The view on sub-Saharan Africa is changing. No longer do stories of tribal wars, starving children and endemic diseases dominate the updates from the region. A new, more hopeful and optimistic picture is emerging; a reality of solid GDP-growth, more widely practiced reasonably free and fair elections, and a wealth of natural resources that range from oil and gas to diamonds and rare minerals.
... Continue Reading >>Louise grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and studied International Business at the University of Stockholm. From a young age she has been a passionate traveller and was always keen on living abroad. The majority of her professional career since graduation has been in management consulting and investment banking in the City of London, helping different clients to respond to unprecedented challenges and delivering sustainable transformation with global remit. Inspired by the global conversation on sustainability and the role of corporate leaders, Louise decided to leave London to support this agenda at its roots in the developing world. Based in Nairobi, Louise has leveraged her experience of strategic change to help nations generate youth employment and responsible leaders by teaching leadership and entrepreneurship to vulnerable communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Louise now aspires to pursue an international MBA as a springboard into social entrepreneurship and is very excited about the practical experience and knowledge that she will be able to acquire as a Kiva Fellow.
Fellows Blog Posts by Louise Ronnerdahl
Mar 22, 2013
Rwanda
In a post-conflict country like Rwanda, the level of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially amongst women, continues to amaze me. Urwego Opportunity International has more than 50% female borrowers. Many women, post-genocide, embarked on the entrepreneurial route as a way of supporting their families and move towards a more prosperous future. I am curious to hear their stories, and how their lives have improved as a result of hard work and... Continue Reading >>
In a post-conflict country like Rwanda, the level of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially amongst women, continues to amaze me. Urwego Opportunity International has more than 50% female borrowers. Many women, post-genocide, embarked on the entrepreneurial route as a way of supporting their families and move towards a more prosperous future. I am curious to hear their stories, and how their lives have improved as a result of hard work and... Continue Reading >>
Feb 22, 2013
Global Update
When I write this, I have just arrived in my new hometown for the next four months, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Slowly I am getting used to being in one place for more than two consecutive weeks after having spent the past few months travelling over three continents to twelve countries with more than 200 hours on at least... Continue Reading >>
Feb 5, 2013
Rwanda
On the plane to Kigali for my Kiva Fellowship at Urwego Opportunity International, I realise that my knowledge of Rwanda, the country of a thousand hills, is limited to the famous mountain gorillas and the tragic history of genocide in 1994. I have little idea of what the people and the country will be like. Wary of the fact that everyone over 19 years old must have a significant story, I approach the city and its people with cautious optimism. I should not have been worried. Everywhere I go, gracious, smiling and incredibly polite people greet me. With a combination of...
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