About JA Africa
JA Africa prepares Africa’s youth for the future of jobs.
Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we empower young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. With a presence in 16 countries in Africa, JA reaches over 390,000 young people each year.
JA programs were first introduced in sub-Saharan Africa in 1979.
Our Mission
Inspire and prepare young people in Africa to succeed in a global economy.
Our Vision
Young Africans have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.
Our History
JA was founded in the US in 1919 by Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph; Horace Moses, president of Strathmore Paper Co.; and Senator Murray Crane of Massachusetts. Its first program, JA Company Program®, was offered to high school students on an after-school basis. Over the last 40 years, JA Africa has expanded its activities and broadened its scope to include in-school and out of school students
Our Leadership
Mr. Charles Olumuyiwa Moyela, a Strategic Communications Consultant, chairs the JA Africa Board of Directors. JA Africa board members represent a wide range of businesses and academic institutions around the world.
Simi Nwogugu is the Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa.