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David Ogiga
Co-founder Sote Hub - Chair Countrywide Innovation Hubs - Gratitude Network Fellow - Projects Consulting
Professional Background
David Ogiga is a dynamic leader with a robust passion for youth employment, entrepreneurship, and technology, which has driven his career towards nurturing young talents and fostering innovation across Kenya and beyond. He is best known as the Co-founder of Sote Hub, a pioneering organization dedicated to developing an entrepreneurship pipeline that bridges the gap between education and employment. Sote Hub is lauded for its unique initiatives aimed at incubating early-stage startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in sectors crucial to sustainable development, such as Agriculture, Climate Change, and technology enhancements.
Throughout his journey with Sote Hub, David has worked alongside over 50 high schools, positively impacting the lives of more than 10,000 students within rural Kenya through various projects focused on skill development and empowerment. David's commitment to creating avenues for economic opportunity not only emphasizes the importance of youth engagement but also highlights the potential for rural economies to thrive through targeted investments and resources.
His vision extends beyond Kenya as he actively engages in a multitude of projects in other East African countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. As part of his impactful contributions, David collaborated on a significant 2 million Euro project with Ten Senses, which aims to develop agro-value chains that support smallholder farmers, enhance export businesses, and bolster food security across the region.
In addition to his extensive work in entrepreneurship and development, David has a rich background in consulting, exemplified by his recent efforts with Oxfam, where he identified best practices for digitizing education in South Sudan—efforts that are especially relevant in regions facing refugee challenges. This consulting experience has allowed him to leverage his expertise towards creating sustainable solutions that enhance learning and growth in precarious environments.
Moreover, he has held significant roles such as the Programs Officer at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and served as the Managing Director at Kasigau Wildlife Trust. His rich experience in both wildlife management and social entrepreneurship brings a multifaceted perspective to his current endeavors, contributing thoughtfully to discussions about ecosystem sustainability and community well-being.
Education and Achievements
David Ogiga holds a diploma in Innovation in Business from the America Business Trust and MASHAV in Israel, an academic pursuit that has equipped him with the necessary skills to drive entrepreneurial growth and innovation. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management from Moi University in Kenya, demonstrating his commitment to understanding environmental stewardship. Furthermore, he completed an award in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies with the Sinapis Group, highlighting his dedication to fostering business acumen and sustainability within communities.
His academic credentials serve as a solid foundation for his impressive career, enabling him to effectively champion initiatives that intertwine environmental health with economic progress. David's approach underscores the vital role of agriculture and manufacturing in achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity for Africa, echoing his belief that the continent has the resources and capabilities to feed not just itself but also contribute significantly to global food security.
Notable Achievements
David is not just a thriving entrepreneur but also a passionate advocate for women in technology and youth employment, focusing particularly on empowering rural youth to harness digital tools and strategies for employment and economic advancement. His work transcends traditional boundaries; he has shared his insights and experiences as a speaker at over 15 universities across Europe, including Slovakia, Poland, Cyprus, and Germany, where he engages students and young professionals in discussions about entrepreneurship, wildlife conservation, and leveraging technology for social change. David's ability to communicate complex topics in a relatable manner has made him a sought-after speaker in academic and professional contexts.
In addition to his speaking engagements, David maintains a keen interest in wildlife and nature, particularly birdwatching, which aligns with his academic background in wildlife management. His blogs and writings reflect his enthusiasm for the natural world, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable practices in business and community development.
David Ogiga continues to explore consultancy opportunities and is open to collaborations that align with his mission of fostering innovation and empowering young entrepreneurs to realize their potential. He believes that investing in education and sustainable practices is the key to unlocking Africa’s immense potential, and he actively seeks to contribute to this narrative through his efforts at Sote Hub, Ten Senses, and various other initiatives.