South Africa’s African Leadership Academy (ALA), an education institution has raised a fresh $28.19 million Series B. The new fund came from long-time backer – Omidyar Network, according to their SEC filings. The platform secured investment through three disclosed funding rounds – all from Omidyar Network.
Founded in 2004 by Acha Leke, Chris Bradford, Fred Swaniker and Peter Mombaur – a residential, secondary institution located in the suburbs of Johannesburg, ALA seeks to transform Africa by developing a powerful network of over 6,000 leaders to address Africa’s greatest challenges, achieve extraordinary social impact and accelerate the continent’s growth trajectory.
Omidyar Network announced its first $1.5 million grant in May 2011. A $23.51 million Series A followed in April 2016 according to the SEC filing. In total, the academic institution has raised at least $53.2 million in disclosed funding.
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To date, the platform has 1180 young leaders in their network. These come from at least 46 countries and have started a total of 177 ventures.
It offers a suite of educational programs for young leaders aged 13 – 22 and ranges from Global Scholars Program (GSP) – A 10-day or 18-day, global leadership summer program for teens aged 13-19, Catalyst Term (Study Abroad/Gap Year) – a study abroad experience for secondary students from around the world to develop as social innovators, and Model African Union – A conference designed to provide young leaders with an opportunity to explore the inner workings of the African Union, and to practice international diplomacy by assuming the roles of African leaders.
