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According to the World Bank, Africa is the only region in the world where more women than men choose to become entrepreneurs. African Business Stories is a platform created to give voice to the experiences of these audacious African women. It is your insight into female innovators and entrepreneurs building and running businesses in Africa.The power of seeing successful people that look like you can never be overemphasized and so we are taking hold of our narrative and telling our own stories in order to inspire and multiply success not only in Africa but around the world.</p>
Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe's extraordinary journey from a Pan-African childhood to becoming an influential entrepreneur and diplomat is nothing short of inspiring. Raised amidst diverse cultures across East Africa, her unique upbringing instilled a passion for international relations and business, setting the stage for her later achievements. In this episode, we unpack her remarkable transition back to Nigeria, her academic pursuits at the prestigious London School of Economics, and how nostalgia for childhood board games sparked the creation of the first African City edition of Monopoly. Witness Ambassador Akinkowe's commitment to financial literacy and the powerful lessons she learned from her diverse career path.
Discover the fascinating story behind the local Lagos edition of Monopoly—a project that brilliantly entwined Nigerian culture with an iconic global board game. Ambassador Akinkugbe shares her exhilarating journey from the banking sector to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the challenges of securing Hasbro's distribution rights and the joy of seeing local landmarks on the Monopoly board. Her father’s teachings on financial literacy and strategic savings paved the way for a cautious yet rewarding business growth strategy. Through candid reflections, she highlights the importance of patience, partnerships, and personal investment in achieving entrepreneurial success.
In a world where personal finance literacy is crucial, Ambassador Akinkugbe's initiative, "Money Matters with Nimi," is a beacon of knowledge. Motivated by real-life experiences, she has dedicated herself to simplifying complex financial concepts for the everyday individual, culminating in her book, "The A to Z of Personal Finance." Her transition from corporate life to public service as Nigeria's ambassador to Greece demonstrates the power of adaptability and continuous learning. As she embraces a new chapter filled with mentorship, personal growth, and an interest in technology, Ambassador Akinkugbe encourages listeners to overcome imposter syndrome and confidently connect past experiences with future aspirations.
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jade Oyateru, co-founder and COO of Uncover, as she shares her remarkable journey of creating a skincare brand that beautifully blends African botanicals with Korean beauty technology. Discover how Jade, influenced by her beginnings in Lagos and her educational experiences in the UK, is reshaping the skincare industry for women of color. From her corporate career with giants like Nestle and Unilever to co-founding a groundbreaking brand, Jade's story is one of perseverance, cultural influence, and a relentless mission to empower and elevate African beauty on a global platform.
Explore Jade's transition from a structured corporate environment into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship and how a pivotal career moment, guided by a mentor, led her to Unilever Kenya and eventually to launching Uncover. With a strong foundation in marketing and brand ownership, she unveils the art of building and scaling a brand, emphasizing the power of strategic partnerships and the importance of a shared vision. Get a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of scaling a female-focused brand in a market saturated by FinTech, and learn how storytelling can be a powerful tool in attracting investment and fostering growth.
In the realm of beauty supply chains, Jade provides a candid look at the complexities of sourcing, manufacturing, and logistics in the African market. Hear her discuss the strategic decision to partner with Korea to offer top-notch, affordable skincare solutions to African women. As Jade navigates the hurdles of balancing quality with cost, her commitment to delivering value stands out, even in the face of economic challenges. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, advice, and encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs and those passionate about redefining beauty standards.
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Anna Ekeledo's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Russia to Nigerian and Senegalese parents, Anna's path has been shaped by vibrant multicultural experiences in her formative years. From a childhood spent in Nigeria and Senegal, she carries a legacy of passion for business and development. Anna's role as the Executive Director of AfriLabs has her working tirelessly to support over a million entrepreneurs across Africa, aiming to create a lasting impact on the continent's innovation landscape. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of a woman dedicated to elevating African entrepreneurship.
Listeners will be captivated by Anna's diverse career journey, filled with roles in real estate, business development, and consulting with organizations like the World Bank. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, Anna and her team at AfriLabs have expanded their network to over 400 hubs across 53 African countries. Her work involves collaborating with governments, corporates, and other stakeholders to address various challenges, such as education technology and maternal health, by leveraging local innovation. Anna shares the highs and lows of navigating funding hurdles and leadership challenges, providing valuable insights into the complexities of leading in a culturally rich environment.
Anna's vision for AfriLabs continues to grow, with aspirations for global expansion and stronger ties with the African diaspora. Despite facing biases and obstacles, her focus remains on empowering women entrepreneurs and formalizing multi-stakeholder partnerships. Anna's ambition is not just about recognition but about contributing significantly to the African economy, targeting a trillion-dollar impact through digital initiatives. Her journey has established AfriLabs as a cornerstone of innovation in Africa, and her unwavering commitment promises to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs across the globe.
AFRICAN BUSINESS STORIES WEBSITE: www.africanbusinessstories.com
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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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On this week’s episode, I chat with Ifeoma Uddoh, Founder and CEO of Shecluded a Nigeria founded fintech credit company focused exclusively on women in Africa.
She shared about an early childhood tragedy that shaped the person she is today. We traced the trajectory of her career from PWC into the Nigerian tech eco-system and her journey to improving the financial strength of female entrepreneurs in Africa. Founded in 2019, she has built Shecluded into a community of over 200,000 female entrepreneurs, has deployed over One Billion Naira in loans and launched the Shecluded Hub which in 2024 was accredited a workspace partner by Lagos Innovates and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
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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On this week's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with May Abdel Asim an Egyptian serial entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Managing Director of HerStory Films, Media & More Agency, Mindfood Publications and What Women Want Magazine.
In 2006, frustrated with the lack of representation in the existing magazine, she launched What Women Want Magazine. The magazine covers women’s health, family-related questions, fashion and beauty. It’s a place for women to get informed and entertained without being afraid of breaking taboos still persisting in the Egyptian society.
May then establish Media & More a full-service digital agency serving a wide array of reputable clients in Egypt and the Middle East. The idea of creating an agency flowed from the creation of What Women Want Magazine.
She went on to launch other businesses, including her must recent company HerStory Films a film production company which exclusively produces female filmmakers in Egypt and the Middle East. She aims to create opportunities for women, change the narrative on gender through film and empower generations of potential female filmmakers to create films and express themselves through this art form.
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.
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On this week’s episode, I chat with Agang Ditlhogo, Co-Founder of The Clicking Generation a social impact digital skills training company in Botswana.
We discuss how her childhood curiosity led her into a career in computer systems and how a passion project to share knowledge in STEM with young people transformed into a company, that offers ICT training and develops mentoring plans for target groups, especially for girls to encourage involvement in science and engineering. We also discuss funding, having to pivot to stay in business and what growth looks like.
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.
AFRICAN BUSINESS STORIES WEBSITE:
www.africanbusinessstories.com
AFRICAN BUSINESS STORIES INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/afribizstories/
On this week’s episode, I chat with Sandrine Nzeukou, the Founder and CEO of Playbook, the first digital sports business platform for emerging markets.
Sandrine, the daughter of Cameroonian immigrant parents, moved to the U.S. at the age of five. We discuss how she used sports as a tool to travel the world and how it eventually reconnected her to the continent, where she pursued African-focused impact work by leaning into her love for sports. Her journey into entrepreneurship was marked by surviving a co-founder breakup and deciding to try again. Playing for the Cameroonian national team was a proud moment for her, highlighting both the talent and challenges within the sports industry in Africa. This experience planted the seed for her current venture, Playbook.
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.
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On this week's episode, I chat with Ndia Magadagela, CEO & Co-Founder of Everlectric, an electric vehicles-as-a-service business focused on revolutionizing the logistics industry in South Africa. We discuss the profound impact of being raised by entrepreneurial parents, the calculated steps she took into entrepreneurship, and the value of having co-founders. Ndia shares her journey of landing on the idea of electric vehicles as a service, being first to market in the EV space, and the challenges of raising money and educating the market simultaneously.
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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Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
