Augustine Degorl II on Entrepreneurship & Africa’s Growth at Yale Africa Innovation Symposium

At the 2025 Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS), Augustine Degorl II, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of an education-focused cybersecurity company, delivered an insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, education, and Africa’s economic growth. His company focuses on up skilling individuals in rural areas and creating outsourcing hubs to provide sustainable employment opportunities.

Bridging the Gap: Education and Technology in Africa

As a speaker at YAIS, Augustine participated in a case study focused on Uganda, analyzing educational and technological gaps in the country. His team explored innovative solutions, including the development of SIM cards preloaded with educational content. These SIM cards would enable access to learning resources in rural communities without reliable internet connectivity.

“Part of what we did was think through how we could develop SIM cards with pre-downloaded content that we can distribute to rural areas,” Augustine explained. “That way, people without Internet can still access learning.”

This initiative aligns with his broader vision of leveraging technology to drive sustainable development and economic inclusion across the continent.

A Special Environment for Innovation

Reflecting on the symposium, Augustine expressed admiration for the energy and intellectual depth present at YAIS. “Being around this many smart people is extremely tiring,” he joked. “There’s just so much energy in one place, and it was really special.”

More than just an academic conference, YAIS provided a platform for African entrepreneurs and thought leaders to collaborate on viable solutions for the continent. Augustine emphasized the need for investors to recognize Africa’s potential at an earlier stage.

“Investors should be paying attention to Africans earlier. We actually don’t need saviors. We have a lot of answers,” he asserted. “This environment was super special, and I wish I had these platforms when I was in school.”

The Voice of Africa: A Platform for Exposure

When asked about the role of The Voice of Africa in empowering African entrepreneurs, Augustine underscored the importance of exposure.

“We obviously don’t always have access to in-person mentorship, and I believe mentorship is the way that you can collapse time,” he said. “The Voice of Africa can give people exposure—to more people with ideas, more kinds of education, and more possibilities.”

He believes that expanding African voices and innovations to a global audience will drive long-term economic growth and inspire future generations.

“The word for The Voice of Africa should be exposure. Just expose as many people as you possibly can to the world’s possibilities.”

Why Ghana is a Prime Destination for Investment

Speaking on Ghana’s potential, Augustine highlighted the country’s unique economic landscape. While Ghana’s natural resources have attracted investment, he believes its true strength lies in its people.

“Ghana is a very exposed place. If you’re looking to go fast, invest in a place like Ghana where the palette is extremely ready for investment,” he explained. “A lot of places look beautiful, but the people themselves are not economies. In Ghana, the people are economies.”

By investing in Ghana, Augustine believes that entrepreneurs and investors alike will find a dynamic, innovation-driven environment poised for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Augustine Degorl II’s presence at YAIS reinforced the role of entrepreneurship and education in Africa’s future. His insights on technology-driven learning, the power of mentorship, and the readiness of African markets highlight key opportunities for investment and growth. As platforms like The Voice of Africa continue to amplify African entrepreneurs, the future of the continent’s economy looks increasingly bright.