Private equity investor Joe Manning has volunteered twice as a TechnoServe Fellow—first helping Tanzanian coffee farmers in 2010, then returning 15 years later with his family to support Kenyan entrepreneurs. His hands-on experience has made him a passionate advocate for TechnoServe's business-focused approach to fighting poverty.
Starting a business is never easy—especially in a sector where there are few women entrepreneurs. Joyce Chika overcame financial barriers and beliefs that as a woman she is not suited to work in Botswana's tourism sector, to build No. 1 Lady Tours and Safaris. With support from the Tokafala program, she turned her passion into a thriving business that also supports young entrepreneurs. Tokafala is implemented by TechnoServe and is a collaboration between the Government of Botswana, Debswana, De Beers Group, and Anglo American.
Test your knowledge of global poverty and learn how business solutions are making a difference in the fight against poverty.
They've proved that a profitable business can go hand in hand with social impact. Hear three entrepreneurs share in their own words how they built their businesses and why they are hopeful for the future.
Learn how Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are helping cocoa farmers invest in their farms, start small enterprises, and manage unexpected costs.
The VerdeXcelerate program will strengthen startups that are developing innovative tools to tackle the productivity, sustainability, and market access challenges faced by thousands of small and medium-scale farmers in six countries across the region.
El programa VerdeXcelerate fortalecerá startups que desarrollan herramientas innovadoras para enfrentar los desafíos de productividad, sostenibilidad y acceso a mercados que afectan a miles de pequeños y medianos productores agrícolas en seis países de la región.
Learn how young entrepreneurs are gaining the skills and resources they need to build businesses that thrive economically and contribute to environmental conservation.
This year has been one of tremendous change and uncertainty for many of us. As 2025 winds down, we asked TechnoServe staff to reflect on what sparks gratitude in their personal and professional lives. These are some of their thoughts. We hope it inspires you to connect with the bright spots in your year as you look back.
In our second episode, former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios warns of the impact of the agency’s shutdown and outlines his vision for the next era of U.S. foreign aid.
