Bakari Salim

MESH

Mesh is the first online community for entrepreneurs in the informal economy. Every year, millions of young people enter the job market with little hope of finding formal employment. In Kenya, less than 10% of this year's 1 million school leavers will get a white-collar job. As a result, aspirations are turning to small businesses in the informal economy. Young people are becoming entrepreneurs - and they have incredible potential. They earn double that of their peers, create work for others, and are responsible for 41% of Africa's GDP. They engage in society more too. They're 79% more likely to use financial services, 29% more likely to save, and more likely to vote. Despite this, they face significant barriers. Their networks are limited, loans are out of reach, and they aren't able to access useful, relevant training. Mesh is changing things. Launched in 2021, it's the first online community for entrepreneurs in the informal economy. We already host over 100,000 MESHERS and we are set to scale. We connect members, create opportunities and unleash the shared value in data to drive stronger economies and stronger social cohesion. Through MESH, millions more young people can take control of their future.