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

When we talk about Level Up in Germany, you could call it a conference. But honestly, this first edition was much more than that.

It was a moment of meeting. A moment when the African diaspora in Germany came together to talk about what they really live: arrival in a new country, the language, studies, work, money, loneliness, doubts, but also ambition, discipline, faith and the will to succeed.

From the opening, the tone was set: you don't succeed alone.

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

The speakers didn't come to tell perfect stories. They spoke with sincerity. They shared their beginnings, their mistakes, their hard moments, but also the decisions that allowed them to move forward.

Ted Nguelemo reminded us that you sometimes have to dare to speak, even when you're afraid. In Germany, many people don't dare to express themselves because of their accent, the way others look at them or the fear of making mistakes. But his message was clear: waiting until you're perfect to start often means staying stuck. Courage begins precisely when you act despite the fear.

The day also allowed us to talk about a very important subject: inner balance. Between studies, work, family responsibilities and the pressure to succeed, many end up forgetting themselves. The exchanges around discrimination, self-confidence and mental health showed one thing: recognizing your wounds is not a weakness. It is often the beginning of rebuilding.

Another strong moment was the part on finance. Cedric Folepe spoke about money in a simple and concrete way. Not with big words, but with realities many people know: the salary that arrives and disappears too fast, the bills, the bad habits, the lack of strategy. His message was very clear: financial freedom starts with discipline. Save, track your expenses, invest in yourself, start small but start early. These are simple pieces of advice, but they can really change a trajectory.

Calixte Kenmogne, for his part, spoke about salary negotiation and a professional mindset. What I took away is that knowing your value doesn't mean being arrogant. In Germany, knowing how to present yourself, talk about your skills, negotiate your salary and prepare seriously is part of the professional game. We can't expect others to recognize our value if we ourselves don't know how to claim it.

The part on studies and professional integration was also very rich. Several journeys showed that succeeding here requires more than good grades. You have to inform yourself, look for mentors, read your university emails, attend events, build a network, seize Werkstudent opportunities and, above all, stay consistent. Each testimony reminded us, in its own way, that success doesn't happen by chance. It is built with method.

What makes Level Up special is also the fact that we don't hide difficulties. We talked about frustrations, failures, the moments when you doubt yourself. Some shared prejudices, obstacles, failed exams, periods without a job, procrastination, social pressure. And yet the final message was not sad. On the contrary. Everyone left with this idea: what you go through can become a strength, if you decide to make something of it.

In the end, you understand that Level Up in Germany is not just an annual event. It's a community. A space where you come looking for inspiration, but also for concrete answers. A place where new arrivals can learn from those who have already been 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 truthfully, where we share experiences, where we learn to integrate better without losing ourselves, and where everyone can leave with more clarity.

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

We come to listen.

We stay because we recognize ourselves.

And we leave with the desire to do better.

Level Up in Germany — roots elsewhere, wings here.

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