مؤسسة توني إلوميلو

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso Is Building an Export-Ready Future for Eswatini Agriculture

Grace matthew — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:52:53 +0000

For Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso, agriculture should not stop at production.

It should create businesses capable of competing internationally while creating opportunities at home.

بصفتي المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة Greenhill Estates PTY Ltd, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso is building an agribusiness that combines sustainable farming, export readiness and environmental stewardship to strengthen food systems and create employment in Eswatini.

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso believes agriculture must create value beyond the farm

Growing crops is only one part of a successful agricultural business.

Preserving quality, reducing post-harvest losses and accessing high-value markets are equally important if farmers are to improve incomes and build resilient enterprises.

Recognising these challenges, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso established Greenhill Estates with a vision of transforming traditional farming into a modern agribusiness capable of serving both domestic and international markets.

The company produces high-quality vegetables for Eswatini’s local market while preparing to expand into the export of fresh fruit, baby vegetables and conventional vegetables that meet international standards.

Rather than focusing solely on increasing production, Greenhill Estates is investing in systems that increase value across the agricultural supply chain.

Greenhill Estates is investing in long-term sustainability

Modern agriculture demands more than higher yields. It requires resilience.

Under Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso’s leadership, Greenhill Estates is developing an ambitious programme to plant 10,000 subtropical fruit trees each year, including avocado, mango and litchi varieties across approximately 100 hectares.

The initiative is designed to achieve two objectives simultaneously.

First, it supports the company’s ambition of producing export-quality fruit for international markets. Second, the expanding orchards contribute to carbon sequestration, demonstrating how commercial agriculture can also support environmental sustainability.

To strengthen operations further, Greenhill Estates has integrated a fully equipped packhouse and post-harvest preservation technologies, including blast freezers, helping reduce food waste while maintaining the quality required for commercial distribution.

This investment reflects a broader understanding that competitiveness in agriculture depends as much on infrastructure as it does on cultivation.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation accelerated Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso’s vision

A defining milestone came in 2019, when Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso تم اختياره للمشاركة في برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال.

ومن خلال هذا البرنامج، حصل على US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي, business training, mentorship and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The support enabled Greenhill Estates to expand beyond supplying informal local markets and begin building commercially viable farming operations capable of serving larger and more sophisticated markets.

More importantly, the programme strengthened the business foundations needed to pursue long-term growth while creating employment opportunities for young people in Eswatini.

Why Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso’s work matters

Africa’s agricultural potential extends far beyond food production.

The continent has the opportunity to become a global supplier of high-quality agricultural products, but doing so requires entrepreneurs willing to invest in infrastructure, quality standards and sustainable production.

Through Greenhill Estates, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso is helping demonstrate that export-ready agriculture can begin at the local level.

By integrating commercial farming, post-harvest technology and environmental sustainability into one business model, he is creating a blueprint for how African agriculture can become more competitive while remaining socially and environmentally responsible.

His work also highlights the important role entrepreneurship plays in addressing youth unemployment by creating businesses that generate jobs alongside agricultural output.

The next chapter of African agriculture will belong to businesses capable of competing globally without losing sight of local impact.

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso continues to position Greenhill Estates as one of those businesses.

As new orchards mature and export ambitions become reality, the company aims to demonstrate that sustainable farming, commercial competitiveness and environmental responsibility are not competing priorities—they are complementary strengths.

For Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso, success is measured not simply by the tonnes harvested each season, but by the opportunities created for farmers, workers and communities across Eswatini.

His journey shows that the future of African agriculture lies not only in producing more food, but in producing greater value.

The post Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso Is Building an Export-Ready Future for Eswatini Agriculture appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Evangelista Chekera Is Reinventing Poultry Farming in Africa

Grace matthew — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:20:23 +0000

For thousands of smallholder farmers across Africa, losses are accepted as part of farming. Evangelista Chekera refused to accept that. Instead of asking farmers to adapt to outdated systems, she asked a different question: What if technology could mimic nature?

That question became the foundation of Passion Poultry Pvt Ltd, an agritech company designing affordable, environmentally friendly equipment that helps small-scale poultry farmers improve productivity, reduce losses and build more sustainable businesses.

Evangelista Chekera designs solutions around farmers, not laboratories

Innovation is often associated with sophisticated technology and expensive machinery. Yet some of the most transformative inventions emerge from observing everyday challenges.

For Evangelista Chekera, those challenges were visible in poultry farms across Zimbabwe, where high chick mortality continued to limit farmers’ incomes and confidence.

Working closely with producers, she designed a specialised chick brooding device that recreates the natural warmth of a mother hen. Powered by biomass briquettes made from agricultural waste, the system provides consistent heat while reducing dependence on charcoal, helping protect forests and lowering operating costs.

The innovation has been shown to reduce chick mortality by as much as 95 per cent, offering farmers a practical solution that improves productivity without increasing complexity.

Passion Poultry is modernising smallholder farming

Evangelista Chekera’s vision extends beyond a single product.

Through Passion Poultry, she has developed a growing portfolio of agricultural innovations designed to make poultry farming more efficient, affordable and environmentally sustainable.

Among them is an innovative poultry slaughtering device that simplifies processing for small-scale producers while improving consistency and reducing labour demands.

Both innovations received utility model protection from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), reflecting the originality and practical value of her work.

Today, Passion Poultry supports hundreds of farmers across Zimbabwe while continuing to expand access to technologies that bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural efficiency.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation accelerated Evangelista Chekera’s growth

A defining milestone in Evangelista Chekera’s entrepreneurial journey came in 2021, when she was selected for the برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال.

Through the programme, she received business training, mentorship, US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystems.

The investment helped Passion Poultry formalise its growth by registering as a Private Limited Company and increasing production of its patented agricultural equipment.

Beyond financial support, the programme strengthened her ability to scale innovations capable of improving livelihoods for poultry farmers across Zimbabwe and beyond.

From Zimbabwe to the global stage

Evangelista Chekera’s work has attracted recognition far beyond Zimbabwe.

She has participated in the TechWomen Emerging Leaders programme, received national innovation awards and earned international recognition for advancing sustainable agricultural technologies.

Her innovations have also been recognised by organisations including the World Farmers’ Organisation, highlighting the growing global interest in practical African solutions for sustainable food systems.

These achievements reinforce a broader truth: African entrepreneurs are not simply adopting global innovations—they are creating them.

Why Evangelista Chekera’s work matters

Food security begins long before food reaches the market.

It begins with farmers having access to the right tools, reliable technologies and affordable innovations that improve productivity while protecting natural resources.

Through Passion Poultry, Evangelista Chekera is demonstrating that agricultural innovation does not have to be complex to be transformative. By designing solutions around the realities of smallholder farmers, she is helping strengthen food production, reduce waste and promote greener farming practices.

Her work represents a growing movement of African entrepreneurs building technologies specifically for African challenges.

Evangelista Chekera continues to expand Passion Poultry’s mission of making poultry farming smarter, more sustainable and more profitable for smallholder producers.

Her journey demonstrates that meaningful innovation is measured not by the sophistication of a product, but by the lives it improves.

For every farmer whose chicks survive, every household whose income becomes more secure and every tree preserved through cleaner energy alternatives, Evangelista Chekera’s vision continues to prove that the future of African agriculture can be built one practical innovation at a time.

The post Evangelista Chekera Is Reinventing Poultry Farming in Africa appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

كيف يعيد مزارع شاب من مقاطعة تشينجي تصور الزراعة من أجل الجيل القادم في ملاوي

Grace matthew — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:28:47 +0000

MCHINJI, Malawi—On a quiet stretch of land in Mchinji, where most young people dream of escaping farming rather than embracing it, Daniel Chibwe is cultivating something far bigger than crops. He is growing an idea.

At 28, Chibwe has become part of a new generation of African agripreneurs determined to prove that agriculture is not merely a means of survival but a pathway to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic transformation.

His journey has taken him from tending fields in rural Malawi to speaking before ministers, policymakers and agricultural experts in Germany, Senegal, South Africa and Liberia. Yet despite the international recognition, his ambitions remain firmly rooted in the same soil where they began.

“I saw potential where others saw struggle.”

It is a philosophy that has shaped both his career and the evolution of Mlatho Farms, the climate-smart agriculture enterprise he founded to promote permaculture, sustainable food production and youth entrepreneurship.

From lecture rooms to the field

Like many university graduates, Chibwe once faced a familiar crossroads.

Should he join thousands of graduates chasing increasingly scarce white-collar jobs, or take the less travelled path of building an enterprise from the ground up?

While studying Agricultural Extension at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), he began exploring how agriculture could become more than farming—it could become a business capable of creating jobs, improving livelihoods and strengthening food systems.

That shift in perspective laid the foundation for Mlatho Farms.

A defining chapter in his entrepreneurial journey came in 2024, when he was selected for the برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال.

Through the programme, Chibwe received business training, mentorship, seed capital and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial networks—support that strengthened both his vision and the growth of Mlatho Farms.

“The programme significantly strengthened my knowledge of business management, strategic planning and enterprise scaling,” he says.

Through intensive mentorship and practical business training, Chibwe developed stronger skills in financial management, value creation, sustainability and long-term planning—lessons that continue to shape the direction of his business.

“The programme taught me that producing food is only one part of agriculture,” he says. “If you want to build an enterprise that lasts, you must understand how to create value, manage finances, plan strategically and build for the future.”

Those lessons transformed Mlatho Farms from a farming venture into a broader platform for agricultural innovation, farmer training and youth entrepreneurship.

Today, the enterprise serves as a climate-smart agriculture and permaculture learning hub. Since 2022, Chibwe says more than 200 farmers have been trained in sustainable farming practices capable of improving yields by between 20 and 30 percent while strengthening resilience to climate change.

Learning through failure

Success, however, did not arrive without setbacks. At one point, Chibwe invested approximately K250,000 in a horticulture venture that collapsed. Land-related challenges compounded the financial losses.

“It was my lowest moment,” he says. “I almost gave up.”

For many young entrepreneurs, such losses are enough to end the dream. Instead, Chibwe treated the experience as tuition.

“The mentorship I received taught me that failure is part of entrepreneurship,” he says. “What matters is resilience.”

That resilience has since become one of his defining characteristics.

Taking Malawi’s voice to the world

In just a few years, Chibwe has represented Malawi at some of the world’s most influential agricultural gatherings.

He joined the Young Leaders in Policy programme in South Africa, participated in the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, and later travelled to Berlin, Germany, for the 2026 Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA).

Standing before delegates from across the globe, Chibwe found himself presenting solutions that looked remarkably different from the high-tech irrigation systems dominating many international exhibitions.

Rather than promoting expensive imported technologies, he argued that African agriculture must begin with approaches accessible to ordinary farmers.

“From an agroecology and permaculture point of view, we need to embrace small and slow solutions,” he said.

“We are talking about swales, berms, box ridges and organic manure. These are practical tools that conserve water and restore soils.”

His message reflected the realities faced by most Malawian farmers, who often lack the capital required to invest in sophisticated machinery.

Instead, he called for greater investment in youth, training and affordable technologies capable of transforming smallholder agriculture.

Building a different kind of farm

Beyond international conferences, Chibwe continues investing in local capacity.

He has supervised six university students completing industrial attachments at Mlatho Farms, exposing them to practical agribusiness management and climate-smart agriculture.

At the same time, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Agribusiness Management at LUANAR to strengthen his understanding of enterprise development.

His vision extends well beyond producing crops.

He hopes to transform Mlatho Farms into a centre for farmer training, innovation, agribusiness incubation and agricultural entrepreneurship.

The approach has already attracted international support.

Over the past three years, Chibwe has secured nearly US$12,000 in grants and entrepreneurial support from organisations including the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Permaculture Australia and AUDA-NEPAD.

His work also earned him the Outstanding Fellow Award from the Emerging Public Leaders programme in Liberia, recognising his contribution to community development through sustainable agriculture.

A different future for Malawi’s youth

For decades, farming has often been portrayed as the occupation of those with few alternatives.

Chibwe believes that narrative must change.

He argues that agriculture has the potential to absorb thousands of unemployed young people—but only if it is approached as an enterprise rather than an act of subsistence.

Looking back, he credits much of his journey to the business training, mentorship and entrepreneurial support he received through the برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, which strengthened his understanding of how to build a resilient, scalable agribusiness capable of creating lasting value.

His work aligns closely with Malawi’s MW2063 development blueprint, which identifies commercial agriculture as one of the country’s principal engines of economic transformation and calls for greater youth participation in agribusiness.

Agricultural experts increasingly argue that programmes combining entrepreneurship, mentorship and practical business skills are precisely the kind of interventions required to modernise the sector and create employment.

For Chibwe, however, the mission is personal.

He wants young people to see farming not as the profession of last resort but as one capable of creating wealth, innovation and lasting social impact.

“We are interested in making farming generational in Africa,” he says. “But for that to happen, young people need training, access to land and access to capital.”

As Malawi grapples with youth unemployment, climate change and food insecurity, stories like Chibwe’s suggest that the future of agriculture may not lie solely in government programmes or donor projects.

It may also lie in a new generation of entrepreneurs willing to return to the land—not because they have run out of options, but because they have discovered its possibilities.

On a modest farm in Mchinji, that future is already beginning to take root.

مصدر: Africa Brief

The post How One Young Mchinji Farmer is Reimagining Agriculture for Malawi’s Next Generation appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

«أفريقيا أولاً»: كيف تعيد مؤسسة توني إلوميلو تعريف مسارات تمويل المشاريع الناشئة

Grace matthew — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:11:05 +0000

Africa-first: Global corporations are under growing pressure to diversify supply chains and deliver measurable social impact. Meanwhile, African entrepreneurs are producing solutions that are bold, market-ready, and deeply attuned to local realities.

The problem is not innovation; it is access. Corporate procurement systems are often built for legacy suppliers, leaving new and agile ventures shut out before they even have a chance.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has spent the last decade closing that gap. By funding, training, and mentoring more than 2.5 million young Africans with digital training via TEFConnect, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has created exactly what global companies need: a reliable, de-risked pipeline of suppliers who combine commercial viability with social impact.

Why Africa Matters for Corporate Procurement

The case for an Africa-first sourcing strategy goes far beyond corporate social responsibility:

Risk diversification: The pandemic and recent geopolitical shocks have highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on a few supply hubs. Africa’s regional spread offers resilience against global disruption.
ESG alignment: African ventures are already innovating in sustainability. From waste recycling into construction materials to solar-powered energy access, partnerships here directly advance environmental, social, and governance metrics.
Market insight: Africa’s unique conditions have generated hyper-local innovations — in logistics, agritech, and fintech — that global corporates can integrate for competitive advantage.
Growth frontier: Integrating African suppliers are not just about sourcing; it builds brand loyalty and local trust in some of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

From Seed Support to Scalable Supplier

The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s approach goes beyond seed funding. Alumni are trained to meet the governance, reporting, and operational standards that corporates expect.

This transforms what was once a scattered field of ventures into a structured pipeline. Corporations do not need to start from scratch; they can engage directly with TEF-prepared businesses that are already demonstrating traction.

A Case in Point: Expendo Mobility

Michael Wambugu, a 2019 TEF beneficiary from Kenya, founded Expendo Mobility, a Nairobi-based company supporting the continent’s transport gig economy. His venture provides financial and health solutions to boda boda riders, couriers, and other mobility workers who form the backbone of Africa’s logistics networks.

Through Expendo Mobility, riders gain access to:

Discounted consumables such as fuel, lubricants, and spare parts to reduce operating costs.
Affordable microinsurance products like “Hosi Bill,” which covers medical expenses.
Embedded finance solutions, integrated with SACCOs, to simplify deposits, withdrawals, and credit.
Reliable vehicle servicing, ensuring safety and productivity on the road.

With the Tony Elumelu Foundation training and seed funding, Michael was able to formalise his model, build market traction, and position Expendo as a scalable partner for corporates reliant on last-mile logistics. For procurement teams, this is not simply a small vendor; it is a company providing efficiency, resilience, and impact within a sector that underpins supply chains across Africa.

The Broader Picture

Expendo Mobility is one of thousands of stories across the TEF network. From food processing ventures in Nigeria to clean water solutions in South Africa, TEF alumni are proving that the continent has both the talent and the discipline to deliver at scale. Each venture represents not just an individual success, but also a piece of a larger puzzle: the construction of an Africa-first venture pipeline.

Corporate leaders have long spoken of the need for more inclusive supply chains. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has already built the bridge. Its alumni are trained, vetted, and impact driven. For companies serious about diversifying procurement and tapping into Africa’s growth, the answer is not to wonder where the partners are. They exist. They are Tony Elumelu entrepreneurs.

The pipeline is ready. The next step is corporate action.

The post Africa-First: How the Tony Elumelu Foundation Is Redefining Venture Pipelines appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

تافادزوا تشيكويريتي تساعد المزارعين على اتخاذ قرارات أكثر ذكاءً باستخدام الذكاء الاصطناعي

Grace matthew — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:04:11 +0000

For Tafadzwa Chikwereti, technology is not replacing farmers’ knowledge—it is enhancing it.

For generations, farming has relied on experience, observation and instinct. Today, those instincts are being strengthened by technology.

Artificial intelligence, satellite imagery and digital advisory platforms are changing how farmers understand their crops, respond to changing weather patterns and make decisions that directly affect yields. Across Africa, these technologies are becoming powerful tools in addressing one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: making better decisions before problems become costly.

As the Co-Founder of eAgro Pvt Ltd, he is helping smallholder farmers access timely, data-driven insights that improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience and make agriculture more efficient.

Tafadzwa Chikwereti believes information can be as valuable as rainfall

A healthy harvest often depends on making the right decision at the right time.

Knowing when crops need attention, understanding soil conditions or anticipating changing weather patterns can significantly influence agricultural outcomes. Yet many smallholder farmers lack access to the tools and information needed to make those decisions confidently.

Recognising this gap, Tafadzwa Chikwereti شارك في تأسيسها eAgro Pvt Ltd, an agritech company that combines artificial intelligence, satellite technology and digital communication to make agricultural intelligence more accessible.

Instead of requiring farmers to invest in expensive equipment or specialised software, eAgro delivers practical recommendations through familiar channels such as واتساب و SMS, ensuring that innovation reaches the people who need it most.

eAgro is making precision agriculture more accessible

Modern agriculture is increasingly driven by data, but technology only creates value when it is practical and easy to use.

Through eAgro, farmers can access crop health monitoring, soil insights and climate-informed recommendations that support day-to-day decision-making.

The platform enables growers to identify potential issues earlier, respond to changing environmental conditions and improve farm management using information that was previously difficult to obtain.

This approach is particularly valuable for smallholder farmers, who often face resource constraints while managing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change.

By combining advanced technology with accessible delivery channels, eAgro demonstrates how digital innovation can reduce barriers to agricultural knowledge and strengthen rural livelihoods

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped strengthen Tafadzwa Chikwereti’s vision

في 2024, Tafadzwa Chikwereti تم اختياره للمشاركة في برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, joining thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa building businesses that solve local challenges through innovation.

ومن خلال هذا البرنامج، حصل على US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي, business training, mentorship and access to the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s pan-African entrepreneurial network.

For a technology-driven business operating in agriculture, these resources provide opportunities to refine business strategy, strengthen operations and connect with fellow innovators addressing similar development challenges across the continent.

The programme reinforces the Foundation’s belief that African entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to create solutions that respond to local realities while contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Why Tafadzwa Chikwereti’s work matters

Agriculture remains one of Africa’s largest economic sectors, employing millions of people and supporting food security across the continent.

Helping farmers make more informed decisions can improve productivity, reduce losses and strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.

Through eAgro, Tafadzwa Chikwereti is contributing to a future where access to agricultural intelligence is no longer limited by geography or infrastructure.

His work highlights how digital innovation can empower farmers rather than replace traditional agricultural knowledge, creating practical solutions that improve productivity while supporting long-term sustainability.

As Africa’s agricultural sector continues its digital transformation, entrepreneurs like Tafadzwa Chikwereti are helping ensure that technology becomes an inclusive tool for development rather than an exclusive advantage.

The future of African agriculture will depend not only on stronger seeds or larger farms but also on better decisions.

Tafadzwa Chikwereti envisions an agricultural ecosystem where every farmer—regardless of location—can access reliable information that improves productivity and strengthens resilience.

As eAgro continues to develop new digital tools and expand its reach, the company is helping demonstrate that innovation in agriculture is not measured by the sophistication of technology alone. It is measured by the difference that technology makes in farmers’ lives.

For Tafadzwa Chikwereti, the goal is clear: ensure that every data point collected translates into better decisions, stronger harvests and more sustainable livelihoods across Africa.

The post Tafadzwa Chikwereti Is Helping Farmers Make Smarter Decisions with AI appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

تاواندا ماروزا تعمل على توسيع نطاق الوصول إلى الطاقة الشمسية في زيمبابوي

Grace matthew — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:26:44 +0000

For Tawanda Maruza, renewable energy offers more than an alternative power source—it offers the opportunity to build stronger communities and more resilient businesses.

Electricity powers opportunity. It keeps businesses running, students learning after sunset and healthcare facilities operating when communities need them most. Yet for many households and businesses across Africa, reliable access to electricity remains one of the biggest barriers to economic growth.

Through Ex Africa Energy, Tawanda Maruza is helping expand access to affordable solar energy across Zimbabwe, providing practical solutions for homes, businesses, and off-grid communities seeking dependable electricity.

Tawanda Maruza believes energy access is an economic opportunity

Energy is often discussed as infrastructure, but its impact reaches much further.

Reliable electricity enables entrepreneurs to increase productivity, allows schools to extend learning hours and gives healthcare providers greater confidence in delivering essential services.

Recognising this, Tawanda Maruza has dedicated his entrepreneurial journey to supporting Zimbabwe’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.

As a professional associated with Ex Africa Energy, he contributes to the company’s mission of delivering solar power systems and energy-efficient solutions that respond to the everyday needs of customers while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

Rather than treating renewable energy as a luxury, Ex Africa Energy positions solar technology as a practical investment in long-term resilience and economic development.

Ex Africa Energy is helping power Zimbabwe’s future

Founded to support the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, Ex Africa Energy provides solar installations and renewable energy systems for residential, commercial and off-grid applications.

Its work reflects a broader transformation taking place across Africa, where طاقة متجددة is becoming an increasingly important driver of economic inclusion and environmental sustainability.

By delivering clean energy solutions, the company is helping customers improve energy reliability while encouraging greater adoption of environmentally responsible technologies.

As demand for affordable electricity continues to grow, businesses like Ex Africa Energy demonstrate how entrepreneurship can accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more resilient energy systems.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation strengthened Tawanda Maruza’s entrepreneurial journey

في 2024, Tawanda Maruza تم اختياره للمشاركة في برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, joining thousands of entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries working to solve local challenges through business innovation.

ومن خلال هذا البرنامج، حصل على US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي, business training, mentorship and access to the Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Network.

For entrepreneurs operating in fast-evolving sectors such as renewable energy, access to knowledge, experienced mentors and a continent-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem can be as valuable as financial investment.

The programme has strengthened Tawanda Maruza’s capacity to continue supporting Ex Africa Energy’s mission of expanding clean, reliable and affordable energy solutions across Zimbabwe.

Why Tawanda Maruza’s work matters

Africa’s economic future depends on more than generating electricity. It depends on ensuring that energy reaches the people and businesses capable of creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving innovation.

Through Ex Africa Energy, Tawanda Maruza is contributing to that future by supporting renewable energy solutions that make electricity more accessible and environmentally sustainable.

His work reflects a growing generation of African entrepreneurs who recognise that clean energy is not simply an environmental priority—it is a foundation for inclusive economic growth.

By helping households, businesses and off-grid communities’ access solar power, Tawanda Maruza is demonstrating how entrepreneurship can create practical solutions to one of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.

Tawanda Maruza continues to support the growth of Ex Africa Energy with a vision of expanding access to reliable renewable energy while contributing to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development.

As solar technology becomes increasingly important to Africa’s energy landscape, businesses like Ex Africa Energy will play an essential role in helping communities become more energy secure.

For Tawanda Maruza, every solar installation represents more than a source of electricity. It represents a step towards greater opportunity, stronger businesses and a future powered by sustainable innovation.

The post Tawanda Maruza Is Expanding Solar Energy Access in Zimbabwe appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

ماتيلدي رونغو تساعد الشركات الموزمبيقية على مواكبة المستقبل الرقمي

Grace matthew — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:45:14 +0000

Many businesses struggle not because digital tools are unavailable, but because they lack the expertise to implement them strategically. Successful digital transformation requires more than software—it requires leadership, planning, and a clear understanding of how technology creates value. That is where Matilde Rungo has found her purpose.

بصفتي المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة RealityTech Advisory, Matilde Rungo is helping businesses harness technology to improve efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity and build resilient organisations prepared for the future.

Matilde Rungo believes digital transformation starts with strategy

For many companies, adopting new technology can feel overwhelming. Investments in digital tools often fail to deliver meaningful results when they are introduced without clear business objectives or organisational readiness.

Matilde Rungo established RealityTech Advisory to bridge that gap.

The consultancy works with startups and established organisations to design technology strategies that align innovation with business growth. From digital transformation planning to cybersecurity and technology advisory services, RealityTech helps organisations make informed decisions that improve operational performance while preparing them for an increasingly digital economy.

Rather than viewing technology as an end in itself, Matilde Rungo approaches innovation as a business capability—one that should solve problems, strengthen resilience and create sustainable competitive advantage.

Building businesses that are ready for tomorrow

Across Africa, digital transformation is becoming essential rather than optional.

Businesses that embrace innovation are better positioned to improve productivity, respond to changing customer expectations and compete in both local and international markets.

Through RealityTech Advisory, Matilde Rungo supports organisations as they navigate this transition, helping them adopt practical, technology-driven solutions that strengthen long-term sustainability.

Her work extends beyond implementing digital systems. It focuses on enabling organisations to build the confidence, capabilities and strategic mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In Mozambique’s growing technology ecosystem, this type of guidance is becoming increasingly valuable as businesses seek trusted partners to support their digital journeys.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation strengthened Matilde Rungo’s entrepreneurial journey

في 2024, Matilde Rungo انضم إلى برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, becoming part of a continent-wide network of entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to Africa’s biggest challenges.

Through the programme, she received US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي, business training, mentorship and access to the Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Network.

For a technology entrepreneur operating in a fast-changing sector, these resources provide more than financial support. They offer opportunities to strengthen business strategy, refine growth plans and connect with fellow founders building technology-driven enterprises across Africa.

The Foundation’s support complements Matilde Rungo’s vision of using innovation to help businesses become more resilient, competitive and prepared for the digital future.

Why Matilde Rungo’s work matters

Africa’s digital economy is expected to play an increasingly significant role in the continent’s economic growth over the coming decades.

Realising that potential depends not only on developing new technologies but also on helping businesses use them effectively.

Through RealityTech Advisory, Matilde Rungo is contributing to that transformation by making digital innovation more accessible to organisations seeking sustainable growth.

Her work demonstrates that successful digital transformation is not measured by the number of technologies adopted. It is measured by how effectively those technologies help organisations solve problems, improve performance and create lasting value.

As more African businesses accelerate their digital ambitions, entrepreneurs like Matilde Rungo will continue to play an important role in shaping a more connected, innovative and resilient economy.

For Matilde Rungo, technology is ultimately about enabling people and organisations to achieve more.

As RealityTech Advisory continues to grow, the company aims to expand its contribution to digital transformation, cybersecurity and innovation across Mozambique and the wider African market.

Her entrepreneurial journey reflects the growing influence of African technology leaders who are building businesses that strengthen economic resilience while helping organisations embrace the opportunities of digital change.

In an increasingly connected world, competitive advantage belongs not simply to those with access to technology, but to those who know how to use it well. Through RealityTech Advisory, Matilde Rungo is helping ensure more African businesses are ready for that future.

The post Matilde Rungo Is Helping Mozambican Businesses Navigate the Digital Future appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

كيف تمنح سيبتيا موهاندو النفايات الزراعية حياة جديدة من خلال «الوقود الأخضر»

Grace matthew — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:44:53 +0000

في جميع أنحاء زامبيا، لا يزال الفحم النباتي أحد أكثر مصادر وقود الطهي استخدامًا. فهو ضرورة يومية لملايين الأسر. ومع ذلك، فقد ساهم انتشار استخدامه أيضًا في إحداث أحد أكبر التحديات البيئية التي تواجهها البلاد، ألا وهو إزالة الغابات. سيبتيا موهاندو ويرى أن الحل لا يكمن في مجرد مطالبة الناس بالتوقف عن استخدام الفحم النباتي، بل في تقديم خيار أفضل لهم.

بصفتي المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة شركة «Green Fire Innovation Limited» (Green Fire زامبيا), ، يعمل سيبتيا موهاندو على تحويل النفايات الزراعية والصناعية إلى قوالب فحم نباتي صديقة للبيئة توفر وقودًا أنظف وأكثر استدامة للمنازل والشركات. ويُظهر عمله كيف يمكن للابتكار البيئي أن يحمي الموارد الطبيعية مع توفير حلول عملية يمكن للناس اعتمادها في حياتهم اليومية.

تعيد سيبتيا موهاندو النظر في الإمكانات التي يمكن أن تتحول إليها النفايات

غالبًا ما تُعامل المخلفات الزراعية على أنها مجرد نفايات. ففي المجتمعات الزراعية، غالبًا ما يتم حرق الكتلة الحيوية أو التخلص منها أو تركها لتتحلل، على الرغم من إمكانية تحولها إلى مورد طاقة قيّم.

رأت سيبتيا موهاندو فرصة كامنة وراء هذا التحدي.

من خلال شركة «Green Fire»، نجح في تطوير مشروع تجاري يعمل على تحويل النفايات الزراعية والصناعية إلى قوالب فحم نباتي متجددة، مما يسهم في إنتاج منتجات تقلل من الضغط على غابات زامبيا وتُعزز في الوقت نفسه استخدام بدائل الطاقة الأنظف.

بدلاً من استخراج المزيد من الموارد الطبيعية، تركز «Green Fire» على تعظيم قيمة المواد الموجودة بالفعل. والنتيجة هي نموذج أعمال يرتكز على مبادئ الاقتصاد الدائري، حيث تصبح النفايات مورداً بدلاً من أن تكون عبئاً.

تعمل شركة «جرين فاير» على بناء مستقبل أنظف لزامبيا

غالبًا ما تسير الاستدامة البيئية والفرص الاقتصادية جنبًا إلى جنب.

من خلال إنتاج منتجات بأسعار معقولة قوالب الفحم النباتي من نفايات الكتلة الحيوية، تتصدى شركة «Green Fire» لعدة تحديات في آن واحد. فالشركة تدعم الحد من النفايات، وتشجع على اعتماد الطاقة المتجددة، وتوفر للأسر والشركات بديلاً صديقاً للبيئة عن الفحم التقليدي.

يُحدث هذا النهج فوائد تتجاوز مجرد الحفاظ على البيئة. كما أنه يسهم في تنشيط الاقتصاد المحلي من خلال توليد قيمة من المنتجات الزراعية الثانوية التي قد تظل دون استغلال لولا ذلك.

مع استمرار اكتساب الحوارات حول القدرة على التكيف مع تغير المناخ والطاقة النظيفة زخماً في جميع أنحاء أفريقيا، تُظهر شركات مثل «Green Fire» كيف يمكن للابتكار المحلي أن يسهم في تحقيق الأهداف البيئية الأوسع نطاقاً مع تلبية الاحتياجات اليومية في الوقت نفسه.

ساعدت مؤسسة توني إلوميلو في تعزيز مسيرة سيبتيا موهاندو في مجال ريادة الأعمال

في 2024, سيبتيا موهاندو تم اختياره للمشاركة في برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, ، والانضمام إلى شبكة من رواد الأعمال الذين يعملون على حل التحديات الأكثر إلحاحًا التي تواجهها أفريقيا من خلال الأعمال التجارية.

وفي إطار هذا البرنامج، تلقى US$5,000 كرأس مال تأسيسي, ، والتدريب في مجال الأعمال، والإرشاد، وإتاحة الفرصة للانضمام إلى النظام البيئي لريادة الأعمال على مستوى القارة الأفريقية التابع للمؤسسة.

بالنسبة لشركة «Green Fire»، لم يقتصر هذا الدعم على توفير الموارد المالية فحسب، بل ساهم أيضًا في تعزيز قدرة الشركة على صقل نموذج أعمالها، وتطوير استراتيجيتها للنمو، والتواصل مع رواد الأعمال في جميع أنحاء القارة الذين يعملون على بناء مشاريع مبتكرة تهدف إلى إحداث تأثير إيجابي.

يعكس استثمار المؤسسة قناعةً أعمق بأن انتقال أفريقيا إلى اقتصاد أكثر استدامةً لن يكون مدفوعًا بالسياسات فحسب، بل أيضًا بروّاد الأعمال الذين يبتكرون حلولًا عملية وقابلة للتوسع.

لماذا تعتبر أعمال سيبتيا مهمة؟

يعتمد مستقبل الطاقة المستدامة في أفريقيا على الشركات التي تجعل الخيارات المسؤولة بيئيًّا متاحةً وبأسعار معقولة.

تُعد سيبتيا موهاندو جزءًا من جيل جديد من رواد الأعمال الذين يثبتون أن الابتكار في مجال المناخ لا يتطلب بالضرورة الاعتماد على تقنيات باهظة الثمن أو حلول مستوردة. ففي بعض الأحيان، يبدأ التغيير الحقيقي بإعادة النظر في الموارد التي تمتلكها المجتمعات المحلية بالفعل.

من خلال مبادرة «Green Fire»، تساهم سيبتيا موهاندو في الحد من الاعتماد على الفحم النباتي التقليدي، مع تشجيع ممارسات الطهي الأكثر نظافة وتعزيز الاستخدام المسؤول للموارد الطبيعية.

يُبرز عمله الدور المتنامي الذي يلعبه رواد الأعمال في دعم الحفاظ على البيئة، وتعزيز الاقتصادات المحلية، ودفع عجلة انتقال أفريقيا نحو أنظمة طاقة أكثر استدامة.

بالنسبة لسيبتيا موهاندو، فإن «جرين فاير» هي أكثر من مجرد شركة للطاقة المتجددة. فهي تجسد رؤية لمستقبل يتعاضد فيه النمو الاقتصادي والحفاظ على البيئة.

مع تزايد الطلب على حلول الطاقة الأنظف في جميع أنحاء زامبيا والمنطقة ككل، تهدف شركة «جرين فاير» إلى مواصلة توسيع مساهمتها في إنتاج الوقود المستدام والحفاظ على البيئة.

تُظهر رحلة سيبتيا موهاندو في عالم ريادة الأعمال أن بعض الحلول الأكثر فعالية في مجال المناخ تستند إلى أفكار بسيطة لكنها قوية. فمن خلال تحويل النفايات إلى وقود نظيف للطهي، يساهم في حماية الغابات، وخلق قيمة من الموارد المهملة، والمساهمة في بناء مستقبل أكثر استدامة لزامبيا.

في بعض الأحيان، لا تبدأ الابتكارات الأقوى بابتكار شيء جديد، بل تبدأ بالنظر إلى الموارد الموجودة من منظور مختلف.

The post How Septiya Muhandu Is Giving Agricultural Waste a Second Life Through Green Fire appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

برايت فيري يحوّل النفايات إلى طاقة نظيفة في زامبيا

Grace matthew — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:25:27 +0000

Every harvest season leaves behind more than food. Across Zambia, agricultural residues accumulate in fields, often burned or discarded with little thought to their potential. For Bright Phiri, those leftovers represent something entirely different: an opportunity to generate clean energy, reduce environmental waste and build a more sustainable future.

As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CARABLAZE ENTERPRISE LIMITED, Bright Phiri is developing solutions that convert agricultural waste into renewable energy products. His vision reflects a growing movement across Africa, where entrepreneurs are tackling climate challenges through innovation, proving that environmental responsibility and commercial enterprise can grow side by side.

Rethinking waste through entrepreneurship

For decades, waste management and energy production have largely been treated as separate challenges. Bright Phiri believes they can be addressed together.

Founded to advance sustainable development, CARABLAZE ENTERPRISE LIMITED converts agricultural residues into environmentally friendly energy products that provide cleaner alternatives to traditional fuels.

The business is built on a simple but powerful principle: resources should not be wasted simply because they have reached the end of their original purpose.

By giving agricultural by-products a second life, CARABLAZE contributes to cleaner production, reduced waste and more sustainable resource use. Its work aligns with the growing global movement towards a circular economy, where innovation focuses on maximising value while minimising environmental impact.

For Zambia, where agriculture remains an important pillar of the economy, this approach offers an opportunity to connect environmental stewardship with economic development.

Building a business with climate impact

Environmental entrepreneurship often demands patience.

Developing sustainable products requires balancing commercial viability with environmental responsibility—a challenge that many early-stage businesses must navigate as they grow.

For Bright Phiri, success has never been measured solely by the products CARABLAZE creates. It is equally about demonstrating that climate-conscious businesses can generate economic value while addressing real-world challenges.

Through renewable energy innovation, the company contributes to cleaner energy production while encouraging more efficient use of agricultural resources that might otherwise go unused.

Its model illustrates how local innovation can support national sustainability goals while creating new possibilities for green enterprise.

تسريع وتيرة النمو من خلال مؤسسة توني إلوميلو

In 2024, Bright Phiri joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, becoming part of a pan-African community of entrepreneurs building businesses that respond to some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, practical business training, mentorship and access to the Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Network.

For a business operating within the green economy, these resources provide more than financial support. They strengthen leadership, sharpen business strategy and connect entrepreneurs with peers working across industries and geographies.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s role is not to define the entrepreneur’s vision, but to help create the conditions in which ambitious ideas have greater opportunities to grow.

Why businesses like CARABLAZE matter

The conversation around climate action is often dominated by governments, global institutions and multinational companies.

Yet many of the practical solutions are emerging from entrepreneurs building businesses close to the communities they serve.

CARABLAZE Enterprise represents this new generation of African innovation businesses that recognise sustainability as both an environmental responsibility and an economic opportunity.

By transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy products, the company demonstrates how entrepreneurship can simultaneously reduce waste, encourage cleaner energy adoption and stimulate local economic activity.

These solutions may begin at community level, but their relevance extends far beyond national borders as countries seek practical pathways towards more sustainable development.

Bright Phiri belongs to a growing generation of founders proving that climate innovation does not always require groundbreaking new technologies. Sometimes, it begins with seeing overlooked resources differently.

For CARABLAZE Enterprise, the future is not simply about producing renewable energy. It is about demonstrating that environmental responsibility and commercial success can reinforce one another.

In a world searching for sustainable solutions, the next breakthrough may not come from creating something entirely new. It may come from recognising the value in what has been there all along.

The post Bright Phiri Is Turning Waste into Clean Energy in Zambia appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

مدرسة «تيمبو كليوباترا» تُحدث ثورة في مجال التعليم في زامبيا

Grace matthew — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:14:08 +0000

Tembo Cleopatra believes schools can do far more than deliver lessons. They can nurture character, unlock potential and prepare young people to become future leaders in their communities and beyond.

Through Sante City Academy Limited, she is building an institution that places learning at the centre of long-term social and economic development, demonstrating how entrepreneurship in education can create lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom.

Why quality education matters

Education plays a central role in strengthening communities, improving economic opportunities and preparing young people for an increasingly competitive global economy.

For many families, schools represent more than places of academic instruction. They are environments where children develop confidence, critical thinking, discipline and the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

Recognising this, Tembo Cleopatra established Sante City Academy with a vision of creating a learning environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.

Her approach reflects a broader understanding that investment in education is ultimately an investment in people.

Building Sante City Academy around student success

As the founder and leader of Sante City Academy Limited, Tembo Cleopatra has focused on providing high-quality education that equips learners with the knowledge, values and practical skills required for lifelong success.

The academy is built on the belief that education should nurture the whole child, combining strong academic foundations with personal development and leadership.

By creating a supportive learning environment, the school seeks to prepare students not only for examinations but also for future opportunities in higher education, employment and entrepreneurship.

This commitment has positioned Sante City Academy as part of Zambia’s growing private education sector, where innovative institutions are helping expand educational choice and improve learning outcomes.

Joining the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

في 2024, Tembo Cleopatra was selected for the برنامج مؤسسة توني إلوميلو لريادة الأعمال, joining thousands of entrepreneurs from across Africa recognised for their potential to drive economic transformation through business.

The programme provides entrepreneurs with business training, mentorship, seed capital and access to a continent-wide entrepreneurial network designed to strengthen sustainable business growth.

For an entrepreneur operating in the education sector, this support offers valuable opportunities to refine business strategy, strengthen institutional capacity and connect with fellow founders addressing diverse challenges across Africa.

By becoming part of the Foundation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Cleopatra gained access to resources that complement her vision of expanding educational opportunities while building a resilient and sustainable enterprise.

Education as a catalyst for community development

Schools have a unique ability to influence generations.

Beyond delivering education, institutions like Sante City Academy contribute to stronger communities by creating environments where young people can develop confidence, leadership and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

Tembo Cleopatra’s work reflects an understanding that educational entrepreneurship carries responsibilities beyond business performance. Every learner supported today represents future potential for families, communities and the wider economy.

By investing in quality learning experiences, the academy contributes to Zambia’s broader efforts to strengthen human capital and prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

As demand grows for innovative education models across Africa, entrepreneurs like Cleopatra are demonstrating how private enterprise can complement national education goals while expanding access to quality learning.

Tembo Cleopatra’s long-term vision for Sante City Academy is rooted in creating an environment where every learner has the opportunity to develop academically, personally and professionally.

As the institution continues to grow, it aims to strengthen its contribution to educational excellence while preparing students to become confident leaders, innovators and responsible citizens.

Her entrepreneurial journey illustrates that education is not simply about teaching today’s curriculum. It is about equipping tomorrow’s generation with the knowledge, resilience and ambition to shape Africa’s future.

The post Tembo Cleopatra Is Transforming Education in Zambia appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.