Founded in 2017, 8B Investments is a social impact fintech organization that provides loan financing, financial literacy training, community support, and access to recruitment services. Its goal is to connect more African talent with the education and skills necessary to transform the global labour market.

The founder and CEO of 8B Education Investments, Dr. Lydia Kemunto Bosire, stated that her company is "contributing to education financing in Africa by building the financial infrastructure for African talent to access global classrooms and subsequently join international corporations and boardrooms." The primary aim is to fund high-potential African students so they can attend their chosen universities worldwide, effectively reducing their risks for global employers. As she noted, the anticipated outcome is “brain circulation, not the feared, fictional brain drain”.

Helping Achieve Equitable Labour Markets

One major importance of education financing is the potential to reduce socio-economic disparities by providing opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education at higher levels and develop skills that cater to emerging industries and labor market needs. Dr. Bosire noted that by removing the cost barrier, 8B Investments unlocks the full potential of students from low-income and underserved backgrounds for socio-economic development, an approach she believes is “both fair and economically smarter.”

The stories of Martin Wairimu and Touba Marrie, both beneficiaries of the 8B Education Finance program, perfectly reflect this point.

“I faced significant challenges growing up. I lost my mother when I was five years old, and my father was never in the picture, leaving me to grow up as an orphan. Growing up, I faced financial challenges and navigated through the free primary education system. As the inaugural student of the program, I later secured a Mastercard Foundation scholarship in high school through the Equity Group Foundation. In late 2021, I felt the need for more professional and educational experience. One challenge was securing financial support to continue my studies. It was challenging as there were limited scholarships, especially for the specific program I was applying for in Africa. I was recommended to 8B by the Harvard Club of Kenya. 8B has provided me with the opportunity for education and professional experiences that I wouldn't have had otherwise. 

“My name is Touba Marrie, hailing from Kandonku in Gambia. Growing up in Gambia presented a unique set of challenges, primarily financial, which impacted my educational pursuits. My family's subsistence farming background meant that funding for education was scarce. My passion for industrial and applied mathematics led me to Rutgers University, renowned for its exemplary mathematics department. While the financial aspect of studying abroad was daunting, the 8B Education Investment Loan Program provided substantial relief, complemented by my part-time employment on campus, aiding in my sustenance. Currently, I am a postgraduate student specializing in Industrial and Applied Mathematics at Rutgers University.”

Education financing also fosters inclusive labour markets by helping to create a more diverse talent pool, enabling employers to tap into a broader range of skills and perspectives. “There is no future of work in 2050 across the OCD that does not include African talent. We strongly believe that, automation notwithstanding, maintaining the social contract across rich countries requires tapping into talent beyond borders to maintain innovation and productivity”, noted Dr Kemunto Bosire.  Also, by enabling access to education and skills training, education financing can increase social mobility and reduce inequality. Additionally, labour market segmentation can be reduced through education financing opportunities that provide opportunities for education and skills development, thereby helping to promote more inclusive labour markets around the globe.

Innovation in Education Financing 

8B Investments is exploring innovative ways to fund education, aiming to enhance accessibility and affordability for all African students. "We support students who would otherwise not qualify as borrowers, as traditional lenders often require collateral that many students do not possess. This approach is innovative," said Dr. Bosire. She explained that 8B's method of education financing embraces advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics, to create highly personalized experiences tailored to individual needs, preferences, and behaviours.

Furthermore, the initiative employs income-linked repayment and alternative credit scoring to precisely and fairly fund a greater number of students. "We're already using non-traditional metrics, such as leadership and resilience, to assess students whom most lenders overlook," she noted. These education financing models aim to increase funding for education and promote equity and inclusion in education and skill development across Africa.

Impacts on the Labour Market

Education financing is essential for developing skills in emerging industries. It enables access to relevant educational programs tailored to these industries, helping to bridge the skills gap that exists. Dr. Bosire stated, “Education financing is unlocking the world's talent capital by providing access to future-ready skills for millions who previously could not pursue education through traditional degrees, as well as in tech, healthcare, AI, and the green economy sectors. Without financing, talent is wasted, especially in growth markets like those on the African continent.”

Beneficiaries of the 8B Education Investments shared their testimonies about how the education financing program has helped them pursue various programs based on their talents and interests, preparing them for the global labour market.

“I’m an architect and affordable housing developer from Nairobi, and studying at Harvard is a dream come true. This degree is equipping me to scale African-led solutions in affordable housing.  8B bridged the tuition gap with accessible, user-friendly financing anchored on my potential to drive change”.- Etta Madete, Kenya, Harvard University, Real Estate Development  

“As an international student from Nigeria, funding a top-tier program like the Smith School of Business felt daunting—until 8B Loans stepped in. Their fast, stress-free process gave me peace of mind and let me focus fully on excelling in my Supply Chain Management Studies”. - Emmanuel Eshemokhai, Nigeria, University Of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business  

Upskilling and Reskilling

Education financing opportunities can promote lifelong learning by providing flexible financing options, such as income-driven repayment plans, to support individuals in pursuing upskilling and reskilling. Dr. Kemunto Bosire highlighted a concerning situation on the African continent, where public investment in education often stops at high school, typically supported by development finance. As a result, higher education and skill development are perceived as luxuries rather than necessities for socio-economic progress. Dr. Bosire emphasized, "This must change. We need to break the myth that education ends at graduation. Education and its financing should extend to short-term, career-relevant programs, including certificates, boot camps, and online training, especially in rapidly evolving sectors."

Moreover, education financing can facilitate labour upskilling and reskilling by fostering collaborations with industry partners to develop and fund skill advancement programs that meet the changing demands of the labour market. Dr. Lydia Kemunto Bosire added that while 8B Investments focuses primarily on graduate degrees, it is exploring various models for career opportunities and advancement across the continent.

Originally launched to support over 100,000 students, 8B Investments recently partnered with Africa House to connect more African talent with educational opportunities and skills that will drive future innovation. The organization has gained global recognition for its efforts in education financing in Africa, including participation in the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). 8B’s partnership with Africa House was highlighted at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos. Additionally, 8B Investments has been featured in various media outlets, including CNN International, Bloomberg, and Forbes.