African Business Stories

What if you could transform a small healthcare startup into a thriving clinic serving thousands, even amid a global pandemic? Hear from Lucy Msukwa, the inspiring Founder and Executive Director of Uchembere Wabwino Maternity in Malawi, who did just that. Motivated by her parents' health struggles, Lucy saved diligently for four years before launching her clinic in 2019. In our conversation, she walks us through the hurdles she faced, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the practical strategies she employed to turn challenges into opportunities. Lucy’s story is a vivid testament to resilience and community engagement, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Lucy’s journey is a masterclass in overcoming financial and operational challenges. Discover how she raised initial funding through personal savings and a bank loan, and how her innovative use of social media and community-centered marketing helped her patient base skyrocket from 500 to nearly 3,000 within just two years. Lucy opens up about the unique hybrid model that allows her clinic to balance for-profit and non-profit services, ensuring both affordability and sustainability. She also shares insights from her experience with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, revealing how continuous learning and adaptation have been key to her clinic's growth.

But Lucy's impact goes far beyond her clinic. As a Mandela Washington Fellow, she secured significant funding and channeled her success into mentoring over 120 female entrepreneurs in Malawi. She discusses her strategic focus on rural healthcare services and reflects on leading a team of 20 employees as a young woman defying traditional expectations. Lucy's passion for reducing high maternity and under-five mortality rates in Malawi is palpable throughout our discussion. Her story is not just about business success; it’s about making a tangible difference in her community and inspiring other women to chase their dreams with unwavering determination.

Lucy holds a bachelor's degree in nursing and midwifery. As an entrepreneur, she is a laureate for Women in Africa 54 (WIA54) 2021 from Malawi, an alumna of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative cohort 3 (AWEC) and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Cohort 1(AWE). She is social Impact Incubator Malawi  and Mandela Washington Fellow 2022 alumina.

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What if you could break barriers in a male-dominated industry while balancing the demands of single motherhood? This episode of African Business Stories brings you the compelling journey of Chipo Mabota, the founder and CEO of Cooper & Jones Global Logistics in Zimbabwe. From her initial hesitation about entrepreneurship to handling a groundbreaking $40 million full vessel cargo, Chipo's story is one of resilience and triumph. Listen as she recounts her early career experiences, her childhood dreams, and her love for Zimbabwe's serene environment.

Chipo candidly shares the hurdles she faced in gaining market acceptance and her strategic pivot from customs clearance and forwarding to becoming a truck owner. The episode highlights her transformative experience with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program, funded by the US Embassy and USADF, which played a pivotal role in her business expansion. We also celebrate her significant milestone of managing a national project with 593 trucks, a first for a female-owned business in Zimbabwe. Additionally, Chipo reflects on the dual impact of her success on her daughter and the critical role of partnerships and funding in her entrepreneurial journey.

For those interested in the broader logistics landscape in Zimbabwe, Chipo offers a detailed perspective on key trading partners and the importance of ethical business practices. She discusses her ambitious vision for global growth and her inclusive recruitment strategy aimed at empowering marginalized people through skills training. This episode is not just a story of business success; it's a testament to the power of perseverance and the unique charm of Zimbabwe, providing valuable insights and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on Chipo's inspiring narrative and practical advice for women looking to make their mark in the business world.

Chipo has an MBA from the University of South Wales and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. She is a grantee of the 2019 Inaugural Cohort Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) funded by the U.S African Development Foundation (USADF) and in 2022 won the Women In Logistics (FFI-MEA) endorsed by UN Women. She was named Top 100 Most Influential African Women in Supply Chain in 2022 and top 50 CEOs in Zimbabwe by Zimbabwe CEOs Network in 2023.

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What if the key to financial empowerment for women in Nigeria lies in one woman's journey from a police barracks to the boardroom? Join us as we welcome Ifoma Uddoh, the founder and CEO of SheCluded, a pioneering fintech credit company transforming the financial landscape for Nigerian women. Ifoma shares her poignant personal story of resilience, shaped by the early loss of her father and her mother's strength, to the highs and lows of her career—from PwC to launching SheCluded. Her narrative is a testament to grit and innovation, offering invaluable lessons on overcoming adversity and the power of determination.

Discover how a chance conversation pivoted Ifoma from a pharmacy hopeful to a tech trailblazer, despite not owning a personal computer during her studies. Her internships at Echo Bank and Diamond Bank fine-tuned her resilience and work ethic, while her role at PwC opened doors to a wider world of tech investing and exposed the glaring gender disparities in funding. Ifoma's eye-opening experiences in tech investing revealed how women juggle multiple roles and face unique challenges in entrepreneurship, igniting her passion to create a financial platform catered specifically to women.

In our conversation, Ifoma delves into the genesis and growth strategy of SheCluded, spurred by the personal challenges she faced during her third pregnancy. She lays out her vision for scaling the company and forming strategic partnerships across Africa to enhance women’s banking services. The discussion also tackles the subconscious biases in lending and the innovative use of alternative data to support female entrepreneurs. Ifoma’s insights on mindset shifts, business coaching, and networking provide a blueprint for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Tune in for an inspiring episode that underscores the transformative power of perseverance and vision.

Ifeoma studied Industrial mathematics at the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri in Nigeria and has a Masters in Management Science and Operational research from Lancaster University in the UK. She was named Top 5 female Entrepreneurs by UK Tech Hub in 2020. The recipient of the Google Black Founders Fund in 2021 and winner of the 2022 Select USA Tech Pitch competition, she was recently named a 2024 Echoing Green Fellow.

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Ever felt like the existing media just doesn’t get you? That’s exactly how May Abdel-Essam felt, and instead of just complaining, she did something about it. Born in Egypt and raised in Germany, May returned to Egypt at 16 and turned her dissatisfaction with women's magazines into the creation of "What Women Want," a groundbreaking publication that evolved into a highly successful media agency. In this episode, she takes us through her remarkable journey from a young intern feeling unfulfilled in traditional roles to becoming a media mogul and empowering voice for female creatives.

May opens up about the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial journey, from launching her magazine without any investors to navigating ethical dilemmas in advertising. She shares poignant stories about rejecting lucrative deals to maintain high standards and the personal toll it took on her. We also cover the evolution of her ventures and her current passion project, Her Story Films, designed to uplift female creatives. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights on how to balance professional ambitions with personal well-being, and the transformative decisions that helped her prioritize mental health while achieving business success.

We also dive into the collaborative efforts that have amplified her impact, including her partnership the government of Netherlands to support female entrepreneurs through the Film Incubator initiative. May's journey underscores the importance of support networks and staying true to one’s values. If you're looking for inspiration, valuable advice for aspiring businesswomen, and a heartfelt reminder to embrace imperfection, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we uncover the lessons May has learned over nearly two decades of forging her own path in the media world.

May has a BA in Mass Communication with a specialization in integrated marketing from Misr International University in Egypt. She is a VV Grow MENA Fellow, VV Global Network Leader and a TedxCairoWomen 2016 Speaker. She has been appointed the WED Egypt Ambassador for 2016 to 2018 (Women Entrepreneurship Day) creating a network of female entrepreneurs in Egypt.

AFRICAN BUSINESS STORIES WEBSITE:

www.africanbusinessstories.com

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https://www.instagram.com/afribizstories/

Have you ever wondered how childhood curiosity can shape a career in tech entrepreneurship? Our latest episode features Ahang Ditoho, co-founder of the Clicking Generation, whose journey from a curious young girl in Botswana to a trailblazing tech entrepreneur will leave you inspired. Ahang shares her story of leveraging Botswana's diamond-funded education system to pursue her passion for engineering and computers, ultimately founding a social enterprise that empowers underserved children through digital skills training.

Join us as Ahang discusses the pivotal role of funding and mentorship programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, as well as partnerships with giants like SAP and Google, in propelling her business forward. Explore the strategic shift to corporate training during the COVID-19 pandemic and dive into the advocacy initiatives that promote STEM education for girls. Finally, get an inside look at the Clicking Generation’s aspirations for the future and Ahang's heartfelt advice to fellow African women entrepreneurs on finding joy and validation in their journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in social impact, STEM, and the resilience of women in business.

Agang holds a bachelor’s in computer information systems from the University of Botswana and a masters in data science and AI from the European Business University. She is a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur 2016, Mandela Washington Fellow 2016, Atlas Corps Fellow in 2018, Futurelect Fellow 2022 and a Presidential Precinct, Corporate Leaders Program Fellow 2024.

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www.africanbusinessstories.com

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https://www.instagram.com/afribizstories/

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between sports and business in emerging markets? Join us as we chat with Sandrine Zoku, the inspiring founder and CEO of Playbook, who brings her unique journey from Cameroon to the United States and beyond to life. Sandrine shares her personal story of cultural adaptation, the childhood dreams that shaped her, and the profound influence of her parents in keeping her connected to her Cameroonian roots. From aspiring chef and fashion designer to college athlete, discover how her diverse experiences laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit.

Get ready to learn how Sandrine transitioned from a corporate career at Vanguard to impactful roles at Invest Africa and NBA Africa events, driven by intuition and the right connections. Listen to how a serendipitous internship turned into a stepping stone for her career, highlighting the importance of being present in the right geographical locations. Through her narrative, you'll gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of her professional journey, including a pivotal co-founder breakup that tested her resilience and ultimately led to the creation of Playbook.

Explore the genesis of Playbook, a groundbreaking media company focused on the sports business in emerging economies, particularly Africa and the Middle East. Sandrine takes us through her move to Nairobi, the strategic partnerships she's formed, and her vision for the future of Playbook. She offers invaluable advice to women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of personal branding and social media. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights and inspiring stories for anyone looking to make an impact in the sports and business landscape.

A former professional athlete, Sandrine represented her home country of Cameroon in the 2011 and 2015 FIBA Olympic qualifying women’s basketball tournaments in both Bamako, Mali and Yaounde, Cameroon. She holds an MBA in Management and B.S. in Marketing from the University of Nevada Las Vegas where she served as a captain of the women’s basketball team.

AFRICAN BUSINESS STORIES WEBSITE:

www.africanbusinessstories.com

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https://www.instagram.com/afribizstories/

Ever wondered how a young girl from a village in Limpopo could co-found a pioneering electric vehicle business in South Africa? Join us as we sit down with Ndia Magadagela, the visionary behind EverElectric, and unravel her inspiring journey from her roots in Africa's Eden to the forefront of electric mobility. India shares captivating stories of her childhood, the entrepreneurial spirit imbued in her by her parents, and the pivotal experiences that set her on the path to innovation.

Discover the meticulous planning and strategic pivots that helped India transition from a corporate career in mergers and acquisitions to launching a startup in the electric vehicle industry. Learn about the initial challenges of targeting the taxi industry, the clever pivot to logistics, and how India and her co-founders leveraged each other's strengths to navigate the ups and downs of their venture. This episode is packed with insights on the importance of having co-founders, mutual respect, and the dynamics of working together to overcome obstacles like high import duties and inadequate charging infrastructure.

We also delve into the unique challenges and opportunities for female entrepreneurs in South Africa. Ndia opens up about her arduous journey of raising capital, facing numerous rejections, and the eventual triumph of securing seed financing. Hear about the evolving landscape for manufacturing electric vehicles in South Africa, recent policy reforms, and the collaborative spirit within this emerging industry. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and the remarkable impact of women in business. Don't miss this deep and enriching conversation that promises to inspire and inform.

Ndia, a Qualified Chartered Accountant, holds a B.Compt (Hons) degree in Accounting Sciences and a post graduate diploma in Auditing both from the University of Pretoria. She started her career at Deloitte in Pretoria after which she went into Development finance. She is an ex Senior Deal Maker at the Industrial Development Corporation where she spent 7 years and later became a Principal in Mergers and Acquisitions at the JSE listed Momentum Metropolitan Holdings.

In 2016 she was nominated for the Top employee in manufacturing divisions at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa. She was named 2023 Leading Entrepreneur by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) and one of the Top women in Mobility in Africa for 2023. Ndia is a non-executive director on a number of Boards. She is a guest lecturer on Mergers and Acquisitions and has worked as a member of the Technical Advisory Panel to Infrastructure South Africa under the Department of Public works.

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www.africanbusinessstories.com

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https://www.instagram.com/afribizstories/

Welcome to Season 3 of the African Business Stories Podcast, a show dedicated to curating and sharing the stories of women building businesses in Africa. We took a short break but excited to be back with more stories of business success from across the continent.

I started this show 4 years ago because I saw an under representation of women in the African business narrative. This was unfortunate as we have World Bank data that indicates that Africa has more female entrepreneurs than any other region in the world. Where are these women and why don’t we know their stories? So I set out to find these women and tell their stories. The goal to showcase the African Business woman and inspire others to reach for their dreams and leave legacies for generations to come.

This journey to inspire and elevate the Africa woman is dedicated to the memory of my mother and mentor Ezim.

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On this weeks episode, I chat with Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the United Africa Group, a privately owned multi-billion-dollar business conglomerate in Namibia that has been in operation since 1992.

We talked about the enduring impact her late father has had on her both in life and in business. She shared his 4 guiding principles which she continues to live by and also her own business lessons having built and sustained multiple successful businesses over the past 29 years.

Martha obtained an MBA in Finance from the University of California Berkley, USA; an MBA from the University of California, Santa Clara, California, USA and Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Management from St. Paul’s College, Lawrenceville Virginia, USA. 

In November 2015, Martha was conferred with a Doctorate Degree Honoris Causa in Business Administration from the University of Namibia, as a tribute to her contribution to the economy of Namibia and thereafter she founded the Dr. Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun foundation aimed at nurturing the African Girl Child to be a key architect of society and a cradle of hope.   

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On this weeks episode, I chat Zainab Ashadu, Founder and Creative Director of  Zashadu a leading sustainable luxury brand that specializes in handcrafted leather pieces all designed and manufactured in Lagos Nigeria.

We talk about starting her career as an actor, how a chance meeting with an old acquaintance helped her connect with her passion and begin the journey to what is today Zashadu. Zainab is one a few bag makers who still utilizes  ancient artisanry  techniques and it was interesting to learn about the craft and the leather industry in Nigeria.

Zainab  has a BA  in English and Modern Drama Studies from Brunel University and studied Fashion/Apparel Design at London College of Fashion .  

All Zashadu products are available for global shipping on their website- https://zashadu.com/

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