Level Up in Germany 2025: a day to learn, recognize and move forward

When it comes to Level Up in Germany, you could say it's a conference. But honestly, this first edition was much more than that.

It was a time to meet. A time when the African diaspora in Germany came together to talk about what they are really going through: the arrival in a new country, the language, the studies, the work, the money, the solitude, the doubts, but also the ambition, the discipline, the faith and the desire to succeed.

From the opening, the tone was set: we do not succeed alone.

And that's exactly how we felt throughout the day.

The speakers did not come to tell perfect stories. They spoke with sincerity. They shared their beginnings, their mistakes, their difficult moments, but also the decisions that allowed them to move forward.

Ted Nguelemo reminded us that sometimes we must dare to speak, even when we are afraid. In Germany, many people do not dare to express themselves because of the accent, the gaze of others or the fear of being wrong. But his message was clear: waiting to be perfect before starting often means getting stuck. Courage starts precisely when you act in spite of fear.

The day also allowed us to talk about a very important subject: inner balance. Between school, work, family responsibilities and the pressure to succeed, many end up forgetting themselves. Discussions around discrimination, self-confidence and mental health have shown one thing: acknowledging one's injuries is not a weakness. This is often the beginning of reconstruction.

Another highlight was the finance part.Cedric Folepe talked about money in a simple and concrete way. Not with big words, but with realities that many know: the salary that comes and goes too quickly, the burdens, the bad habits, the lack of strategy. His message was very clear: financial freedom starts with discipline. Save, track expenses, invest in yourself, start small but start early. These are simple tips, but they can really change a trajectory.

Calixte Kenmogne, on the other hand, talked about salary negotiation and the professional mindset. What I learned was that knowing one's worth does not mean being arrogant. In Germany, knowing how to show up, talk about your skills, negotiate your salary and prepare seriously is part of the professional game. We cannot wait for others to recognize our value if we ourselves do not know how to assume it.

The part on studies and professional integration was also very rich. Several journeys have shown that succeeding here requires more than good results. You have to inform yourself, look for mentors, read your university emails, participate in events, create a network, seize Werkstudent's opportunities, and above all stay constant. Each testimony was a reminder in its own way that success does not happen by chance. It is built with method.

What makes Level Up special is also the fact that we don't hide the difficulties. We talked about frustrations, failures, moments of self-doubt. Some recounted prejudices, obstacles, failed exams, periods without a job, procrastination, social pressure. And yet, the final message wasn't sad. On the contrary, everyone left with this idea: what you live can become a force, if you decide to get something out of it.

At the end, we understand that Level Up in Germany is not just an annual event. It's a community. A space where we come to seek inspiration, but also concrete answers. A place where newcomers can learn from those who have already gone through certain stages. A place where students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and engaged people can connect and move forward together.

This first edition showed one thing: the diaspora needs this kind of space. A space where we speak the truth, where we share experiences, where we learn to integrate better without getting lost, and where everyone can leave with more clarity.

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If you are in Germany, whether you are a student, apprentice, young professional, entrepreneur or simply looking for direction, Level Up in Germany is an appointment not to be missed.

We come to listen.

We stay because we recognize each other.

And we leave with the desire to do better.

Level Up in Germany — roots elsewhere, wings here.