How Action Lab For Development is turning knowledge into opportunity — one innovator at a time.
Across communities, entrepreneurship education is proving to be a powerful engine for growth, creativity, and inclusion. Yet, many aspiring innovators—especially youth and vulnerable groups—still face challenges like limited access to training, resources, and mentorship.
That’s where Action Lab For Development steps in.
At Act Lab, our mission is simple yet transformative: to develop, support, and look after entrepreneurs and creative economies towards stronger local communities and sustainable business ecosystems. We believe that every individual, no matter their background, has the potential to become an innovator, a problem-solver, and a driver of local development.
The Challenge We’re Tackling
Act Lab was founded to unleash the full potential of local innovators and empower them to lead their communities toward inclusive growth and resilience. Our programs address three essential needs at the heart of development:
- Food Security: supporting entrepreneurs who find innovative solutions in agriculture and sustainability.
- Advocacy: ensuring that marginalized groups have a voice and representation in development.
- Education: providing the tools, skills, and mentorship needed to build thriving, creative economies.
Who We Serve
From youth entrepreneurs to women-led initiatives, and from elderly innovators to persons with disabilities, our work reaches across sectors and communities.
We help young people transform their creativity into business ventures, promote economic sustainability, and provide humanitarian support for vulnerable populations—all while nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.
How We’re Educating Entrepreneurs
1. From Classroom to Community: The Tobby Vision Computers Legacy
Action Lab for Development grew out of Tobby Vision Computers (TVC), a technical and vocational training school founded in 2002. What began as a center for computer literacy and vocational skills has evolved into a hub for innovation, design thinking, and social entrepreneurship.
TVC has become a model for how technical education can spark entrepreneurship. By equipping students with both digital and business skills, TVC prepares them for employment while motivating them to create their own sustainable enterprises.
2. Real-World Learning with Global Mentorship
To expand our impact, Action Lab for Development partnered with “experteers”—experienced professionals who volunteer their skills to help local teams grow.
One standout collaboration was with Janek Andre, a serial entrepreneur passionate about sharing what he’s learned from building innovative businesses.
Project Summary:
Janek trained 21 members of the Action Lab team on core business topics—ranging from business modelling, marketing, sales, and value chain management to personal and operational planning.
Results:
This training didn’t stop with the 21 participants—it rippled out to over 200 academic students, strengthening their understanding of entrepreneurship and creating a more self-reliant, future-ready community.
Tfurndabi Tawong Cornelius, President of Action Lab for Development, praised the initiative, noting that the investment will “continue to have a positive impact in the community for years to come.”
3. Curriculum Innovation with Eduardo
Another transformative collaboration came through Tobby Vision Computers (TVC) hosting Eduardo, a MovingWorlds experteer who helped develop a new entrepreneurship curriculum.
Project Summary:
Eduardo worked with TVC staff to co-design a course that equips students with the mindset and practical skills to start and manage their own ventures.
Results:
He not only supported the curriculum design but also trained the staff to continue delivering high-quality entrepreneurship education long after his stay. His work strengthened team-building, introduced new teaching methods, and shifted perspectives on how education can empower sustainable change.
One Volunteer’s Testimony
“Volunteering with Act Lab has been an amazing journey. As a Software Engineer, I’ve seen how a few lines of code can spark ideas and empower young entrepreneurs. Every project challenges me to grow, think creatively, and turn tech into real impact. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible—and that’s where the real learning happens.”
- Eng. Omolo B. R., Software engineer
5 Things We Learned Along the Way
Entrepreneurship is teachable.
With the right mentorship and structure, anyone can learn to turn ideas into impact.
Local problems need local innovators.
When young people are empowered to tackle community challenges, solutions are more sustainable and context-driven.
Mentorship multiplies impact.
A single experteer’s knowledge can influence hundreds when shared with passion and purpose.
Curriculum matters.
Entrepreneurship education must blend practical skills with creative problem-solving and empathy.
Education builds resilience.
Beyond business success, these programs foster confidence, leadership, and a belief in self-reliance.
Looking Forward
As ActLab4Dev continues to scale its Entrepreneurship Education programs, the vision remains clear: to build a generation of changemakers who see challenges as opportunities and learning as the key to transformation.
Education. Innovation. Empowerment.
That’s the future we’re creating—one entrepreneur at a time.