As Africred celebrates its first anniversary, it's a perfect moment to reflect on our achievements and the broader context of our mission. The trend of African immigrants relocating for educational and professional advancement has become increasingly prominent. Recent statistics reveal that a significant portion of Africa's youth is pursuing opportunities abroad, driven by the quest for quality education and better career prospects.
In 2023 alone, over 400,000 students from Africa sought higher education opportunities in international institutions, marking a notable increase from previous years. This surge is largely driven by the desire for world-class education, advanced research facilities, and diverse academic environments.
"As we mark our first year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us. Africred was founded to make global education more accessible for African immigrants, and this past year has been full of milestones. We've processed thousands of applications, facilitated millions in tuition payments, and managed education loans with great success," said Sid Maheshwari, Africred CEO.
In our first year, we processed over 1,500 applications and saw more than a million visitors on our digital platforms. This impressive online engagement underscores the growing need for relocation support and our dedication to providing it. With headquarters in Dubai and offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Canada, and Ghana, we're well-positioned to offer comprehensive support across Africa.
Our extensive network of university partnerships spans across Malta, Poland, France, USA, UK, UAE, and Canada, offering a wide range of educational opportunities. We've processed over $17 million in education loans, supporting students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. Additionally, we've facilitated over $10 million in cross-border tuition payments, helping students easily make international transfers.
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Additionally, we've recently forged a partnership with Alat by Wema Bank, whose users can now access loan-assisted admissions to top global universities. We also provide visa application support, ensuring priority processing for a smooth experience.
Our commitment extends beyond facilitating education and career placements. We are also dedicated to social responsibility, including supporting our employees. We proudly offer school fee support for our employees, Girl Child, reinforcing our commitment to education and empowerment at every level.
As we grow, we are set to expand our operations into North Africa and Asia. We will be launching new offices in Algeria and Tunisia, marking our entry into the North African market. Alongside this, we are introducing Pro U, our subsidiary brand. This is set to launch on or before 2025.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on our mission to help individuals turn their dreams into reality through education and career opportunities abroad. With our dedicated team and strong partnerships, we look forward to continuing to support and guide our clients toward their goals.
