Affordable Independent Schools in Africa with Chinezi Chijioke
Chinezi Chijioke (co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer) talks to host Monde Nkosi about his experience building a network of independent schools in South Africa and Kenya. Chinezi describes the diversity of the independent school sector, correcting a common misconception that independent schools only serve the very wealthy. He lays out the investment case for affordable independent schools across Africa, one of the few regions globally with a growing young population. Chinezi also discusses the social impact of the sector and shares some personal stories about his journey from Nigeria to two of the best universities in the world: Harvard and Stanford.
Chinezi has a unique perspective having been involved in education from multiple angles: in the classroom as a teacher, in the boardroom as head of McKinsey and Company’s education practice in Africa, and now as co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer, an independent school group with 13 schools in South Africa and Kenya. Watch on YouTube
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Investing in Schools with Ed Senior
Ed Senior delivers a masterclass on schools as an investment sector. We explore the independent school sector from the perspective of an investor, discussing some of the large groups, the profile of investors in the sector, and various business models such as asset heavy vs. asset light. We also explore the social impact of the sector and Ed shares some personal stories about how education and teachers have shaped his journey and his children’s journey.
Ed is very well positioned to deliver insights on investing in schools. He is a seasoned executive with significant experience in investment banking and education, including as Group CFO of GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest independent school groups serving more than 140 thousand students. Watch on YouTube
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Welcome
In a world where investors are looking for stable and growing long-term returns with social impact, the education sector is becoming increasingly attractive.
We speak to leading educators, operators, and investors in the education sector around the world to explore this growing investment theme alongside our listeners. From preschools to K-12 schools to higher education and vocational education, from ed tech to education infrastructure, from VC investors to private equity and family offices, we explore it all.
I'm your host, Monde Nkosi. Education has always been a big part of my life because my mother founded a school which was across the road from our home. I have benefited from excellent schools and teachers in South Africa and the US. I went on to study education and I'm now very grateful to be an investor in the sector that I love.
All opinions expressed by podcast guests are solely their own opinions. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Watch on YouTube
Insightful conversations with leading educators, operators, and investors in the education sector around the world.
Proudly brought to you by Education Partners, a leading investor in school and tertiary campus properties and trusted long-term partner to exceptional education groups. For more information, visit www.edu.partners
South Africa