Shamba Box Founder Cultivates Gender Inclusion at Nairobi Bootcamp

In the bustling city of Nairobi, where innovation meets tradition, a select group of visionaries gathered for a transformative experience. Among them was Mr. Seth Charles Mkisi, the Founder and Managing Director of Shamba Box, an organization dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture and food systems in Tanzania. His journey into the heart of Nairobi was not just physical but also a step toward fostering greater gender diversity within Shamba Box.

The invitation to the Gender Smart Bootcamp arrived in Mr. Mkisi’s inbox as a testament to his commitment to the GameChangerX initiative. Shamba Box had been chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants, demonstrating the organization’s potential to be a catalyst for change. The immersive, in-person bootcamp was scheduled from November 28 to 30, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya — a hub of innovation and a fitting backdrop for the transformative journey that lay ahead.

The initiative, made possible by the generous support of GIZ’s Make-IT in Africa program, aimed to empower ecosystem support organizations in their quest for greater gender diversity. Value for Women, in partnership with Make-IT in Africa, curated an experience that promised not just theoretical knowledge but tangible outcomes for the participants.

The bootcamp’s goal was clear — to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to apply a gender lens to their organizations. Shamba Box was tasked with developing a Gender Inclusion Roadmap, a tangible output of their engagement during the 2.5-day intensive program.

The bootcamp promised not only expert guidance but also opportunities for 1:1 peer learning and consultations. The diverse range of organizations present ensured a melting pot of ideas and experiences, fostering an environment where each participant could learn from their peers.

The expected outcomes were ambitious yet practical. Shamba Box and its counterparts left the bootcamp with a deepened understanding of gender dynamics, armed with a personalized Gender Self-Assessment Report and a concrete plan for fostering gender inclusion within their organizations.

The initiative went beyond the bootcamp, offering participants the chance to be featured in a case study and gain visibility in front of investors and the sector. Shamba Box, through its founder, Mr. Mkisi, had the opportunity to receive world-class, tailored Gender Smart Advisory Service — a testament to the commitment of GameChangerX in ensuring long-term impact.

As Mr. Mkisi embarked on this journey, he carried not only the aspirations of Shamba Box but also the responsibility of being part of a larger movement — empowering African digital innovation ecosystems to become ‘future-ready,’ resilient, and sustainable.

The Gender Smart Bootcamp was not just a milestone for Shamba Box; it was a beacon of change in the landscape of African innovation. Through initiatives like GameChangerX, the path to gender equality and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was being paved, one organization at a time.

Congratulations to Mr. Seth Charles Mkisi and Shamba Box for seizing the opportunity to accelerate their organization’s gender impact. May this journey inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the African entrepreneurial landscape.