MFAI-Uganda is a registered NGO in Uganda and the secretariat of the 3 MFAI Chapters. Started in 2018 as a professional network of returning PFP alumni from MSU, the network evolved from an agribusiness-focused entity into a continental-reaching organization with a vision to become a nexus of innovation across Africa. To achieve this vision, MFAI Uganda advances innovative problem-solving interventions that intentionally address life challenges for often marginalized populations such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Nearly 200 emerging leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs join our organization annually as interns, apprentices, fellows, volunteers, and mentors. We are a woman- and youth-centered organization with strong partnerships including the U.S. Missions Uganda, Michigan State University (MSU) Alliance for African Partnerships (AAP), African Studies Center (ASC), Makerere University (MaK), St. Lawrence University (SLAU), and Grassroots Strategies Africa (GSA).

Chapter Strategic Objectives

• Share U.S exchange experiences and amplify common values, norms, and practices in work and service.
• Encourage bold ideas and solutions that address life challenges through professional training programs.
• Build synergies with academic institutions to advance evidence-based solutions that challenge systemic barriers to meaningful women and youth participation and equal benefit in agriculture, health, and education.
• Contribute to socio-economic efforts and infrastructure through innovative programs that amplify diverse, equitable, and inclusive opportunities for all.

Current Projects

Agribusiness Apprenticeship Program (AgAP) 2019. This flagship program trained 30 agripreneurs in innovation, networking, fundraising, and research across three residential cohorts. Alumni have since formed a professional network and achieved success across the continent.

Ecourse4 for Emerging Community Leaders in Uganda – 2021 to date. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, this program trained 190 emerging social entrepreneurs, advocates, students, and leaders nationwide. The course focused on leadership, civic participation, project management, and fundraising.

Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership and Training – 2022. Supported by MSU-AAP, this initiative promoted sensitivity to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through transformative institutional workshops aimed at increasing the representation of marginalized groups in leadership.

Pearl of Africa Civic Engagement (PACE) Academy – 2023 to date. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, this project delivers civic education to secondary school learners across Uganda, modeled after the University of Georgia’s African Civic Engagement Academy.

Core Values

• Accountability: We deliver on our commitments and are loyal to our partners.
• Bold Ideas: We encourage individual creativity for shared growth.
• Collegiality: We care about our colleagues’ needs as our own.
• Discipline: Charity begins at home and guides our success.
• Thought Leadership: We believe in thoughtful decision-making and full responsibility for our actions.