Project Background: the primary objective of this research was to gain consumer insights for brand trees across Maas brands; provide information that will direct and guide future innovation on the category. Collected data should facilitate increased understanding on who the Maas customer is – archetype; determine the product importance of Maas; determine consumption behaviour and usage; determine perceived brand strength and association; assess the consumer product preference; and determine the factors that influence their decision making process when purchasing Maas.

As a part of this project, Catalyst Venture was responsible for survey design, data analysis and report writing.

Project Background: An initiative of the African Development Bank, the Fashionomics Africa Incubator Program is a comprehensive training program delivered by EyeCity and Impact Lab. The program is designed to improve the success of early-stage African textiles and fashion entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve their business models, increase their marketability, and access funding for future development. The program trained 2000+ entrepreneurs across 43 African countries, and unlocked $60,0000 in grant funding.

As part of the project, Catalyst venture was a coaching partner as well as workshop facilitator, leading a session on “selling in emerging markets”.

‍

Project Background: The Gender, Women and Civil Society Department of the African Development Bank, in partnership with the Japan Policy and Human Resources Development Grant, will launch a bootcamp for African women entrepreneurs to enhance their business management skills.

As part of this project, in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East Africa Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 1000 African women entrepreneurs will receive access to curated workshop and mentorship, with Catalyst Venture delivering training on “financial structuring & funding”.

Project Description: ActivQuest is a research and analytics firm based in Swaziland. As part of this assignment, the firm needed to develop a master framework that can be leveraged by enterprises of all sizes ad sectors, to asses organizational capacity. The role of Catalyst venture was to design this framework on behalf of ActivQuest.

Project Description: In partnership with a consortium of development organizations, ActiQuest was tasked to develop a $2 million dollar proposal to conduct contry wide status surveys on HIV/AIDS in Eswatini. Catalyst Venture was lead compliance consulting, as well as lead proposal writer.

Catalyst Venture collaborated on a research project funded by the Swaziland Development Finance Corporation to strengthen the SME ecosystem in Eswatini. This project aimed to identify barriers to growth and design actionable strategies to support the country’s small and medium enterprises. Through in-depth analysis, stakeholder engagement, and tailored recommendations, the research provided a roadmap for enhancing SME access to resources, financial services, and mentorship. The findings continue to inform initiatives that foster sustainable growth and resilience within Eswatini’s entrepreneurial community.

Catalyst Venture partnered with the Lusweti Institute for Health Development Communication and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) on a data analysis and reporting project to assess the impact of listenership clubs and initiatives focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV prevention, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). By examining program data and participant feedback, the project provided insights into the effectiveness of these initiatives, highlighting areas of impact and identifying opportunities for improvement. The findings have been instrumental in guiding program enhancements, ensuring that these critical health communication initiatives continue to empower communities and address pressing health and social issues effectively.