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 ...
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 child...
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...
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 unfulfille...
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 thr...
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 athl...
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 ...
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 ...
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 p...
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 w...
On this weeks episode, I chat with Ambassador Dr. Kema Chikwe, a dynamic politician, distinguished public administrator, educationist, gender and social engineer and activist, writer and diplomat. She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Women Leadership Institute (WLI) - WLI is an international leadership development organization focused on developing the leadership capacity of women across Africa. Dr. Chikwe shared memories from her childhood and insights into her approa...
On this weeks episode, I chat with management consultant and author Chigozirim Otefe-Edebi, Co-Founder Gracehill Behavioral Health Services providers of comprehensive mental health and wellness solutions in Lagos Nigeria.We talked about her 12 year career in telecoms, experiencing burnout and quitting suddenly. Her drive as a side hustler and what led her to write her first book - The Side Hustle Workbook and now dedicating her time to building a legacy business with her husband - Providing j...
On this weeks episode, I chat with lawyer, dancer, actress and choreographer, Bunmi Olunloyo the Founder & Creative director Bailamos Dance Company a professional dance training fitness and wellness centre in Lagos Nigeria. She is also the creative and managing director for FIT BY BUNMI an active and Athleisure clothing line.We talk about how her passion for dance led her away from a career in law. How she has dealt with and overcome the stereotypes associated with professional dancing in...
On this weeks episode, I chat with award winning Mountaineer, philanthropist and Executive Coach Saray Khumalo. Saray is the Founder of Summits With a Purpose an initiative that has raised funds and built physical and digital libraries in disadvantaged African schools. She believes that literacy and education have the power to change the narrative for the next generation. She is also the Founder and Host of the Podcast, Because It's There.On May 16, 2019, on her fourth attempt, Saray su...
On this weeks episode, I chat with serial entrepreneur Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho Founder & CEO Futuresoft Nigeria a leading digital & technology solutions company, Co-Founder SkillupAfrica focused on training and helping Africans launch their tech careers and Co-Founder of Alwaysme a children's clothing and lifestyle brand.We talk about how she went from bio technology to providing digital solutions, how entrepreneurs can leverage personal branding, the need to close the digital ski...
On this weeks episode, I chat with award winning entrepreneur, Jumoke Dada the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Taeillo a tech enabled business that leverages mixed reality to sell furniture in Nigeria. We talk about how her love for the creative process led her away from architecture to furniture design. How she has distinguished herself in the market using technology and the path to building a direct to customer online furniture retail business in Nigeria.Jumoke...
On this weeks's episode, I chat with Hetty Boachie-Yiadom, an award winning entrepreneur and Co-Founder of P&H Boutique, South Africa's largest African print retail brand.While working for a leading South African bank, Hetty and her husband Papa started a fashion retail business. They would eventually leave their day jobs and scale P&H Boutique from their home to 7 stores across South Africa.Hetty is also the Lead Coach at Hetty The Entrepreneur, where she guides entrepreneurs to achi...
On this weeks's episode, I chat with Fatmata Binta - popularly known as Chef Binta. She was born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to Fulani parents of Guinean descent. Binta is the Founder of Fulani Kitchen - the first African nomadic pop-up dining experience in Ghana. A dining experience that is both a culinary and cultural journey. Chef Binta describes herself as a modern nomadic chef. Her culinary style combines her nomadic Fulani roots, classical training at ...
On this weeks's episode, I chat with Emalohi Iruobe Founder of Tribe XX Lab the first and only co-working, wellness and incubator space exclusively dedicated to female entrepreneurs and female led startups and companies in Lagos - a place where women are able to present a professional front for their business as well as network, get training, access to funding opportunities and help each other.In response to the BBC Sex for Grades documentary, Emalohi started the I GO TALK project...
On this week's episode, I chat with Lucia Bakulumpaji-Wamala Founder & CEO Bakulu Power a renewable energy company in Uganda. Born in Kenya to Ugandan parents who fled during the Luwero War, she grew up mostly in Canada. The idea for her company first emerged during a trip to visit family in Uganda.Lucia was named in Forbes Afrique, Forbes Magazine as one of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa (2017) and by Institute Choiseul as one of the 100 African Economic Leader...
Isowa Odiase
This is a really good episode. Based on previous episodes, I am always reminded that anyone can try to achieve goals on whatever their dreams and aspirations are. In this episode, she just went with the flow from her time at Wells Fargo, to Business school, travel, her internships, connecting with people, starting the business etc. I admire her drive. Thanks for your interview Ego. 💕
Isowa Odiase
Your latest episode is really good. I didn't know she had all those businesses. She is definitely a serial entrepreneur. Looking forward to more of her work. Also what she said about "Blood & Water" is true, I completed the first season some weeks ago, and I liked it. Can't wait for the next season. Great job Ego!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽