Originating in the Zulu language of South Africa, the word "ubuntu" means "I exist because you exist".

A similar concept is a pillar of EFKO's corporate culture. At the entrance to the Biruch Innovation Center, guests are greeted by a phrase of the philosopher Nikolai Fedorov: "Neither for oneself, nor for others, but together with everyone and for everyone." At EFKO, the primary personal competence for a leader is regarded as the second type of empathy: the ability to empathize and experience another's pain as one's own.

The resemblance between African and Russian cultural codes motivated EFKO to launch an institute for African studies. This January, the Biruch Scientific and Educational Center hosted its first training session for students from Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, and Burundi. The primary aim of the project is to develop the company's talent pool for operations in Africa, which is increasingly significant in the global economy each year. Analysts estimate that food production here will increase tenfold over the next 50 years.

On September 1, the second stream of training, "Ubuntu Leadership" or "Empathetic Leadership," was completed in the Belgorod Region. This time, guests from Cameroon, Gabon, Rwanda, and Benin were involved. The students participated in a series of lectures on psychology, neurophysiology, systems management, and analytical design, created by the center's experts. Besides the theory, they participated in an extensive sightseeing program in Moscow, learned about EFKO's innovative developments, and visited one of the company's flagship facilities in Alekseyevka.

Erison Tumusime,
graduate of Kepler
College in Rwanda

"Honestly, I wasn't aware that there are two types of empathy: 1st and 2nd type. This was truly eye-opening for me. I went to Russia to learn more about the Ubuntu Leadership Program, but I discovered something more. We learned how an empathetic individual can be effective in the community. I came to understand that I wanted to cultivate second-type empathy. This trait enables you to empathize with someone, put yourself in their shoes, and approach an issue from their perspective."

Marie Claire Umuhoza,
Master of Global
Healthcare, Rwanda

"It was incredible. To begin with, I am astonished by Russia. This is the entirely opposite of what I heard in the media. Russia is kind, beautiful, and welcoming. Secondly, what I learned during my studies has transformed my perspective. I'm not sure how to put it into words, but I've developed a sense of humanity and care for others. I came to understand the meaning of self-sacrifice and selflessness. I leave as a different person filled with a deep gratitude."

Felix Abissoe Ekanlou,
a student at MGIMO from Benin

"No words would be enough to describe the days with EFKO. Right after the first lecture, I realized that this program was made just for me. That I deserved it for everything I've been through. You gave me the keys that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I pray to God to preserve the Spirit that enriches and advances this project and all the people who are involved in it."

William Njie,
Rwandan entrepreneur

"I never thought that having empathy is a must for business success. I understand the significance of grasping the psychology of the people I work with. Empathy is a strength, but you must understand how to wield it. Throughout my studies, I have reevaluated my perspectives on numerous matters, and I believe this has been one of the most significant experiences of my life. We were told that EFKO is a social experiment. I would like to say that this experiment is incredibly successful. Thank you."

Maya Nikolskaya,
Head of the African Studies Program at the Institute for International Studies under MGIMO University

"The EFKO program offers a whole new perspective on working with African staff. Participants are shown the organization of high-tech production, but the emphasis is on psychology and the ability to build relationships in a team. They are taught to be empathic leaders, not formal managers. This is a distinctive concept that deeply aligns with the African mindset. Ubuntu goes beyond mere collectivism. This is a principle of existence. By understanding it, we can establish genuinely strong and warm relations between our peoples."