As African children grow up in a hyper-connected digital world, the urgency to ensure their safety online has never been greater. From cyberbullying to screen addiction, the risks are real — but so are the opportunities to guide them toward a healthier, more empowered digital future. In response to this growing need, Muna Kalati  hosted a webinar titled “Online Safety for Children in an Unfiltered Digital Age,” bringing together child safety advocates, educators, and caregivers in an interactive conversation focused on protecting young users while nurturing their digital curiosity. The session took place on Saturday, 24th May, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:55 PM , with a dedicated group of 20 participants  joining the live discussion. Emmanuel Adepa Agbanyo  served as moderator, ensuring an engaging and participatory atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and questions. Meet the Speakers Two experts in child welfare and digital literacy led the session: · Confidence Osein , child safety advocate and digital parenting educator · Kwame Nyatuame , social educator and advocate for digital well-being Together, they shared actionable insights grounded in both expertise and empathy, helping participants navigate the complexities of raising children in today’s digital environment. Key Insights & Practical Takeaways From Confidence Osein Be Present and Empowered Confidence emphasized the importance of active digital parenting . Rather than acting as digital watchdogs, caregivers must become digital partners— engaging, exploring, and learning alongside their children. Her core message: “Don’t leave children as digital orphans.” Some of her key recommendations included · Collaborate with children in managing their digital lives — treat them as partners, not problems. · Be approachable. Children must feel safe coming to you when something goes wrong. · Have open conversations about what they can and can’t do online — and explain why. · Use tools like multi-factor authentication and teach their importance. · Report abusive content and preserve evidence if an incident occurs. · Be kind and respectful online — children will follow your lead. From Kwame Nyatuame Mind the Signs and Lead by Example Kwame challenged participants to rethink their relationship with technology and model healthier digital habits for children. His central concern: “Technology is a tool — how are we using it to build a society where everyone can thrive?” He encouraged caregivers to: · Pay close attention to sudden mood shifts and secretive behavior around devices. · Observe children’s emotional responses during and after screen time. · Reflect on their own tech habits — children imitate what they see. · Prioritize mental health support, including professional counseling when needed. A Step Forward for Safer Childhoods This webinar wasn't just a conversation — it was a call to action. From practical safety steps to the emotional intelligence required in digital parenting, the session empowered attendees with the knowledge and mindset to become champions of online safety. As Muna Kalati continues its mission to nurture culturally authentic, child-centered content across Africa, conversations like these remain at the heart of our work. Together, we can build a digital world where every African child feels safe, seen, and supported.

Muna Kalati , an organization dedicated to enhancing access to culturally relevant children's literature in Africa, has been selected to join Cohort 4 of the UNICEF Startup Lab . This initiative, launched in 2019, aims to support impactful startups and businesses working towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for children and young people.  Muna Kalati Joins UNICEF Startup Lab Cohort 4 to Advance Children's Literacy in Africa Out of a pool of over 500 applicants, Muna Kalati emerged as one of the final 25 startups chosen for the accelerator program. These startups represent diverse sectors, including education, health, agritech, fintech, and climate action. Muna Kalati's focus on providing access to diverse children's content to improve foundational literacy skills aligns perfectly with the goals of the Startup Lab.  At the heart of Muna Kalati's participation in the program is their innovative solution called Readopia. This centralized platform aims to promote African children's books by bringing together an extensive catalog from various African publishers. With advanced search functionalities, interactive features, and a user-friendly interface, Readopia seeks to address the critical need for a centralized platform in the African literary landscape. Aside ebooks, Readopia also contains audiobooks and animated videos positively projecting the African culture and identity to children and young adults.   The Executive Director of Muna Kalati, Christian Elongue , expressed excitement about the organization's participation in the UNICEF Startup Lab. "It was a joy to know we were selected for UNICEF Startup Lab. This is a validation of the value and interest of the mobile app that we are developing. Participating in it will help us make significant progress thanks to the technical training and support that we'll be receiving," he stated.  Over the next six months, Muna Kalati aims to gain invaluable insights and knowledge through the Readopia project. Collaboration with UNICEF program specialists will enable them to refine our product and ensure that Readopia effectively meets the needs of its target audience. Additionally, access to global funding opportunities, including the UNICEF Venture Fund , will support the scaling of the project to reach even more children across Africa.  "I anticipate learning best practices in project management, technology development, and content curation from industry experts, which will be instrumental in driving the success of Readopia. I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with UNICEF and leveraging their expertise and resources to create positive change in African communities through literacy and education," Christian remarked.  Eno Kwatemaa , Communications Officer for Muna Kalati also shared her expectations.  “The Readopia project is a commendable initiative that aims to promote reading among children in Africa. With guidance and support from the UNICEF Startup Lab, I anticipate the successful completion of this project, transforming it into a Public Digital Good accessible to children, parents, and African book professionals”.   The UNICEF Startup Lab offers a range of benefits to participating startups, including funding for product development, global investment opportunities, access to a wide network of partners, practical business acceleration, and direct access to resources and social sector program experts. Muna Kalati's Readopia project is poised to address several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.  The UNICEF Startup Lab , led by UNICEF in Ghana and supported by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and MEST Africa , serves as a co-creation space and incubator for innovative solutions that benefit children and young people. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the program aims to drive positive change and create a brighter future for the most vulnerable.  As reported by:  UNICEF Ghana https://www.unicef.org/ghana/press-releases/unicef-startup-lab-welcomes-2024-cohort Graphic Online https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-unicef-startup-lab-25-social-impact-ventures-sharpen-skills.html The Business and Financial Times https://thebftonline.com/2024/05/09/unicef-startup-lab-welcomes-2024-cohort/

Muna Kalati, the Pan-African organization championing access to African children’s literature, recently deepened its global engagement by participating in a learning and networking initiative hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education . As one of the world’s leading platforms for business strategy and innovation, the conference provided Muna Kalati with an opportunity to explore transformative ideas around entrepreneurship, digital growth, and customer-centric design.  The initiative allowed Muna Kalati to engage with a global community of thought leaders, innovators, and academics who are shaping the future of business and technology . Through case-based learning sessions and strategic workshops, the team was able to draw actionable insights that are now fueling the evolution of the Muna Kalati App , its flagship digital platform for distributing African children’s books in diverse formats, including eBooks, audiobooks, and animations.  Participation in the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference Pitch significantly influenced the way Muna Kalati approaches innovation. The team has adopted strategic frameworks such as customer journey mapping and value proposition alignment to better cater to its key audiences: educators, parents, children, writers, and publishers. These insights drive a deeper understanding of user behavior, content relevance, and platform design, while ensuring the app maintains its cultural authenticity.  The engagement also enabled Muna Kalati to refine its business model. Exposure to ideas such as lean experimentation and ecosystem thinking has strengthened the organization’s approach to scaling the app sustainably. This has included reevaluating monetization strategies, improved content targeting, and enhancing user experience without compromising the richness of African storytelling.  “This experience challenged us to think bigger and more globally. It reminded us that African innovation, when well-positioned, can lead the world in educational transformation,” said Esther Antonio , a lead team member at Muna Kalati. Christiana Eleh  added, “We came out with stronger clarity on how to scale the Muna Kalati App while staying true to our roots. The exposure was a game-changer.”  Muna Kalati’s participation is more than a professional milestone; it marks a pivotal moment in its mission to build a globally respected, Africa-rooted educational platform. As the organization continues to innovate, these global insights are shaping a powerful vision for how African stories can educate and inspire children around the world.

Muna Kalati, the Pan-African organization advancing children’s access to culturally relevant literature, recently presented its flagship educational technology platform, the Muna Kalati App , at the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC)  pitch event. This engagement offered a vital opportunity for international exposure, strategic feedback, and network expansion as Muna Kalati positions itself for future growth in global markets.  The UKGCC, known for facilitating bilateral trade and innovation exchange between Ghana and the United Kingdom, hosted the session to spotlight emerging Ghanaian enterprises with potential for international impact. For Muna Kalati, the occasion provided a unique space to present its digital solution aimed at transforming early childhood learning through African storytelling.  The Muna Kalati App  is a comprehensive digital platform offering a curated library of African children’s literature in interactive eBook, audiobook, and animated formats. Designed to preserve cultural authenticity while enhancing learning experiences, the app also features multilingual support and edutainment content for engagement. The platform seeks to bridge the gap between traditional African storytelling and modern digital education, especially for African communities.  During the pitch session, UKGCC members offered valuable feedback that touched on business strategy, international market alignment, and potential collaborative opportunities . The insights are helping Muna Kalati refine its value proposition for diverse audiences and better tailor its expansion strategy for diaspora and Commonwealth markets.  While the interaction did not establish a formal partnership, it marked a significant step in Muna Kalati’s journey toward international visibility. According to Emmanuel Agbanyo , project lead at Muna Kalati, “Engaging with the UKGCC gave us invaluable insight into how to position our app for global relevance without losing our African essence. It affirmed the growing interest in culturally grounded educational content.”  Patrick Insaidoo , marketing rep, emphasized the session’s strategic value: “The feedback we received is helping us rethink our go-to-market strategy and identify the right partners to support our global mission.”  Muna Kalati’s pitch at the UKGCC event exemplifies how African-led initiatives can leverage global platforms to amplify their mission. As the organization continues its journey, this experience represents both a milestone and a catalyst for deeper engagement with international stakeholders in the education and cultural innovation sectors.

Muna Kalati continues to make waves on the innovation stage, this time standing out at the Access Bank Women-Preneur Pitch-a-thon 2025   with a dynamic and passionate pitch delivered by Scortia Quansah , one of the rising stars of the Muna Kalati ambassador team.  Her presentation highlighted Muna Kalati’s mission to empower African children, particularly girls, through animation and digital storytelling that centers African heritage and values. Her pitch earned applause and recognition from judges for its clarity, passion, and strong potential for impact across the continent.  “We are not just creating content, we are reshaping the way African children see themselves,”   said Scortia Quansah  after the pitch. “Through culturally relevant animations and a strong focus on digital skills for youth , especially young women, Muna Kalati is building a future where our stories and identities take center stage. Being part of this platform is both a validation and a call to do more.”  The Women-Preneur  Pitch -a-thon , hosted annually by Access Bank , provides visibility, support, and funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 2024 cohort, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking, Pearl Nkrumah , reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs as a means of fostering economic growth.  “It’s truly an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate a significant milestone, the 2024 Womenpreneur pitch-a-thon graduation. We, at Access Bank, embarked on this flagship program ten years ago, starting from a group office in Nigeria," she stated. This year’s competition drew hundreds of applications from across Ghana and West Africa, with only a select few making it to the final pitching round.   Muna Kalati’s participation reaffirmed its unique place at the intersection of technology, education, and cultural preservation.  Scortia’s performance inspired attendees and fellow participants. Gifty Agyeman , a young entrepreneur at the event, remarked, “Scortia brought so much energy and vision to the stage. Her passion for storytelling and African children’s education is contagious. Muna Kalati is doing something compelling.”

Muna Kalati, a pioneering organization promoting African children’s literature and digital education, earned national recognition at Ghana’s prestigious Presidential Pitch competition , organized by the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) under the Ministry of Business Development. The initiative spotlights innovative startups led by young Ghanaians that are driving social and economic impact.  At the heart of Muna Kalati’s presentation was its flagship product, the Muna Kalati App , a digital learning platform offering culturally relevant eBooks, audiobooks, and animations for African children. The app aims to improve literacy, promote inclusive education, and amplify African storytelling by making accessible, diverse content available to schools, parents, and communities.  Participating in the Presidential Pitch proved transformative for the organization. The event not only gave Muna Kalati national visibility but also unlocked access to strategic mentorship, seed funding, and crucial networks with policymakers and investors. These new opportunities significantly accelerated the app’s growth and reach. This prestigious event was graced with the presence of H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo , the President of the Republic of Ghana  “Pitching at the Presidential Pitch gave us more than visibility. It validated our mission to empower African children through culturally relevant education,” said Queen Stewart,  a team member at Muna Kalati.  “It was inspiring to share a stage with Ghana’s brightest young innovators. The support from NEIP is helping us grow the app faster and smarter,” added Christiana Eleh , Partnership Officer for Muna Kalati.  Muna Kalati’s success at the Presidential Pitch reaffirms the transformative role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing Africa’s educational challenges. With its growing recognition and ongoing improvements, the Muna Kalati App is well on its way to becoming a cornerstone of children’s digital learning  across the continent.

Muna Kalati, a leading EdTech championing Afrocentric children’s content and digital skills development, emerged as one of the top winners at the Innovest Afrika Demo Day held on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The event, which brought together some of the most promising startups and social ventures across the continent, concluded with Muna Kalati taking home the Best Pitch Award , first place for the Business Support Prize , and selection as one of four ventures to receive funding  from Innovest Afrika.  Christian Elongue, Executive Director of Muna Kalati, delivered a compelling pitch that highlighted the organization's innovative work in empowering African children through culturally relevant stories on the Muna Kalati app, experienced mentors  Sydney- Scott Sam,   Spiff Moses , Zion Thompson , Daniel Kwaku Merki , and investors such as Nicholas Carl Clerk  from Renew Capital, Eugene Tawiah , Chief Executive Officer at SecondSTAX, and Hon. Malik Basintale , the CEO of  "Youth Employment Agency (YEA) Ghana . They all praised the clarity of Muna Kalati’s mission, its community-centered model, and its scalable impact. “We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said Elongue after the awards ceremony. “This victory is not just for our team but for every young African creator whose stories have been marginalized. With this support, we can provide more culturally relevant stories, expand our digital skills training, launch new animations rooted in African heritage, and ensure that more children across the continent grow up seeing themselves positively represented in media.”  The audience, which included investors, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across Africa, was equally impressed. One of the leaders and mentors shared his excitement: “Muna Kalati’s work is truly inspiring. Seeing an initiative that not only focuses on digital skills but also uplifts our culture is refreshing. They didn’t just pitch an idea; they told a story that moved us.”  Innovest Afrika Summit   is a flagship showcase for African ventures solving local problems through scalable and sustainable models. This year’s competition was especially fierce, with dozens of ventures vying for recognition and investment.  With this triple win, Muna Kalati is poised to scale its impact, deepen its partnerships, and further its vision of building a vibrant ecosystem for African children’s media and youth empowerment.

We are thrilled to announce that Muna Kalati has been selected to join the Fidelity Orange Inspire Accelerator Program for Creatives—a transformative initiative designed to empower visionary businesses that center authentic African culture in their work. This prestigious three-month accelerator, powered by Fidelity Bank Ghana, is tailored for creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Africa’s cultural identity through innovation. As a platform committed to promoting African children’s literature, animation, and edutainment, this opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission at Muna Kalati. Through a curated series of intensive lectures and workshops, the program will help us strengthen the very foundation of our organization. From refining our Business Model Canvas (BMC) to ensuring legal compliance, mastering creative business accounting, and sharpening our marketing strategies, we are eager to soak in the full spectrum of insights that this journey offers. Empowering African Cultural Entrepreneurs At Muna Kalati, we believe that stories matter—especially stories that reflect African identity, languages, and values. Whether it’s through our multilingual digital library, engaging animations, or publisher network, we are committed to making African storytelling accessible, engaging, and empowering for children and families across the continent. Being part of the Fidelity Orange Inspire Accelerator is not just a milestone—it's a stepping stone. The knowledge and mentorship we will receive over the next three months will help us better understand our market, serve our users more effectively, and build a stronger, more sustainable product for the long term. Broadening Our Network, Expanding Our Vision One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, mentors, and industry leaders across Ghana and beyond. We’re looking forward to collaborating, sharing ideas, and forging strategic partnerships that can accelerate our growth and amplify our impact. This program comes at a pivotal time in our journey, as we continue to expand the Muna Kalati app and enhance its features to serve African families across languages, borders, and cultures. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fidelity Bank and the Orange Inspire team for believing in our vision and giving us this platform to grow. Follow the Journey We’ll be sharing key learnings, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights from our experience throughout the accelerator. Follow our journey on social media and right here on our blog as we continue to transform African storytelling into a global force for education, identity, and joy. Together, we are reimagining what’s possible when culture, technology, and purpose collide. #MunaKalati #FidelityOrangeInspire #AfricanCreatives #CulturalInnovation #StorytellingThatMatters

On July 2nd and 3rd, 2025, Muna Kalati proudly participated in the Access to Agency: Empowering Women Through Digital Inclusion International Conference held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in Accra, Ghana. The conference, which convened thought leaders, academics, practitioners, and changemakers, focused on how digital connectivity can serve as a powerful tool for women's empowerment across Africa and beyond. Muna Kalati was one of the shortlisted organizations selected to exhibit at the conference following a compelling application. Representing the organization were Miss Christiana Eleh, our dedicated Partnerships & Resource Mobilization Officer, and Miss Erica Assan, our dynamic Sales & Marketing Officer. Together, they showcased how Muna Kalati’s digital platform is creating pathways for women and youths through the SDG4KIDS contest while improving a love for learning among African children, particularly through the Muna Kalati app . With over 20 academic research presentations at the conference, the atmosphere was rich with evidence-based dialogue on the impact of digital tools on gender equity. Muna Kalati’s exhibition and pitch presentation were well-received, resulting in two major recognitions: A Certificate of Participation, affirming our contribution to the global dialogue on digital inclusion, and the Best Pitch Award, accompanied by a $500 prize, celebrating the clarity, impact, and innovation behind our mission. We are deeply honored by these acknowledgments and remain committed to empowering African children and youth—especially girls—through inclusive, localized, and tech-enabled education. This milestone affirms our belief that when women and girls have access to digital tools, they access agency—and that organizations like Muna Kalati play a key role in bridging the gap between culture, technology, and empowerment. To learn more about our work or to partner with us, contact communication@munakalati.org

Muna Kalati on Wednesday, 14th May, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya-based Africa Feature Network (AFN) in a move aimed at advancing literacy through the media. In a press release dated 15th May 2025, the two organizations said that the partnership marks the beginning of literacy campaigns in Africa, especially among children, noting that it will be a game changer in Africa’s child literacy. Christian Elongue, the Executive Director of Muna Kalati, said that the partnership will give both parties wings to expand their mission in Africa. “Partnering with AFN gives us the wings to expand that mission into the realm of advocacy, media, and social transformation.” Elongue noted Elongue noted that Muna Kalati's mission has always been to awaken the power of stories in shaping young minds, and having AFN on board plays a critical role in ensuring that the message is made available to a greater number of Africans and the world through the global village. On the part of AFN, Peter Aowa, the President and Founder of AFN, said that the partnership marked the beginning of a milestone foundation in the education of children across Africa, something he says AFN is passionate about. “We see literacy not just as a basic skill, but as a cornerstone for reshaping African narratives. Through this collaboration, we are building a foundation to redefine the continent through education and collective storytelling,” the seasoned freelance journalist said. From bilingual digital storytelling to co-designed youth empowerment campaigns, the partnership outlines clear pathways for impact. Activities will include joint visibility campaigns, cross-platform content publication, and educational programming, all aimed at amplifying African values, voices, and victories. The Partnership & Resource Mobilization Officer at Muna Kalati, Christiana Eleh, said that as an organization, they are happy to enter into partnership with AFN, adding that it was the beginning of a transformative action for the African continent. “We are thrilled to walk this journey with a partner that truly understands the weight and worth of African stories and why it’s urgent to advocate for a more vibrant and productive continent. This partnership is the beginning of something transformative, not only for our institutions but for the continent as a whole,” she said. As both organizations begin rolling out joint programs, Norman Nyandega, Communications and Partnerships Manager at the Africa Feature Network, believes that the time to talk about Africa’s shortcomings is long gone and the need for solution-based partnerships such as this is what Africa longs for. Nyandega, in a statement to the media, said that he is confident that the partnership is going to result in bigger, impactful initiatives on the continent in areas of education, which he notes is the foundation of long-lasting development. The Africa Feature Network (AFN) is a Pan-African nonprofit media and advocacy network committed to transforming the continent through constructive journalism and advocacy. With a focus on tackling issues such as governance, economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and the protection of human rights, AFN aims to create lasting, meaningful change. The network is built on ten pillars; Governance and Accountability, Justice and Human Rights, Economic Transformation and Innovation, Climate and Environmental Sustainability, Women Empowerment and Social Equity, Public Health and Social Welfare, Digital and Technological Advancement, Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity, Sports and Culture and Youth Socio-Economic Empowerment. Through these pillars, AFN strives to inspire a sense of shared responsibility, working alongside communities to create a continent where every voice matters, every story counts, and every individual can contribute to Africa’s brighter future.

From July 23 to 25, 2024, Muna Kalati participated in a dynamic three-day bootcamp aimed at nurturing innovation-driven ventures. Organized by the MIT Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ghana Hubs Network (GHN) , and She Hub Ghana, the bootcamp brought together 25 carefully selected participants. Among them was Christian Elongue , the Executive Director of Muna Kalati , a visionary organization dedicated to revolutionizing children's book education in Africa. A Meeting of Minds: The MIT Bootcamp Experience. The bootcamp, themed " Market-Creating Innovations ," was a crucible for transforming visionary ideas into impactful businesses. The curriculum was anchored around the principles outlined in The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty , written by the late Harvard Business School professor Clayton M. Christensen. This experience provided an invaluable opportunity to refine the Muna Kalati App project, a mobile and web application set to become a comprehensive platform for African children's stories. The impact of the MIT Bootcamp on Muna Kalati was profound. The electrifying atmosphere, the shared passion for creating lasting change in Africa, and the blend of world-class theories with practical insights tailored to local contexts were all instrumental in propelling the MK App to the next level. On the first day of the bootcamp , participants explored Value Propositions with an insightful session on Design Thinking led by Dina Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT. Other sessions included discussions on product-market fit and a fireside chat with Ehi Binitie. The rigorous training sessions were designed to foster innovative thinking, explore new market opportunities beyond technology, and cultivate leadership capabilities crucial for scaling ventures in competitive landscapes. For Muna Kalati, this meant diving deep into strategies that could help to launch the MK App successfully and scale across the continent. Addressing a Critical Gap in African Literature Muna Kalati's App project addresses a critical gap in the African literary landscape: the absence of a centralized platform bringing together children's works from all African publishers and content creators. This innovative application will offer a comprehensive catalog of educational content for young people in text, audio, and video formats. "Participating in the MIT Bootcamp gave us invaluable insights into how we can refine and expand our vision for Readopia," Elongue explained. "We've always known that our platform has the potential to transform access to African children's literature, but the bootcamp helped us see new possibilities and strategies for making this a reality." One of the key learnings from the bootcamp was the importance of user-centric design. Elongue and his team realized that to truly serve the diverse needs of African youth, the MK App needed to go beyond just offering content. "We're now exploring ways to make the platform more interactive and engaging," Elongue shared. "We're considering features like personalized reading recommendations based on a child's interests and reading level, virtual book clubs where children from different countries can discuss stories together, and even gamification elements to make reading more fun and rewarding." Innovation-Driven Enterprises: A Resonant Theme The MIT bootcamp's focus on innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs) resonated deeply with Muna Kalati's mission. Haitham Khoury , Director of Fellowships and Global Initiatives at the MIT Legatum Centre, emphasized the importance of "sharing cutting-edge theories on Innovation-Driven Enterprises in a local context" to unlock the potential of global changemakers. "We realized that to make a real impact, we need to think beyond just creating a digital library," Elongue reflected. "We're now exploring partnerships with educational institutions, leveraging artificial intelligence for personalized learning experiences, and even considering how blockchain technology could be used to ensure fair compensation for African authors and illustrators." The bootcamp's emphasis on market-creating strategies also opened new avenues for Muna Kalati to explore. "We've always seen this app as a tool for preserving and promoting African languages and cultures," Elongue said. "But now we're also seeing its potential as a platform for fostering cross-cultural understanding and even supporting language learning. Imagine a child in Nigeria learning Swahili through stories from Kenya, or a diaspora child reconnecting with their heritage through interactive folktales." Building a Global Network for African Children and Youth One of the most valuable aspects of the MIT bootcamp was the opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs and potential collaborators from across Africa. For Muna Kalati, this network could prove instrumental in expanding the MK App's reach and impact. "We've made connections with tech entrepreneurs who can help us optimize our platform, education experts who can guide our content curation, and even potential investors who believe in our vision," Elongue shared. "These relationships will be crucial as we work to make the MK App a pan-African success story." The bootcamp also reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving economic progress. Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in fostering economic growth and job creation. For Muna Kalati, this aligns perfectly with our mission to provide access to literature and support the entire ecosystem of children's book publishing in Africa. "We're now exploring ways to use the MK App as a launchpad for new African authors and illustrators," Elongue explained. "We're considering features like crowdfunding for new book projects, mentorship programs connecting established authors with newcomers, and even virtual workshops on storytelling and illustration techniques." The Road Ahead: From Bootcamp to Launch After the bootcamp, we’re faced with the exciting challenge of translating the learnings into actionable steps for Readopia's development and launch. "The bootcamp has given us a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer roadmap for success," Elongue said. "We're now focusing on refining our minimum viable product, conducting more in-depth market research across different African countries, and building a robust financial model to ensure the app's sustainability." One key takeaway from the bootcamp was the importance of adaptability in the face of changing market conditions. To this end, Muna Kalati is planning a phased rollout for the MK App, starting with a pilot in Ghana before expanding across the continent. "We're also looking at ways to make the app more resilient and accessible," Elongue shared. "The bootcamp emphasized the importance of offline functionality, especially in areas with limited internet connectivity. We're now exploring technologies that will allow users to download content for offline use, ensuring that children can enjoy African stories anytime, anywhere." As Muna Kalati progresses with the development of this app, the lessons and connections from the MIT bootcamp will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the platform's future. However, for Christian Elongue and his team, the ultimate goal remains unchanged: to foster a love for reading among African children, preserve and promote African languages and cultures, and support the growth of a vibrant children's book publishing industry across the continent. "Participating in the MIT bootcamp has reinforced our belief that Readopia can be a game-changer for African children's literature," Elongue concluded. " We're not just building an app; we're creating a platform that can nurture the next generation of African readers, writers, and thinkers . It's a big responsibility, but with the knowledge and network we've gained from this experience, we're more confident than ever in our ability to make this vision a reality." As Muna Kalati continues its journey from bootcamp to launch, the African children's literature landscape stands on the brink of a digital revolution. With Readopia, a new chapter is about to begin—one where every African child has access to stories that reflect their experiences, celebrate their cultures, and inspire their imaginations. The seeds planted at the MIT bootcamp in Accra are set to blossom into a forest of opportunities for young readers across the continent, promising a future where African stories take their rightful place on the global stage.

Muna Kalati has attained a significant milestone by participating in the prestigious Bootcamp program, organized by the Legatum Center ,  an elite global entrepreneurship initiative hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, in partnership with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) , the Ghana Hubs Network (GHN) , The She Hub Ghana, and with the generous support of the Mastercard Foundation , successfully concluded   its intensive bootcamp for early-stage innovators in Ghana. The three-day program, held from July 23-25, 2024, equipped 25 promising Ghanaian ventures with the skills and tools necessary to propel their businesses forward.  The MIT Bootcamp blends rigorous academic theory with hands-on application. Participants work closely with MIT faculty, experienced mentors, and a global network of peers to refine their ventures. For Muna Kalati, this meant rethinking its development strategy for the Muna Kalati App , a culturally relevant digital platform providing African-centred educational content to children across the continent.  The Muna Kalati App   already offers a wide range of content, including eBooks, audiobooks, and animated stories grounded in African culture. With guidance from the bootcamp, Muna Kalati implemented a more user-centric development model, drawing feedback from educators, parents, and children to fine-tune the platform’s features. Enhancements include multilingual support and tailored content recommendations.  MK can now apply MIT’s proven Venture Creation Framework to real-world challenges. Selection into this highly competitive program affirmed our social impact potential and enabled a strategic transformation of our operations and digital platform. In addition to product development, Muna Kalati used insights from the bootcamp to refine its business model. This includes adopting a freemium approach that maintains free access for families while enabling revenue through institutional partnerships. The organization also initiated structures for content creator collaborations and revenue sharing, expanding opportunities for African authors, illustrators, and storytellers.  Founder & Executive Director, Christian Elongue noted the transformational impact of the program, stating, “The MIT Bootcamp changed our mindset. We moved from simply building an app to creating a scalable solution rooted in community needs and long-term value.” COO  Sonia Pitit  added, “We gained clarity and tools to expand our vision. Our approach is now more data-driven, strategic, and aligned with our mission.”  With improved platform architecture, strategic market expansion plans, and strengthened partnerships, Muna Kalati is now positioned to evolve from a digital product to a holistic educational ecosystem.