Acclaimed British-Ghanaian actress and philanthropist Adjoa Andoh, widely known for her role as Lady Danbury in Netflix’s Bridgerton, has joined the Advisory Board of ScaleUp Africa, a philanthropy membership community.
Africa has the world’s fastest-growing youth population, yet local businesses, especially those led by women and young entrepreneurs struggle to access the right type of support and resources needed to alleviate the impact of poverty with a view to long-term prosperity.
Women own a quarter of informal and formal businesses on the continent but face a $42 billion financing gap, making it even harder to thrive, scale and compete.
For years, remittances from the African diaspora have quietly outstripped foreign aid three times over, yet, these funds remain an untapped tool for structured investment that could help close Africa’s socio-economic funding gaps and support high-impact economic initiatives led by women and youth.
ScaleUp Africa has long championed this shift by building programs with its community partners, which include women’s economic empowerment groups and associations, that have connected over 10,000 African social entrepreneurs with diaspora impact investments, advocating for long-term development solutions, beyond traditional philanthropy and aid.
ScaleUp Africa has worked across sectors including agribusiness, film, and tech to equip social enterprises, impact initiatives, nonprofits and their leaders with the tools, mentorship, and grants they need to become self-sufficient.
ScaleUp Africa is doubling down on direct diaspora development and philanthropy activism, unlocking new socio-economic opportunities for communities.
“Now, more than ever, there is a growing appetite of Africans and friends of Africa to contribute more effectively and meaningfully to Africa’s growth on its own terms,” said Adjoa Andoh.
“I am excited to support ScaleUp Africa in their mission to ensure that Africa’s productive workforce and communities have more direct access to the right support, resources, and networks needed to thrive.”
Amma Gyampo Co-founder of ScaleUp Africa commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Adjoa Andoh to our Advisory Board. ScaleUp Africa is a locally-led movement connecting philanthropic and progressive individuals seeking more effective new ways to advance impact and development in Africa through unique, direct experiences, learning, guidance and community – that is what our private membership is all about” said Gyampo.
“Adjoa embodies the bridge between Africa, the diaspora and a global audience interested in racial and social justice. Her belief in our vision will be instrumental in the next phase of our community economic development plans; shifting narratives about how we develop the continent through collaboration.”
Beyond her award-winning career, Andoh has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as social and economic empowerment
