The project — Born from emlyon EMBA research · 2025

AwaBoost — the diaspora at the heart of African entrepreneurship.

A phygital ecosystem that connects, trains, funds and supports African entrepreneurs by mobilizing the diaspora's resources.

Join the ecosystem → See the 4 pillars

The paradox

Why entrepreneurial Africa lacks capital — even though the money exists.

The observation that sparked AwaBoost.

$100B
Sent every year by the African diaspora to the continent
$2.2B
Raised by all African startups in 2024
<1%
Of diaspora transfers actually fund productive ventures

"AwaBoost turns the diaspora's traditional solidarity into a structured, transparent and secure economic engine."

— EMBA thesis, emlyon · November 2025

The architecture

Four pillars, one circular ecosystem.

Each pillar answers a specific need identified on the ground — training, network, funding, impact. Together they form a complete journey for African entrepreneurs.

01

Training

Startup Academy

AwaBoost's online academy. Interactive modules, certifications, progress tracking and expert mentorship. Every entrepreneur starts their journey here.

  • ✦ Certified modules by track
  • ✦ Quizzes and assessments
  • ✦ Progress tracking
  • ✦ Remote and in-person mentorship
  • ✦ Validation badges
  • ✦ Learner community
02

Diaspora network

DiaspoBoost

The "Get Involved" space that connects the diaspora with local project leaders. Co-investment, remote mentorship, cross-border marketplace of goods and services.

  • ✦ Impact-project directory
  • ✦ Pooled co-investment funds
  • ✦ Diaspora expert webinars
  • ✦ Products/services marketplace
  • ✦ AI-matching connection engine
  • ✦ On-ground investment monitoring
03

Fundraising

WeBoost

AwaBoost's pitch sessions, online and in-person. Vetted entrepreneurs present to a panel of qualified investors, with transparent scoring, e-signature and digital reporting.

  • ✦ Hybrid sessions (online + IRL)
  • ✦ Scoring and rating
  • ✦ E-signature (PKI)
  • ✦ Automated reporting
  • ✦ Portfolio management
  • ✦ Verified investors
04

Social impact

StartupAids

AwaBoost's solidarity crowdfunding. Social projects in education, health, ecology and inclusion. For donors who want to turn their solidarity into measurable impact.

  • ✦ Vetted social projects
  • ✦ Campaigns by cause / region
  • ✦ Real-time fund tracking
  • ✦ Digital patronage certificate
  • ✦ Beneficiary testimonials
  • ✦ Annual Impact Awards

The awareness arm

SCHOOLAP Academy

SCHOOLAP Academy is the public face of AwaBoost. Through conferences, masterclasses, free content and the Kanik Boost YouTube channel, we expose African youth to entrepreneurship and bring the AwaBoost model into schools, universities and pan-African events.

Discover SCHOOLAP Academy →

The research

The EMBA thesis that gave birth to AwaBoost.

Action research conducted over 18 months with entrepreneurs, business angels, incubators and members of the Congolese diaspora. Defended in Lyon · November 2025.

Free access

Read the executive summary online

The executive summary, strategic diagnosis and AwaBoost vision are available to read directly online. No download, no signup required.

Read the summary →

Go further

Get the thesis analyses in your inbox

The full thesis is not made public. The analyses derived from it — diaspora, Congolese PESTEL, comparative African ecosystems, phygital strategy, business model — are released progressively via the Kanik Boost newsletter.

Subscribe to Kanik Boost →

Next step

The AwaBoost platform is coming soon. Be among the first.

Entrepreneurs, diaspora, investors, mentors — join the community today to get early access to the platform and the first Startup Academy content.

Join AwaBoost →