In his speech at the ALU Grand Opening gala dinner, ALU Founder and CEO Fred Swaniker shared his belief that Africa needs moonshot thinking if it is to catch up with the rest of the world. A moonshot is a big, bold, audacious goal that is beyond most people’s imagination. The original moonshot idea was the United States’ plan to put a man on the moon, a goal that was fulfilled in 1969. According to Swaniker, a moonshot has four characteristics; it seems impossible at the time it is stated, achieving it requires a whole new way of thinking, its mere pursuit leads to tremendous side benefits, and large numbers of people have to be mobilised to make it come to life.
Like putting a man on the moon, ALU’s vision to create 3 million leaders, innovators, scientists for the continent is a moonshot. Swaniker highlights how the ALU community made up of staff and faculty, students, parents and guardians, investors, regulators and supporters form the different groups of people who will make the audacious plan a reality.
“All of you are already part of this moonshot, just in case you were not aware,” he said to the laughing audience. “You are part of a bold mission, which is as bold as putting someone on the moon.”
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