advance innovative problem-solving interventions that intentionally address urgent life challenges facing often marginalized populations, with a focus on leadership, inclusion, and opportunity across Africa and beyond.
We equip youth and emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in decision-making, governance, and community transformation.
We center women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups by designing initiatives that challenge exclusion and promote inclusive leadership and institutional change.
We foster cross-cultural learning and partnerships that position Africa as a contributor to global knowledge, innovation, and policy conversations.
We collaborate with universities, funders, and institutions to advance African-led innovation and leadership
Our History
Founded in 2018, Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) is a not-for-profit organisation rooted in a growing professional network of African leaders and scholars. What began as an agribusiness-focused initiative has evolved into a continental movement with active chapters across Africa, advancing leadership, inclusion, and innovative responses to complex social challenges through education, exchange, and partnership.
Alumni views
This seminar will blow your mind with insightful discussions about the true African identity, hidden histories, Africa’s strengths, and challenges! Get ready to be amazed at the discoveries you will make about the continent’s spiraling shades of colonialism and how the populace have been shaped to often times than not, romanticize the ideas that even cripple them!
What I found most interesting while reading and reviewing the applications was the level of specificity some applicants demonstrated. It was evident that their gender statistics were well articulated, and they clearly defined the development issues they sought to address. In several cases, I found myself learning from their work. As I continued reviewing, I also noticed a number of innovative ideas that reflected both experience and evidence-based approaches to gender and development.
The training was well structured and engaging. I recommend maintaining the interactive approach and continuing to link theory to real-life applications, especially in community and development contexts. Future trainings could include more breakout group discussions and additional time for practical exercises, such as peer review of poster presentations or capstone ideas.
