Introducing Marcelin Nyakura, a dynamic entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose journey of transformation began at SHIFT Enterprise Academy. A recent graduate of LivingStone University in M’Bale, Uganda, Marcelin joined SHIFT in January 2022 as a member of its second East African cohort. His experience there would propel him toward launching his own publishing company, Kitabu Books.
Marcelin's motivation for starting this venture emerged from a personal challenge: the lack of access to books in his local language and the scarcity of works by Congolese authors. This realization fueled his passion to provide literary translation services through e-books and audiobooks. He candidly admits that he had never considered this idea before joining SHIFT and, even after winning the pitch competition, he still harbored doubts about actually starting the business.
However, with the ongoing mentorship and support from SHIFT Enterprise Academy founder Ethan Brisby, Marcelin received the encouragement he needed. The turning point came in the summer of 2022 when he secured an internship with the Chicago-based firm, Atkco. Working remotely alongside his fellow Congolese classmate and fellow SHIFT Enterpriser, Armand Musafiri, they engaged in marketing campaigns while earning stipends in American dollars, providing them both with a significant head start as they transitioned into life after college.
Fast forward to December 2022, when Ethan returned to East Africa to nurture early-stage ventures that had either started or expanded under his leadership through the three cohorts of the "Launching into E-Commerce" program. The first in-person training session took place at LivingStone University on December 28, 29, and 30. The early success and inspiration generated among LivingStone students, including an adjunct professor, led the school's leadership to enthusiastically welcome this new educational opportunity.
Following this momentum, Ethan created a collaborative environment for each of the Enterprisers who had won pitch competitions. Among them were Joel Oumo, who went on to found Zebraville, a growing media house in Eastern Uganda, and Yvonne Kiambi, a Kenyan who won the summer 2022 pitch competition during her senior year at Jomo Kenyatta University and later graduated with a degree in Real Estate, launching her own startup called 360 Degree Interior.
In the days following the SHIFT Launch Pad program held at LivingStone University, Ethan hosted Joel, Yvonne, and Marcelin in Entebbe, Uganda, just off Lake Victoria, to kick off 2023. It was during this time that Marcelin published his first book under the Kitabu Books brand, "Live the Wildlife of DR Congo."
This milestone solidified his appreciation for the SHIFT Approach, transforming it from an abstract idea into a living reality.
Since that pivotal moment, Marcelin has published five additional titles, including works by other young East African writers. He acknowledges that he is still learning, yet his motivation continues to grow with each dollar earned. For Marcelin, financial success is important; having grown up in Bukavu, he has witnessed both the struggles of conflict and poverty and the triumph of resilience and wealth. These collective experiences inspire him to persist in pursuing his vision for Kitabu Books.
A charismatic and articulate individual, Marcelin is passionate about sharing his aspirations for his publishing empire. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating how a mind once stretched by new ideas can never return to its original shape.
Marcelin Nyakura exemplifies the potential of Africa’s youthful population. He, along with fellow ambitious minds, is instantly inspired, moved, and driven to think critically and communicate effectively as a result of their introduction to the SHIFT Approach. The results vary based on personal initiative and the longevity of each Enterpriser's journey. Marcelin, Joel, and Yvonne each represent the importance of staying the course, each at different phases of growth: January 2022 for Zebraville, January 2023 for Kitabu, and January 2023 for 360 Degree Interiors.
As Marcelin continues to carve out his path in the publishing world, his story reminds us of the profound impact that education, mentorship, and community can have in transforming lives and shaping futures. His journey at SHIFT Enterprise Academy is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how far he will go!
"Inspired by Marcelin’s journey? Join SHIFT Enterprise Academy to empower more young entrepreneurs in East Africa and beyond!
Support SHIFT through partnerships, donations, or by mentoring a new generation of changemakers like Marcelin. Together, we can fuel the growth of innovative, culture-rich ventures that impact lives across the continent.
Visit SHIFT Enterprise Academy today to learn more about our programs and find your place in Africa’s entrepreneurial future."
Congratulations. Go far