Yes, you’ve clicked on “Impact”, but what we are really talking about is intention and learning loops.
Data is at the core of everything we do. We employ a rigorous, data-driven approach not only to measure and evaluate our impact but also to inform our decision-making processes, optimize our learning experiences, and scale innovations. We have even institutionalized randomized controls trials in our operations by implementing a Recruit and Delay (R&D) Control design for all our cohorts.
But still, we understand (and believe) that beyond punctual measurements and metrics, to enact any change in a dynamic and complex setting such as the livelihood sector, we need to be a learning organization. This is our intention when we talk about impact.
Our commitment to learning and data-driven excellence has earned Kabakoo international acclaim, including recognition from the World Economic Forum as a leader in AI-driven education, with UNESCO and the African Union highlighting Kabakoo's innovative model.
Our operations are guided by regular impact assessment. The Kabakoo Learning Experience demonstrates its lifelong impact for our learners by igniting sustainable value creation and delivering future-oriented skills.
We measure success by regularly tracking the progress of our learners and their activities including post training. In this context, we collaborate with researchers from academic such as the University of Paderborn in Germany or the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, and many others. 18 months post-training, our learners still give Kabakoo a Net Promoter Score of 83 !
Learners going through our structured offerings are able to increase their income and revenues by a factor ranging from 3 to 8 times of pre-Kabakoo levels. They achieve such a huge outcome by designing and offering products and services responding to local issues in sustainable ways.
Some alumni are for example pioneering circular economy while others are turning shea butter, a local raw material, into highly marketable products.
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The long-term impact of Kabakoo’s training programs is evident. Our recent post-training assessments highlight several key areas of growth :
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Treatment group learners maintained strong learning habits post-training, scoring 2.1 at six months and 1.9 at 18 months, versus 1.5 for the control group. This indicates Kabakoo learners' sustained long-term learning mindset.
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42% of learners secured training-related opportunities within 6 months, with 65% of these being paid positions. At 18 months, this figure rose to 46%, with 42% of paid opportunities. This demonstrates the training's direct and lasting effect on professional growth.
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Learners in the treatment group experienced a significant income boost. After 18 months, their average income reached 120,000 FCFA, compared to 70,000 FCFA for the control group - a 71% increase, demonstrating substantial economic impact.
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After 18 months, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) remained high at 81, demonstrating that learners would enthusiastically recommend the training to others due to its significant impact.
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Having embedded futures literacy and the plurality of knowledges in our design principles, the Kabakoo Learning Experience ignites lifelong learning for thriving and climate-resilient communities.
Among the learners of our 2020 batches, the incidence of a growth mindset increases by 105% and learners’ self-confidence increases by 47%. Moreover, 90% of our learners consider that their personal and professional situation has improved as a result of the Kabakoo program.
Our highdigenous model allows us to train youths from different educational backgrounds without diploma prerequisites. 22% of our learners didn’t finish high-school. Already 30% of our learners are women, a significant share for tech-oriented education.
We also live gender equity in the Kabakoo community as we work toward gender parity in our cohorts. And since representation is key in women empowerment, we have 40% of female mentors.
Kabakoo Academies has garnered awards and significant recognition and support from a diverse range of prestigious organizations.
In April 2024, the World Economic Forum selected and highlighted us in their report "Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0" as one of nine global case studies on shaping the future of learning through AI. This adds to the feature in their 2020 report “Schools of the Future” as an inspiring and scalable example.
In 2021, Kabakoo won the Zoom EdInnovation Award and has been highlighted by UNESCO, the African Union, BBC, and many others as one of the most relevant innovations in learning and upskilling across the African continent.
Our innovative approach to education and community development has also attracted backing from:
Funding Partners: The European Union, The Agency Fund, LuxDev Mali , OIF and ChanceMaker Foundation.
Tech Collaborations: Selected for impact programs by leading tech companies such as Miro, Twilio, Airtable, Amplitude, Notion, and 8th Wall.
Our learners’ stories and achievements further demonstrate the tangible impact of Kabakoo’s model on both individual growth and community development.
Our mission extends beyond training — we aim to become a hub for data and research on the Sahelian youth. Through our studies, we seek to understand key challenges and guide decision-making on critical issues facing young people. One of our nation-wide studies named Youth of the Sahel sheds light on the challenges faced by young people in Mali and their optimism for the future. Here are some insights gathered so far.
63.3% of youth view education and training as top challenges, with 87.9% believing education is crucial for their future.
77.1% desire more skills training to enhance their professional prospects.
40.1% are concerned about the lack of job opportunities, while 59.2% aim to start their own businesses.
81.4% see technology as central to their future.
58.3% worry about climate change, while 60.3% see potential in agriculture for future development.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for education, entrepreneurial support, and access to technology, alongside solutions for employment and environmental challenges. As a data-driven organization, Kabakoo uses these insights to guide its mission, ensuring our programs directly address the most pressing needs of Sahelian youth.
