Beyond the Pivot

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore how Rwanda is becoming a powerhouse for African startups with the support of Norrsken East Africa.

Our guest, Elie Habimana, Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, shares insights into how Rwanda’s startup ecosystem is evolving, how entrepreneurs can access funding, and why regional integration is key for business growth in Africa.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• ✅ How Rwanda built a business-friendly startup ecosystem
• ✅ The role of Norrsken East Africa in accelerating African entrepreneurs
• ✅ Why fintech, climate tech, and health tech are leading Africa’s innovation boom
• ✅ How startups can scale beyond their home markets using regional integration
• ✅ What investors are looking for in African startups today
• ✅ The biggest challenges founders face when scaling in Africa

💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:

• ► Elie Habimana’s LinkedIn
• ► Norrsken East Africa LinkedIn
• ► Norrsken East Africa
• ► Bongo Hive
• ► Tamboti Circle
• ► Beyond the Pivot

🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

🚀 In this milestone 10th episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Petra Rees, a Czech entrepreneur-turned-VC based in South Africa.

From launching startups to exiting businesses in South Africa, Petra shares her incredible journey of adaptation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital in Africa.

🔍 With experience in 3D printing, manufacturing, and impact investing, Petra explains why Africa presents unique opportunities for innovation and why corporate-backed VC funds are the next big thing in sectors like mining, light manufacturing, and value-add processing.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• ✅ How Petra transitioned from startup founder to investor in South Africa
• ✅ Why corporate-backed VC funds are growing in South Africa
• ✅ The importance of resilience and adaptability for entrepreneurs
• ✅ How 3D printing is disrupting supply chains in South Africa
• ✅ Why women founders often ask for too little funding—and how to fix it
• ✅ How exits in Africa differ from those in the US & Europe

💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:

• ► Petra Rees LinkedIn
• ► Petra Rees e-mail
• ► Africa Tech Summit
• ► Bongo Hive
• ► Tamboti Circle
• ► Beyond the Pivot

🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

In this exciting episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Haïle Amegashie, an investor at Breega, a $75 million venture capital fund focused on early-stage startups in Africa.

With experience as an entrepreneur-turned-VC, Haïle shares his journey from building startups to investing in the next generation of African founders.

Breega is not just a funding partner—their Scaling Squad provides operational, branding, and talent support, making them stand out in the crowded African venture capital landscape.

Haïle breaks down what Breega looks for in startups, the realities of VC investment in Africa, and the key trends shaping the future of the continent’s tech ecosystem.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• ✅ How Haïle transitioned from startup founder to investor and what he learned along the way
• ✅ What African startups need to scale successfully beyond just capital
• ✅ Why copy-pasting Western business models doesn’t work in Africa
• ✅ The biggest mistakes founders make when hiring their early team
• ✅ What makes Breega’s Scaling Squad unique and how it helps founders grow 10x faster
• ✅ How venture capital in Africa is evolving and what investors are looking for in 2024

💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:

• Haïle Amegashie
• Breega
• Bongo Hive
• News Piece
• Tamboti Circle
• Beyond the Pivot

🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

Tomi "TD" Davies is self-describer gastro-terorrist and well known angel investor that has decades long of experience successfully building angel investment networks across the continent, forming and presiding over African Business Angel Network, forming Catalytic Fund and influential programs such as Mentor Pitch in Nigeria and in Zambia.TD is also author of 4 books that are a guidance for anyone interested to gain an understanding of the African startup ecosystem. Lucky for you, if you do not have time to read the book, we were priviliged to bring you this podcast episode, where TD talks about his approach to investing into startups as well about angel investing in general.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ The importance of angel investing and what it means to be an angel investor.✅ About the POEM framework and its effect on the Mentor Pitch program.✅ Tomi Davies approach of connecting mentorship to the angel investing.✅ The way on how to look on the startup world on the African continent.💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Tomi Davies► TVC Labs► African Business Angel Network► BOOK: Investment Worthy Startup► BOOK: The African Project Manager► Bongo Hive► Zambia Business Angel Network► News Piece► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

Discover how Mwansa Chalo, co-founder and CEO of Duniya Healthcare, is transforming medicine logistics in Zambia and beyond. In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore Mwansa’s journey into healthcare, how Duniya went from MVP to scaling, and their mission to save thousands of lives through timely medicine delivery.We also discuss their partnership with The Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and dive into the future of healthcare innovation in Africa. Plus, Kabwela shares the latest investment news from Africa, including key funding trends for 2024 and beyond.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ How Duniya Healthcare is improving medicine logistics in Africa✅ The importance of healthcare delivery in rural areas✅ Latest funding trends in African startups💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:⁠► Duniya Healthcare⁠⁠► Mwansa Chalo► Bongo Hive⁠► PBR Life Sciences► Tech in Africa► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we look back on 2024 and step forward into 2025 with a focus on the dynamic world of African startup investments.

Together with Kabwela Mulapande, we unpack 5 major news stories from November and December that shaped the ecosystem, highlighting the incredible growth and innovation seen across the continent this year.

We also spotlight 3 unmissable events in 2025:

• MentorPitch Program – Connecting entrepreneurs with world-class mentors to refine their ideas.
• Timbuktoo Accelerator in Lusaka – Driving breakthroughs in mining technology and startups.
• Impact Investor Summit 2025 (Lusaka, Zambia) – A pivotal gathering for entrepreneurs and investors shaping Africa’s future.

Kabwela shares insightful reflections on the biggest trends of 2024 and invites listeners to take part in these exciting opportunities that promise to fuel Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape in the year ahead.

From groundbreaking investments to game-changing programs, this episode offers an inspiring wrap-up of the year and sets the stage for what’s to come.

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about the African startup scene, there’s something here for everyone.

Important links mentioned in this episode are:

• Timbuktoo Accelerator
• MentorPitch Program
• Impact Investor Summit
• Bongo Hive

Tune in and let’s embark on the journey to 2025 together!

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we’re joined by Muchu Kaingu, the co-founder and CEO of Lupiya, a trailblazing Zambian fintech platform committed to empowering underserved communities through financial inclusion.

Lupiya leverages technology to provide accessible and sustainable financial services, with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Muchu shares his journey of turning a bold idea into a transformative business, the challenges of bridging the financial gap in Africa, and the innovative strategies behind Lupiya’s mission to empower individuals and businesses.

Learn how Lupiya is redefining lending by offering collateral-free loans and what it takes to lead a fintech revolution in an emerging market.

Discover the trends shaping Africa’s fintech landscape, the impact of inclusive finance, and Muchu’s insights into building a business that changes lives. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, fintech enthusiast, or curious about the power of technology in emerging economies, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Tune in and get inspired by Muchu Kaingu’s story of innovation, resilience, and impact.

Important links mentioned in this episode are:

• Lupiya
• Bongo Hive
• BDO Fintech Report
• News Piece about Paratus

Accessing finances for startups, especially in the idea stage and pre-seed round, is challenging everywhere. However, in Africa, and particularly in countries like Zambia, it can be even more complex.

The local investment network is still in its nascent stage, requiring navigation through a spectrum of options. These range from small angel investment networks and loan sharks to internationally based venture firms, whether situated in countries like Kenya and South Africa on the continent or overseas in Europe and the USA.

In this episode, Kabwela will guide us through the current investment landscape in Africa, with a focus on Zambia, and share crucial statistics about the startup capital scene.

Important links mentioned in this episode are:

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we dive into the inspiring world of Zambian startups, highlighting the stories of trailblazing entrepreneurs and their journeys to success. From gemstone innovators like Eleora Gems to agri-tech solutions like AgriPredict and financial disruptors like Lupiya, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in Zambia’s thriving startup ecosystem.

Kabwela shares personal insights on what it takes to succeed in Zambia, the impact of women-led ventures, and how these startups are shaping Africa’s business landscape.

Tune in for success stories, lessons learned, and practical advice for those interested in the African entrepreneurial scene!

Useful links:

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we're tackling a crucial topic: the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that have plagued African entrepreneurship for far too long.

African entrepreneurs are often met with unfounded biases, especially the stereotype that their ventures lack legitimacy. We dive into why this perception exists, the real impact it has on investment opportunities, and how it obstructs the potential for innovation and growth across the continent.

Throughout this conversation, we'll share actionable insights for identifying trustworthy and promising African startups, highlight networks that champion these businesses, and discuss the pivotal role of local communities and incubators in bolstering credibility.

Whether you're an investor or just curious, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the true potential within Africa’s startup ecosystem and the steps we can take to uplift it.Useful links:

• https://www.afrilabs.com/
• https://bongohive.co.zm/