PLA Is Africa's Premier Product Talent Accelerator

From fintech to health tech, Africa's digital economy is a phenomenally exciting ecosystem that needs exceptional product leaders. PLA — the Y Combinator of product talent — powers the next wave of African innovation by developing world-class product leaders who combine global product excellence with deep local understanding.

Your organization becomes an innovation pioneer with unparalleled access to Africa's most promising product minds, positioning you at the forefront of the continent's digital transformation. These young product leaders bring fresh perspectives, proven methodologies, and the ability to turn complex challenges into market-winning solutions for your organization and customers.

Supercharge Your Organization's Product Expertise

How PLA Powers Your Success

As a PLA Partner, you'll host exceptional Fellows for six-month rotations, driving immediate impact in your organization while they master cutting-edge product methodologies. 

Here’s what your organization stands to gain:

Exceptional Product Talent

Our Fellows are hand-picked for their potential and passion for product management. They bring fresh perspectives, proven methodologies, and a deep understanding of the African market.

Immediate Impact

During their six-month rotations, PLA Fellows work directly with your team, contributing to your product initiatives, bringing new ideas and insights that drive innovation and create tangible results.

Product Coaching & Training

Your organization receives exclusive access to our expert global product coaches, who provide guidance and support to your team, including Silicon Valley Product Group experts.

Our comprehensive program combines intensive product leadership training with real-world experience. Fellows master the complete product development lifecycle, from product discovery and opportunity validation to continuous delivery and iteration. They develop deep expertise in customer-centric design, market validation, and iterative product development while working on actual product initiatives at partner organizations.

The immersive product model ensures Fellows understand not just the theory, but the practical application of building and shipping successful products in African markets. Throughout their journey, they receive direct mentorship from experienced global product leaders, all while becoming part of a dynamic ecosystem of organizations and alumni driving African tech forward.

PLA’s Core Elements - Transforming Potential Into Market Impact

Why PLA Matters Now

Africa's tech ecosystem is booming, with groundbreaking innovations emerging daily across the continent. This rapid growth demands visionary product leaders who can turn ambitious ideas into transformative solutions. PLA develops these leaders, equipping them with both global product excellence and deep local understanding to drive Africa's next wave of digital innovation.

Program Structure

PLA's 6 months comprehensive program combines intensive classroom training with real-world experience. Fellows learn from experienced mentors, industry leaders, and cutting-edge tools and methodologies. PLA’s learning journey begins with an in-person kick-off intensive, followed by two three-month rotations at different partner organizations.

Timeline and Structure:

  • Intensive 1 (April 2025): Five days of immersive training to master the foundation for product excellence.

  • First Rotation (3 Months): Fellows work at a partner organization, working

  • on real products serving real users.

  • Second Rotation (3 Months): Fellows expand their expertise in a new context, honing their adaptability  to different market contexts.

  • Final Intensive (Oct 2025) : A synthesis of learning with workshops led by Silicon Valley Product Group and African tech leaders for another 5 days.

Graduates emerge as fully-equipped product leaders, ready to drive innovation in any market, followed by long-term placements in partner organisations.

Join Africa's Product Leadership Revolution

When you become part of the PLA family, you’re joining one of Africa’s most exciting tech stories. Your organization will be at the forefront of product innovation, working with exceptional product talent who bring fresh thinking and proven methodologies to your challenges. Through our network of product experts and African innovators, you’ll build products that matter while developing the talent that will drive your organization’s future growth.

Our partnership connects you directly with trained product leaders, gives you access to global product excellence, and positions your organization as a pioneer in Africa’s expanding digital economy. Together, we’re building Africa’s great products and creating lasting impact across the continent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • PLA is Africa’s premier product talent engine, designed to address the critical shortage of skilled product leaders on the continent. We combine intensive training with real-world experience to develop exceptional product talent.

  • Organizations can become PLA Subscribers by committing to an annual subscription fee. This subscription allows organizations to host PLA Fellows during their rotations, benefiting from their skills and contributions while helping shape their development. Subscribers also gain priority access to trained graduates, product coaching and training for their organization, and membership in an exclusive community of product-focused organizations.

  • You can join PLA as a:

    • Fellow: Aspiring and current product professionals eager to master product leadership.

    • Partner: Organizations looking to support through funding and other means

    • Subscriber: Companies and individuals investing in Africa’s future by supporting the development of product leaders.

  • Fellows work with a diverse range of industries, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, logistics, and more. These organizations are at the forefront of innovation in Africa and provide real-world challenges for Fellows to tackle.

  • Subscribers receive:

    • Priority access to the PLA talent pipeline.

    • Exclusive workshops, coaching sessions, and industry events.

    • A direct role in shaping the next generation of product leaders.

  • Even if your organization doesn't become a subscriber, there are still ways to support the PLA's mission. You can contribute through financial support, mentorship opportunities, or partnerships that help strengthen the African tech ecosystem. Contact us to explore how you can get involved and help shape the future of product leadership in Africa. Send an email to us.