Many African founders hit the same wall a few years in. The business has grown past what instinct can manage, investors and partners ask about strategy and finance, and a full MBA abroad would mean stepping away from the company. A short, structured university course is often the realistic middle path.
Short answer: 2U GetSmarter runs short online courses built with established universities. It suits founders and managers who want structured, certificate-backed learning in strategy, finance, data or leadership while still running their business.
What is 2U GetSmarter?
2U GetSmarter is an online education provider that designs short courses with university partners. Courses run over a few weeks to a few months, with weekly modules, deadlines and facilitator support. Learners finish with a certificate co-branded with the partner university. You can browse the catalog on 2U GetSmarter.
Problems it solves for African founders
- No time for a full degree: weekly modules fit around running a company in Lagos, Nairobi or Dakar.
- Credibility with investors and partners: a university-backed certificate signals structured training in finance or strategy.
- Self-paced courses that never get finished: deadlines and cohort discussion keep you moving.
- Skill gaps as the team grows: leadership and management courses help first-time managers lead larger teams.
Pricing and plans
Courses are priced one by one, not by subscription. The price depends on the course, its length and the university partner, and course pages show it once you select your currency. Check the exact course before you budget, and ask your employer or a development program whether they cover tuition.
How to get started
- List the one skill gap that is costing your business the most right now.
- Filter the catalog by that subject and compare course length and weekly hours.
- Check the price in your currency and the start date.
- Block fixed weekly hours in your calendar before the course starts.
- Apply what you learn to a live problem in your company each week.
Who it is for, and who it is not for
It fits founders, managers and senior staff who want structured learning with a recognized university name. It is not the right choice if you need a full accredited degree, or if your budget only allows free courses.
FAQ
Is a 2U GetSmarter certificate a degree?
No. It is a certificate of completion for a short course, co-branded with the partner university. It is not a degree.
Can I take 2U GetSmarter courses from Africa?
Yes. The courses are online, so you can follow them from any country with a stable internet connection.
How many hours a week do the courses need?
It depends on the course. Each course page lists the expected weekly hours, so check it before you enroll.
Disclosure: Africapreneurs may earn a commission if you sign up or buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It does not affect which tools we cover or what we write about them.
