Creating Change Across Africa: Emmanuel Trinity’s Journey to Empower Youth through era92

“If businesses and organisations worldwide see Africa as a hub of opportunity and invest in its young talent, we can collectively create the change we need across the continent.”

In the face of rising youth unemployment, economic barriers, and limited job prospects across Africa, Emmanuel Trinity’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope. As the founder of era92 Creative, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital talent, Emmanuel brings a unique perspective on how sustainable job creation can combat poverty. We sat down with Emmanuel, a serial social entrepreneur from Kampala, Uganda, to discuss his journey, his organisation’s mission, and his vision for the future of African youth.

Overcoming Adversity through Skills

Emmanuel’s motivation to create era92 is deeply rooted in his own experiences. “Growing up in one of the worst slums in Kampala, I faced extreme poverty, crime, and youth unemployment first-hand,” he shares. These challenges led him to the streets at the age of nine, where he spent four years before being rescued by a group of missionaries. One of the missionaries asked him what he needed most, and Emmanuel's answer—a computer—would ultimately change his life. 

“Receiving that computer allowed me to build skills in design and gave me an outlet for creativity,” Emmanuel explains. He went on to become a self-trained skilled graphic designer, securing a job that allowed him to leave the slums. But success wasn’t his end goal—he was determined to return and create opportunities for others facing similar challenges. 

The Mission of era92: Opportunity Through Skills

era92’s mission is ambitious and yet very simple: provide African youth with access to essential skills, sustainable jobs, and financing for small businesses. Emmanuel emphasises the critical need for job creation across Africa due to what he calls the ‘YouthQuake,’ a term capturing the impact of a booming young population with limited job opportunities.

“Our mission is to give young people the skills they need, connect them to jobs locally and globally, and offer them financing to start their own small businesses,” says Emmanuel. With these three pillars, era92 aims to create a positive impact on both individual lives and entire communities. The organisation has already created over 2,500 skilled jobs, and Emmanuel is confident they’ll reach their ambitious goal of 10,000 jobs within three years.

A Unique Model for Creative Talent

era92 provides companies with creative talent through a subscription model, offering a flat rate for a comprehensive package of services—graphic design, web development, video editing, and more. This approach enables nonprofits, startups, and other organisations to access high-quality digital services affordably. Emmanuel explains, “Our model is ideal for clients with limited budgets who still need digital talent to reach their goals. The revenue we generate goes back into training more youth, creating a cycle of empowerment and economic growth.”

Navigating Challenges: Changing Perceptions of African Talent

One of Emmanuel’s biggest challenges has been shifting global perceptions of Africa. “There’s this preconceived idea that Africa is risky, and people hesitate to hire talent from here,” he notes. To counteract this, era92 has worked on reshaping the narrative around Africa, focusing on the energy, potential, and skills of its youth rather than on images of poverty. “Companies like We Make Change are projecting our voice across the world and that has actually shifted a few narratives, but also other organisations are rising up to the occasion to project Africa as a place full of potential, not just a dump site for aid.”

ChangeMakers have provided valuable support through Change Days, including one focused on marketing. “We’ve had access to experienced professionals who helped us redefine our marketing and sales strategies,” Emmanuel shares. “This support led us to double our revenue within six months.”

How era92 Works: A Unique Model for Creative Talent

For companies interested in hiring talent from era92, the process is straightforward. era92 offers a “creative subscription” model, allowing organisations to access a diverse range of services, from graphic design to web development, at a flat rate. “We focus on providing clients with creative talent across digital skills, which are increasingly in demand,” Emmanuel explains. 

This model is ideal for nonprofits and startups with limited budgets, as it enables them to access high-quality digital services without the high costs associated with individual hires. Revenue generated from these partnerships goes directly back into training more young people, creating a self-sustaining cycle of empowerment and economic growth in Africa.

Vision for 2030: Sustainable Development Goals

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), era92’s efforts focus on two key objectives: eradicating poverty and creating decent jobs for Africa’s youth. “The vision of no poverty and decent work is what drives us,” says Emmanuel. “By 2030, we want to see significant progress in these areas.”

In addition, era92 is committed to SDG 17, fostering partnerships for sustainable development. “Collaborative efforts are essential,” Emmanuel explains. “If businesses and organisations worldwide see Africa as a hub of opportunity and invest in its young talent, we can collectively create the change we need across the continent.”

Final Thoughts: Being Crazy Enough to Change the World

For anyone who believes that change is impossible, Emmanuel offers a favourite quote from Steve Jobs: “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who actually do.” He sees his work as part of a greater collective effort. “It’s a ripple effect,” he says. “I do my part, others do theirs, and together, we’re making an impact.”

To follow era92’s journey or to support their work, you can visit their website at era92creative.com or follow Emmanuel on LinkedIn. era92’s mission is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals, organisations, and communities come together to create lasting change.

—

About We Make Change

If you'd like to have a greater impact, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.

This is part of our ChangeLeaders interview series with impact leaders sharing their journeys, learnings, and lessons. If you are a ChangeLeader we should interview, please email us at info@wemakechange.org.

Interview & Article: Laura De Alba