Our Philosophy on Business Development for the African force.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

The Ugandan education system has taken remarkable leaps from its humble beginnings. Picture this: our great-grandparents sitting under a tree, learning life lessons through proverbs, songs, and stories—a scene straight out of a children’s storybook. Fast forward almost 200 years and sprinkle in a rather uninvited guest appearance from colonisation, which brought its own “curriculum”: less about the wisdom of the elders and more about shaping clerks for the empire. Unfortunately, the tree in some rural areas might still exist, but what’s being taught beneath it has taken a dramatic turn from storytelling to standardised tests and subjects that might make our ancestors raise an eyebrow—or two.

Every time a new idea is introduced, it tends to cause some agitation, and formal schooling was no exception. Not everyone was able to climb the glittering new ladder to success that it brought with it when it initially appeared. Additionally, it created a rift between people, as some were able to finance the ascent while others were left to observe from the same location beneath the tree where they used to congregate for wisdom and storytelling. Suddenly, the tree seems to have come to represent the gap between the “in” crowd and the rest of the population.

As Teesa, we prefer to think of society as being divided into two groups: Omuntu wa Bulijjo, the common person with little to no formal education, and Omuntu Wa Wano, the educated, literate person who is not only online but also involved in international discourse. The Omuntu Wa Wano, or the educated youth, are somewhat in the lurch while the government’s efforts have mostly been directed towards aiding the Omuntu wa Bulijjo.

This is an opportunity for Teesa. Frequently, the Omuntu Wa Wano is the one who has the credentials but is unemployed, sitting at home after years of education. It’s not just a local problem; the Brain Drain, or Japa as our Nigerian friends prefer to call it, is one of Africa’s growing problems. There is a shortage of skilled workers in the area as thousands of intelligent young people depart their nations in search of better prospects outside.

Due to economic hardships and a lack of educational and professional prospects, more than half of young Africans between the ages of 18 and 24 are thinking of leaving their country in the next few years. This trend is especially noticeable in nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, where workers in industries like technology and healthcare are emigrating in pursuit of greater opportunities elsewhere. For example, in Cameroon, the shortage of critical workers worsened when about one-third of medical school graduates fled the nation in a single year. These figures point to a developing crisis: the brain drain is impeding African countries’ ability to expand and develop while simultaneously decreasing the number of highly qualified individuals on the continent (Council on Foreign Relations, 2023; Global Development Institute, 2022).

This is a crucial gap in our opinion at Teesa. Though they require a platform to flourish, the Omuntu Wa Wano are ready to contribute, hungry for possibilities, and eager to make an impact. We are therefore committed to developing solutions that enable this group to establish themselves here and avoid feeling compelled to relocate in search of a better future. The educated young people are, after all, Uganda’s and Africa’s future. It’s time to help them, invest in them, and maintain them where they belong.

Although everyone must have access to the tools they require for success, concentrating efforts on upskilling the Omuntu Wa Wano provides a more effective and significant strategy. It takes less time and money for this group to be completely prepared and empowered since they are informed and connected. By making investments in them, we can spark a swift change that will benefit the Omuntu Wa Bulijjo. To facilitate more extensive systemic change, the advantages will trickle down to those who might still be in the early stages of schooling the sooner we raise the Omuntu Wa Wano.

Think about this as we look to the future: How can we better help the educated youth, known as Omuntu Wa Wano, and what part do you think they can play in changing Africa’s future? How do we foster an atmosphere that attracts talent and promotes regional development when so many people are fleeing the continent in search of better opportunities?
How can we empower the Omuntu Wa Wano for inclusive, sustainable growth while also attending to the concerns of the Omuntu Wa Bulijjo? The path to a better tomorrow can be shaped by your thoughts and deeds now.

Join the movement and stay connected by following us on Instagram at @weareteesa and LinkedIn at Teesa as we work together to empower Africa’s educated youth and create lasting change.