We are thrilled to recognize Andrew Hohmann as The Voice of Africa’s Intern of the Week! Born and raised in New York City, Andrew brings a unique blend of passion for cultural exploration, philanthropy, and business development to our team. His diverse interests, ranging from reading comic books and cooking international cuisines to traveling to historically rich destinations, contribute to his well-rounded perspective on global issues.
Andrew’s journey into the business world began with his Eagle Scout Project, a pivotal experience that highlighted his innate leadership and organizational skills. For his project, he led a homeless outreach initiative in New York City during the harsh winter months, an endeavor that taught him the value of building and managing impactful projects. This formative experience cemented his desire to pursue a career in business, where he sees limitless possibilities to create and innovate.
In April 2024, Andrew attended the Yale African Innovation Symposium, an event that deepened his understanding of the challenges facing the African continent. Inspired by the discussions and convinced of the need for increased private investment in Africa, he was particularly moved by a panel featuring Kadmiel Van Der Puije, who articulated a vision of leveraging private investment for African development. This encounter led to further discussions and eventually, an internship opportunity with The Voice of Africa.
One of Andrew’s most memorable moments at The Voice of Africa was during his first Zoom conversation with Kadmiel. Their discussion about increasing agricultural output in Malawi left Andrew astonished when Kadmiel mentioned the possibility of connecting him with the head of agriculture in Malawi. This experience underscored the level of access and influence that The Voice of Africa wields, inspiring Andrew to think big about his potential impact.
Although he is relatively new to the team, Andrew is eager to dive into projects that he can take pride in. He envisions contributing to the development of African infrastructure, particularly through the construction of railways and ports with investments from the UAE or the USA. He believes that improving these industries will significantly enhance intracontinental connectivity and create economic opportunities for all Africans.
Andrew identifies the lack of investor interest as a major barrier to African development. He advocates for positive media coverage of African economic opportunities to shift global perceptions and attract more investment. Through his work at The Voice of Africa, Andrew aims to develop a viable business model that connects African projects with investment opportunities from the UAE and the USA.
Looking ahead, Andrew plans to earn a degree from the Yale School of Management or the Stanford School of Business within the next five years. Post-graduation, he hopes to immerse himself in the philanthropic world, securing grants to undertake projects and launch companies that address social issues he is passionate about.
A fun fact about Andrew: he has attended eight different Renaissance Fairs, reflecting his love for unique cultural experiences and historical exploration.
Congratulations, Andrew Hohmann! Your enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to making a difference are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the remarkable contributions you will continue to make at The Voice of Africa and beyond.