Meghan the Duchess of Sussex is a university graduate with 2 degrees from one of America’s top universities Northwestern. . Northwestern University is among The 20 colleges that have created the most millionaires and billionaires. She knows that education alone does not lead to success. Meghan is a self-made millionaire who knows that becoming an entrepreneur makes the difference. This is the reason she makes it a point to visit entrepreneurs on all her Royal visits.

The Duchess uses her platform to highlight the importance of entrepreneurship and understanding how economics works. Meghan Duchess of Sussex was not a Hollywood Blockbuster actor but it was her entrepreneurial venture the TIG a lifestyle brand with millions of followers that catapulted her to global fame.

It was the TIG that opened her to multiple sources of income. That is the power of business ownership. Africa has been educating a lot of young people however the labor market is saturated and there aren’t enough jobs for the youth graduating. This means that entrepreneurship has to be paramount in Africa and across the Commonwealth where 60% of the population is under 30 years old. Companies are not creating enough jobs to employ everyone.

It’s crucial to learn how to start a business. The then Meghan Markle was able to bring a skill set to the table that allowed her to partner with brands and get brand sponsorships through her lifestyle brand the TIG. Her millions of followers across the social media platforms showed that she was an influencer and brands wanted to work with her with sponsorships and brand collaborations.

Meghan’s partnership with Reitmans for the 2015 & 2016 Winter capsule collections sold out completely. This created a win- win for both Reitmans and the then Meghan Markle. Brands want sales and partnering with an influencer who can generate sales made Meghan a successful business woman.

The former Meghan Markle proved her fashion know how could generate sales and add value to the market place. This was all before Prince Harry, this was Meghan in her own right with her own brand influence.

Education has to add value to the marketplace. Entrepreneurs helps governments by creating jobs and providing goods and services that are needed in society and generate profits all at the same time.

To break the cycle of poverty, and to achieve economic growth and sustainability in developing countries, young women need access to education. When we empower girls hungry for education, we cultivate women who are emboldened to effect change within their communities and globally. If that is our dream for them, then the promise of it must begin with us. Period.

former Meghan Markle now Duchess of Sussex Time Magazine, March 2017