<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" >

<channel>
	<title>East African Alumni &#8211; The Tony Elumelu Foundation</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/category/alumni/east-african-alumni/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org</link>
	<description>Promoting African Entrepreneurship and empowering African Entrepreneurs</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:50:52 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-GB</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-Globe-HD-32x32.png</url>
	<title>East African Alumni &#8211; The Tony Elumelu Foundation</title>
	<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Patrice Murugi Wachira Is Unlocking the Hidden Value of Beekeeping in Kenya</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/patrice-murugi-wachira#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=patrice-murugi-wachira</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Grace matthew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:44:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=29045</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Most people think beekeeping is about honey. Patrice Murugi Wachira saw something far more valuable.For generations, honey has been the product most closely associated with beekeeping. Yet inside every hive lies another resource with extraordinary commercial potential—bee venom. Used in pharmaceutical research, cosmetics and specialised medical applications, bee venom commands significantly higher market value than &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/patrice-murugi-wachira">Patrice Murugi Wachira Is Unlocking the Hidden Value of Beekeeping in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most people think beekeeping is about honey. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-wachira/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patrice Murugi Wachira</a> saw something far more valuable.For generations, honey has been the product most closely associated with beekeeping. Yet inside every hive lies another resource with extraordinary commercial potential—bee venom. Used in pharmaceutical research, cosmetics and specialised medical applications, bee venom commands significantly higher market value than honey. Despite growing global demand, few African beekeepers have had access to the technology needed to harvest it safely and sustainably.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Patrice Murugi Wachira</strong> saw an opportunity to change that.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Through <strong>Patvention Limited</strong>, the Kenyan entrepreneur is helping transform traditional beekeeping into a technology-enabled agribusiness, enabling farmers to generate new income streams while protecting one of agriculture&#8217;s most important pollinators.</p>
<h2>Patrice Murugi Wachira is proving innovation can begin with tradition</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Growing up in a family of beekeepers, Patrice Murugi Wachira developed an early appreciation for the role bees play in agriculture and rural livelihoods.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">But she also recognised a challenge.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Many beekeepers relied almost entirely on honey sales, leaving significant value within the hive untapped.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Rather than accepting that limitation, she founded <strong>Patvention Limited</strong> to modernise beekeeping through practical innovations designed specifically for African farmers.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Her goal was not to replace traditional practices but to enhance them through technology that improves productivity, creates additional revenue streams and supports long-term environmental sustainability.</p>
<h2>Patvention is changing how beekeepers create value</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">At the heart of Patvention&#8217;s work is a patented <strong>bee venom collection device</strong> that uses gentle electrical stimulation to encourage bees to release venom onto a collection plate without harming the insects. The technology also incorporates smart monitoring features that help improve collection efficiency while protecting colony health.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">The company has also developed durable beehives manufactured from recycled plastic waste, offering farmers weather-resistant and pest-resistant alternatives to conventional wooden hives while contributing to plastic waste reduction.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Together, these innovations are helping reposition beekeeping as a high-value enterprise capable of serving industries far beyond food production.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">By expanding opportunities in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and specialised agricultural products, Patvention is enabling farmers to earn more from every hive while supporting healthier bee populations.</p>
<h2>The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped accelerate Patrice Murugi Wachira&#8217;s entrepreneurial vision</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">A significant milestone in <strong>Patrice Murugi Wachira&#8217;s</strong> entrepreneurial journey came when she joined the <a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-entrepreneurship-programme"><strong>Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme</strong>.</a></p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Through the programme, she received <strong>US$5,000 in seed capital</strong>, business training, mentorship and access to the Tony Elumelu Foundation&#8217;s pan-African entrepreneurial network.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">The support strengthened Patvention&#8217;s ability to refine its business model, expand its innovations and position the company for long-term growth.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Beyond financial investment, the programme connected Patrice with a community of entrepreneurs building scalable solutions to Africa&#8217;s most pressing challenges, reinforcing the Foundation&#8217;s belief that entrepreneurship is a catalyst for sustainable development.</p>
<h2>Empowering farmers, especially women</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Technology creates the greatest impact when it reaches the people who need it most.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Alongside product development, Patrice Murugi Wachira works closely with beekeepers through practical training programmes that encourage the adoption of modern beekeeping practices.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">A particular focus has been expanding opportunities for women, helping them participate in an agricultural value chain that has traditionally offered limited access to high-value markets.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">By combining innovation with knowledge sharing, <a href="https://youtu.be/f1kASZ7eXBE?si=K3xpRDVoSRsYKT8-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patvention</a> is helping farmers improve productivity while building more resilient rural livelihoods.</p>
<h2>Why Patrice Murugi Wachira&#8217;s work matters</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Healthy bee populations are essential to agriculture.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Beyond producing honey and other hive products, bees play a critical role in pollinating crops that sustain food production worldwide.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Patrice Murugi Wachira&#8217;s work demonstrates that protecting pollinators and improving farmer incomes are not competing priorities—they reinforce one another.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Through Patvention, she is creating technologies that help farmers increase earnings, reduce waste and participate in higher-value agricultural markets while encouraging sustainable beekeeping practices.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Her journey reflects a broader transformation taking place across Africa, where entrepreneurs are using innovation to unlock new opportunities within traditional industries.</p>
<h2>Looking ahead</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">The future of African agriculture will increasingly depend on entrepreneurs who recognise value where others see limitations.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Patrice Murugi Wachira is among a new generation of innovators proving that beekeeping can become far more than honey production.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">As Patvention continues to expand its technologies and support more farmers, the company is helping redefine what modern African agribusiness can achieve.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">For Patrice Murugi Wachira, every thriving hive represents more than healthy bees.</p>
<p>It represents new income for farmers, stronger agricultural systems and a future where African innovation creates value that reaches global markets.</p>
<p>Source: <a href="https://agra.org/sting-of-innovation-how-one-kenyan-agripreneur-is-building-a-global-bee-venom-business-one-hive-at-a-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sting of Innovation: How one Kenyan agripreneur is building a global bee venom business, one hive at a time – AGRA</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/patrice-murugi-wachira">Patrice Murugi Wachira Is Unlocking the Hidden Value of Beekeeping in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Hannington Mambo Is Helping African Businesses Build Software Faster</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/hannington-mambo#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=hannington-mambo</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Grace matthew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 15:15:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EmpoweredByTEF]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=29002</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Five years ago, Hannington Mambo walked into a crowded business networking conference with an idea he believed could transform software development in Africa. Standing before a room of investors, he explained the architecture, capabilities and long-term potential of FasterDev, a platform designed to simplify how software is built. The technology was ambitious, but the audience &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/hannington-mambo">Hannington Mambo Is Helping African Businesses Build Software Faster</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Five years ago, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamboh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hannington Mambo</a> walked into a crowded business networking conference with an idea he believed could transform software development in Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Standing before a room of investors, he explained the architecture, capabilities and long-term potential of </span><b>FasterDev</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a platform designed to simplify how software is built. The technology was ambitious, but the audience struggled to see beyond the technical language. The meeting ended without the investment he had hoped for.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Hannington packed his materials, however, one investor approached him outside the conference room. Where others had seen complexity, he saw potential. That conversation marked the beginning of a partnership that would help shape FasterDev into a growing software company serving businesses across Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, FasterDev is demonstrating that African technology companies can build solutions tailored to African realities—making software development faster, more affordable and more accessible for businesses across the continent.</span></p>
<h2><b>Hannington Mambo believes African businesses deserve software built for African realities</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As businesses across Africa embrace digital transformation, many still encounter the same obstacle: finding software that fits their needs without exceeding their budgets.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Custom-built systems are often expensive and time-consuming to develop, while many off-the-shelf solutions are designed for markets with different business environments and operational challenges. For developers, delivering reliable software can also involve repetitive processes that increase costs and delay deployment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hannington understood these frustrations from a unique perspective.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before transitioning into software development, he built a career in accounting, grants management and humanitarian operations, including experience at Save the Children. As a self-taught programmer, he combined operational insight with technical expertise, recognising that software projects often struggled not because Africa lacked talent, but because the development process itself was unnecessarily complex.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Together with his brother and co-founder, </span><b>Lamek Mambo</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, he set out to change that.</span></p>
<h2><b>FasterDev is simplifying how software is built</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Originally developed under the umbrella of </span><b>Mambo Software</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, FasterDev began as an internal development tool designed to automate repetitive and error-prone aspects of software engineering.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the platform matured, its potential became increasingly clear. Rather than serving only one company, FasterDev evolved into a standalone software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that could support developers, technology companies and growing businesses across Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, the platform enables organisations to build and deploy software more efficiently while reducing development costs and delivery timelines.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Its solutions support accounting and financial reporting systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms for institutions such as schools and SACCOs, and business management software tailored to the needs of African small and medium-sized enterprises.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By reducing technical complexity, FasterDev allows developers to focus more on innovation while helping businesses access locally relevant software without relying on costly imported systems.</span></p>
<h2><b>The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped strengthen Hannington Mambo&#8217;s vision</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Building innovative technology requires more than technical expertise. It also requires access to capital, business support and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages growth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In </span><b>2018</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Hannington Mambo was selected for the </span><a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-entrepreneurship-programme"><b>Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, receiving </span><b>US$5,000 in seed capital</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, business training, mentorship and access to the Foundation&#8217;s pan-African entrepreneurial network.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The support helped strengthen FasterDev&#8217;s business structure, increase its visibility and position the company for sustainable growth as it transitioned from an internal development tool into a commercial platform serving businesses across Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Hannington, the programme reinforced a belief that continues to shape FasterDev&#8217;s mission: Africa&#8217;s challenges are best solved by entrepreneurs building solutions for the continent.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Hannington Mambo&#8217;s work matters</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Africa&#8217;s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, but software development remains a significant barrier for many businesses seeking to modernise their operations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By making software development faster and more accessible, FasterDev is helping lower that barrier.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The company has created skilled employment opportunities for software developers, technical leaders and executive professionals, contributing to Kenya&#8217;s growing technology ecosystem while supporting continued product innovation through its recurring software-as-a-service revenue model.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Its impact extends beyond employment. Businesses across Africa can now access software designed with local operating conditions in mind, avoiding the high costs and lengthy implementation periods often associated with imported enterprise solutions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">FasterDev has also expanded its reach through SME networks, developer communities and connections within the Tony Elumelu Foundation alumni network, strengthening collaboration across Africa&#8217;s entrepreneurial ecosystem.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today, the company is led by </span><b>Amadou Chico Sissoko</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, its angel investor and Chief Executive Officer, reflecting a founder-investor partnership built on trust, shared purpose and long-term commitment. Hannington continues to shape the company&#8217;s strategic direction alongside his brother, whose technical leadership has been instrumental in FasterDev&#8217;s evolution.</span></p>
<h2><b>Building Africa&#8217;s digital future from within</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Hannington, FasterDev represents more than a software platform.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is part of a broader vision to ensure African businesses can build world-class technology without depending on imported systems or expensive development processes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the company continues to grow, it aims to become the platform of choice for developers and businesses seeking to build software faster, more efficiently and at lower cost across the continent.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Africa&#8217;s digital future will depend not only on the number of technology companies it creates but also on the quality of the tools those companies use to innovate.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hannington Mambo believes those tools should be built in Africa, for Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through FasterDev, he is proving that simplifying software development can unlock new opportunities for businesses, strengthen local innovation and empower the next generation of African technology entrepreneurs—one line of code at a time.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/hannington-mambo">Hannington Mambo Is Helping African Businesses Build Software Faster</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Noah Kipkoech Is Bringing Digital Opportunity Closer to Rural Kenya</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/noah-kipkoech#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=noah-kipkoech</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Grace matthew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:06:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EmpoweredByTEF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=28996</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For Noah Kipkoech, technology is not simply about internet access, it is about expanding opportunity. Across many rural communities in Kenya, something as routine as accessing a computer, applying for jobs online or completing a digital skills course can require travelling long distances. While cities continue to benefit from rapid technological advancement, many smaller towns &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/noah-kipkoech">Noah Kipkoech Is Bringing Digital Opportunity Closer to Rural Kenya</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahkipkoech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Noah Kipkoech</a>, technology is not simply about internet access, it is about expanding opportunity.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Across many rural communities in Kenya, something as routine as accessing a computer, applying for jobs online or completing a digital skills course can require travelling long distances. While cities continue to benefit from rapid technological advancement, many smaller towns remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, limiting opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rather than accepting this gap as inevitable, Noah chose to build a business that could help close it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As the Founder of </span><b>Kerilinks Enterprises Limited</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, he is making digital services and ICT training more accessible through the </span><b>Kasheen ICT Centre</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a community-based technology hub that equips residents with the tools and skills needed to participate in today&#8217;s digital economy.</span></p>
<h2><b>Noah Kipkoech believes digital access should not depend on geography</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Technology has become essential to almost every aspect of modern life. From applying for jobs and accessing government services to running businesses and acquiring new skills, digital literacy is increasingly a requirement rather than an advantage.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yet for many people living in rural Kenya, these opportunities remain out of reach because access to computers, affordable internet and structured ICT training is limited.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having grown up in Kericho County, Noah witnessed these challenges firsthand. Young people eager to develop digital skills had few local options. Entrepreneurs struggled to access online markets and services. Families often travelled considerable distances simply to complete tasks that required an internet connection.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recognising both the challenge and the opportunity, Noah founded </span><b>Kerilinks Enterprises Limited</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a social enterprise committed to making technology more accessible where it is needed most.</span></p>
<h2><b>Kasheen ICT Centre is making digital inclusion practical</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the heart of Kerilinks Enterprises is the </span><b>Kasheen ICT Centre</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a technology hub designed to bring affordable digital services directly into underserved communities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The centre provides affordable computer and internet access, practical ICT training programmes and a collaborative environment where students, freelancers, entrepreneurs and job seekers can build the digital skills increasingly required in today&#8217;s workforce.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rather than relying on donor funding alone, the business generates revenue through ICT services, internet access and digital training, demonstrating that community-focused technology solutions can also be commercially sustainable.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By combining accessibility with a viable business model, Kerilinks is helping reduce one of the biggest barriers to economic participation—limited access to digital tools and knowledge.</span></p>
<h2><b>The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped accelerate Noah Kipkoech&#8217;s vision</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Building a business that creates both commercial and social value requires more than determination. It requires access to capital, business knowledge and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through the </span><a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-entrepreneurship-programme"><b>Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme</b></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Noah received </span><b>$5,000 seed capital</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that enabled Kerilinks Enterprises to expand the operations of the Kasheen ICT Centre and strengthen its early growth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The support helped increase the centre&#8217;s reach, enhance service delivery and establish sustainable revenue streams while continuing to make digital services affordable for local communities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond funding, the programme connected Noah to a network of entrepreneurs across Africa who are building businesses that solve pressing local challenges through innovation.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Noah Kipkoech&#8217;s work matters</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Digital inclusion is increasingly recognised as a foundation for economic growth.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without access to technology, individuals face greater barriers to employment, education and entrepreneurship, while communities risk being left behind as economies become more digital.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through the Kasheen ICT Centre, Noah is helping ensure that these opportunities are available closer to home.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The enterprise has already created direct employment for two young people while providing hundreds of residents with affordable access to computers, internet services and digital skills training.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Young people who have completed the centre&#8217;s programmes report greater confidence using technology and improved readiness for jobs requiring basic ICT competencies, helping strengthen workforce participation within the community.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In recognition of his leadership, Noah was invited to serve as a judge for the </span><b>Warriors for Good Awards</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in early 2025, celebrating social innovation and community impact across Kenya.</span></p>
<h2><b>Looking beyond Kericho</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Noah, expanding digital inclusion is only the beginning.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kerilinks Enterprises plans to grow its digital skills programmes, strengthen partnerships with community organisations and develop scalable models of last-mile connectivity that can be replicated in underserved communities across Kenya.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As Africa continues its digital transformation, entrepreneurs like Noah are demonstrating that innovation does not have to begin in major cities to create meaningful impact.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The future of digital inclusion will depend not only on better technology but also on making that technology accessible to everyone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Noah Kipkoech envisions communities where location is no longer a barrier to opportunity and where every young person can acquire the digital skills needed to participate in the modern economy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through Kerilinks Enterprises, that vision is already becoming a reality—one community, one learner, and one connection at a time.</span></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/noah-kipkoech">Noah Kipkoech Is Bringing Digital Opportunity Closer to Rural Kenya</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>MEET RICHARD, BUILDING RWANDA&#8217;S ELECTRIC FUTURE</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/meet-richard-building-rwandas-electric-future#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=meet-richard-building-rwandas-electric-future</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Webmaster]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:56:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Testimonials]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=28726</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>HE WATCHED RIDERS LOSE HALF THEIR INCOME TO FUEL. NOW HE&#8217;S BUILDING RWANDA&#8217;S ELECTRIC FUTURE. Every day, Richard Ngoga watched motorcycle taxi riders work long hours only to lose a significant portion of their earnings to fuel costs. For many riders, fuel consumed between 40 and 60 per cent of their daily income, making it &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/meet-richard-building-rwandas-electric-future">MEET RICHARD, BUILDING RWANDA&#8217;S ELECTRIC FUTURE</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>HE WATCHED </strong><strong>RIDERS</strong><strong> LOSE HALF THEIR INCOME TO FUEL. NOW HE&#8217;S BUILDING RWANDA&#8217;S ELECTRIC FUTURE.</strong></em></p>
<p>Every day, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngoga-richard-163ab015a/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Richard Ngoga</a> watched motorcycle taxi riders work long hours only to lose a significant portion of their earnings to fuel costs.</p>
<p>For many riders, fuel consumed between 40 and 60 per cent of their daily income, making it difficult to build financial stability despite the growing demand for transport services.</p>
<p>Rather than accept this as an unavoidable reality, Richard saw an opportunity.</p>
<p>He envisioned a solution that could reduce operating costs for riders while <a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/east-africa/greenrevs-approach-to-fighting-malnourishment-in-rwanda">helping Rwanda</a> move towards a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.</p>
<p>That vision became <strong>Volt</strong>, an electric mobility company dedicated to making electric transportation accessible, practical, and affordable for Rwandans.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Build</strong></p>
<p>Building an electric mobility business meant introducing a new way of thinking about transportation in a market dominated by petrol-powered motorcycles.</p>
<p>Richard focused on developing a model that addressed the everyday realities of riders. Instead of simply selling electric motorcycles, Volt adopted a <strong>Battery-as-a-Service</strong> model, allowing riders to swap batteries instantly and continue working without lengthy charging times.</p>
<p>The approach combined locally relevant engineering, flexible financing options and dependable after-sales support, ensuring that riders could transition to electric mobility without disrupting their livelihoods.</p>
<p>The early stages demanded resilience, resourcefulness, and constant learning.</p>
<p>&#8220;<em>Building Volt from an idea to an operational business with paying riders has required resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong belief in the mission,&#8221;</em> Richard Ngoga</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-28730" src="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-3-768x1024.jpg" alt="Volt 3" width="636" height="848" srcset="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-3-9x12.jpg 9w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-3.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px" /></p>
<p><strong>The Challenge</strong></p>
<p>One of the biggest challenges was perception.</p>
<p>Many riders assumed electric motorcycles would be expensive, unreliable, or difficult to maintain. Convincing operators to embrace a new technology required more than promises; it required proof.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Richard and his team focused on demonstrating immediate value.</p>
<p>When riders saw that their daily operating costs could be significantly lower than fuel expenses from the very first day, scepticism began to fade.</p>
<p>The business also faced the challenge of meeting strict safety and regulatory requirements. To build trust with riders and authorities alike, Volt invested in <strong>UN38.3-certified batteries</strong>, meeting internationally recognised safety and environmental standards.</p>
<p>These decisions helped establish credibility and laid the groundwork for sustainable growth.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-28731" src="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="Volt 1" width="635" height="847" srcset="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-1-9x12.jpg 9w, https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Volt-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px" /></p>
<p><strong>The Tony Elumelu Foundation Moment</strong></p>
<p>Richard’s participation in the <a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/faq-tef-entrepreneurship-programme-selection-process">2023 <strong>Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme</strong></a> provided a valuable framework for building the business.</p>
<p>Beyond seed capital, the programme challenged him to think about sustainability, scalability and financial viability as interconnected goals rather than separate priorities.</p>
<p>&#8220;<em>The programme helped me see that building a clean energy business in Africa is not just environmentally responsible, it is commercially smart,&#8221;</em></p>
<p>The mentorship, business training and network of fellow entrepreneurs across Africa also proved invaluable during the company’s formative stages.</p>
<p>Through The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Richard gained the confidence to position Volt not simply as a transport company, but as a long-term infrastructure business helping to shape the future of mobility in Rwanda.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Impact</strong></p>
<p>The results are already visible on the streets of Kigali.</p>
<p>Since launching, Volt has deployed <strong>more than 100 electric motorcycles</strong>, helping reduce dependence on fuel-powered transportation while promoting cleaner urban mobility.</p>
<p>The company has also created <strong>15 jobs</strong>, contributing to economic opportunity alongside environmental impact.</p>
<p>In 2025, Volt achieved several significant milestones, including launching its first battery swap station in Remera, Kigali, deploying its first fleet of electric motorcycles and onboarding more than <strong>28 paying riders</strong>, generating over <strong>1.2 million RWF in monthly mobile money revenue within just three months</strong>.</p>
<p>Volt is now scaling rapidly, with plans to expand from its current fleet to <strong>250 riders by the end of the year</strong> and extend operations across all provinces of Rwanda by the end of 2026.</p>
<p>Every electric motorcycle on the road represents more than a business transaction; it represents lower operating costs for riders, reduced emissions and progress towards Rwanda’s vision for a cleaner transport future.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The Lesson</strong></p>
<p>For Richard, sustainability is not a marketing message. It is the foundation of the business itself.</p>
<p>As fuel prices continue to rise and countries across Africa pursue cleaner transport solutions, he believes the most resilient businesses will be those that align commercial success with solving real societal challenges.</p>
<p>His advice to young entrepreneurs is simple:</p>
<p><em>&#8220;Do not treat sustainability as a marketing label. Treat it as a design principle. Build it into how you make money, not just how you talk about your business.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>By helping riders earn more while reducing emissions, Volt is proving that clean mobility is not just possible; it is already happening.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/meet-richard-building-rwandas-electric-future">MEET RICHARD, BUILDING RWANDA&#8217;S ELECTRIC FUTURE</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>TEF Alumni, Andrew Etuket, is Promoting Healthy Living Through Timnath Health</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/tef-alumni-andrew-etuket-is-promoting-healthy-living-through-timnath-health#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=tef-alumni-andrew-etuket-is-promoting-healthy-living-through-timnath-health</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:55:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EmpoweredByTEF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Alumni]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=22768</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Description of his business TIMNATH Health is Kampala&#8217;s foremost facility for people seeking to improve their health and fitness. TIMNATH leverages diverse expertise in medicine, nutrition, research, design and technology to offer comprehensive health and fitness solutions to both individuals and corporates. It&#8217;s system, the TIMNATH Health Improvement System (THIS), employs a 6-stage cyclic process, &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/tef-alumni-andrew-etuket-is-promoting-healthy-living-through-timnath-health">TEF Alumni, Andrew Etuket, is Promoting Healthy Living Through Timnath Health</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Description of his business</strong></h3>



<p>TIMNATH Health is Kampala&#8217;s foremost facility for people seeking to improve their health and fitness. TIMNATH leverages diverse expertise in medicine, nutrition, research, design and technology to offer comprehensive health and fitness solutions to both individuals and corporates. It&#8217;s system, the TIMNATH Health Improvement System (THIS), employs a 6-stage cyclic process, i.e. Information gathering; Analysis; Design; Feedback; Implementation; and Evaluation and Monitoring. This helps the company tailor solutions to fit each client&#8217;s unique needs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How long have you been running your business</strong></h3>



<p>Over 36 months.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What led him to be an entrepreneur</strong></h3>



<p>A doctor by profession, I spent the first seven years of my career developing my medical, research and leadership skills with several leading national health institutions, most notably the Aga Khan University Hospital Kampala. While there, I completed several professional trainings; organized several health promotion campaigns; and developed innovations that greatly contributed to expanding these institutions, earning me a series of promotions.</p>



<p>Despite these achievements, I encountered several people who suffered needlessly — and even died — as a result of Non -Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure which are largely preventable. I noticed that many of the interventions from government and other stakeholders were mostly piecemeal and reactive. I felt a need for an integrated approach with a focus on prevention and health promotion. I’ve always loved leading teams, learning new things and solving customer problems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jobs</strong></h3>



<p>Before the intervention: He had two workers. After the intervention: He now has five workers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Revenue</strong></h3>



<p>Before the intervention: He was making $2000 per annum. After the intervention: He now generates $10000 per annum.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Milestone achieved after the intervention</strong></h3>



<p>After selection to the programme, he has now been able to get the company premises fully operational with all the requisite equipment and have 3 added staff on payroll.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/alumni/east-african-alumni/tef-alumni-andrew-etuket-is-promoting-healthy-living-through-timnath-health">TEF Alumni, Andrew Etuket, is Promoting Healthy Living Through Timnath Health</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Moses Mutabaganya is producing a wide range of nutritional foods to combat the high rate of malnutrition in the country</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/moses-mutabaganya-is-producing-a-wide-range-of-nutritional-foods-to-combat-the-high-rate-of-malnutrition-in-the-country#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=moses-mutabaganya-is-producing-a-wide-range-of-nutritional-foods-to-combat-the-high-rate-of-malnutrition-in-the-country</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Testimonials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EmpoweredByTEF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Alumni]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=22730</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Description of his business Moses Blessed Mutabaganya, founder of Glory to Glory Food Industries a registered company operating in Kampala Uganda, is producing a wide range of nutritional foods to combat the high rate of malnutrition in the country. The company produces foods that will contribute to the fight against malnutrition. Our products are highly &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/moses-mutabaganya-is-producing-a-wide-range-of-nutritional-foods-to-combat-the-high-rate-of-malnutrition-in-the-country">Moses Mutabaganya is producing a wide range of nutritional foods to combat the high rate of malnutrition in the country</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Description of his business</strong></h3>



<p>Moses Blessed Mutabaganya, founder of Glory to Glory Food Industries a registered company operating in Kampala Uganda, is producing a wide range of nutritional foods to combat the high rate of malnutrition in the country.</p>



<p>The company produces foods that will contribute to the fight against malnutrition. Our products are highly nutritious, appetizing, medicinal, delicious and made out of the following soy, millet, maize, corn, avocado seed, rice, jack fruit seeds, plus many other spices and additives and they include the following soy sauce, soy rice, high protein, protein boaster, pure soy, corn flour, cassava flour and they are good for food and beverages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How long have you been running your business</strong></h3>



<p>Over 36 months.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What led him to be an entrepreneur</strong></h3>



<p>He was compelled to start this business in order to solve the high rate of malnutrition problem of which 2-2 million (29%) Ugandan children are affected. Today, he is the founder and the CEO, also an author and pastor holding a diploma in business administration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jobs</strong></h3>



<p>Before the intervention: He had five workers. After the intervention: He now has ten workers. <strong>Revenue:</strong></p>



<p>Before the intervention: He was making 120 millions Ugandan shilling per annum</p>



<p>After the intervention: He now generates an average of 150 million Ugandan shilling per annum</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Milestone achieved after the intervention</strong></h3>



<p>He has trade marked the business name, sales have increased because he invested more money and the scale of his operations have increased as he now has customers in Canada and Dubai.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/moses-mutabaganya-is-producing-a-wide-range-of-nutritional-foods-to-combat-the-high-rate-of-malnutrition-in-the-country">Moses Mutabaganya is producing a wide range of nutritional foods to combat the high rate of malnutrition in the country</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Eliab Mayengo is helping to provide quality construction materials to build for the future</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/eliab-mayengo-is-helping-to-provide-quality-construction-materials-to-build-for-the-future#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=eliab-mayengo-is-helping-to-provide-quality-construction-materials-to-build-for-the-future</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2022 09:56:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Testimonials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#EmpoweredByTEF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Alumni]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=22715</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Description of his business Orca-Pod Holdings Limited fabricate machinery that are used in manufacturing quality construction materials that are very affordable to the local middle-class Ugandan to aid in improving the quality of their housing. Their products are so affordable to the local person since they are locally produced right from machinery since they are &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/eliab-mayengo-is-helping-to-provide-quality-construction-materials-to-build-for-the-future">Eliab Mayengo is helping to provide quality construction materials to build for the future</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Description of his business</strong></h3>



<p>Orca-Pod Holdings Limited fabricate machinery that are used in manufacturing quality construction materials that are very affordable to the local middle-class Ugandan to aid in improving the quality of their housing. Their products are so affordable to the local person since they are locally produced right from machinery since they are tax free. They produce products such as Clay Bricks, Maxpans, Pompe, Clay Ventilators, Partition blocks and facing bricks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>How long have you been running your business</strong></h3>



<p>Over 36 months</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What led him to be an entrepreneur</strong></h3>



<p>He grew up in a rural village in Uganda and like all villages in Africa, he met the worst of life as a child. He became self- sponsored at a tender age (12) and had to take himself through school all through.</p>



<p>He had to device all means of getting money to support himself and his siblings. So, out of dire need, he formed a youth investment club where they offered time and labour to make hand -made clay bricks to sell. Over time the business generated revenue and they were able to afford school.</p>



<p>After his university, he did not bother to look for jobs but used his skills as a mechanical engineer to start his small scale fabrication of equipment that would make their bricks production quicker and of a higher quality since now they have gotten the exposure to what quality differences exist out there. So, they progressed with improving their products day by day and introduced new product categories along the way.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jobs</strong></h3>



<p>Before the intervention: He had twenty workers.</p>



<p>After the intervention: He now has 45 workers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Revenue</strong></h3>



<p>Before the intervention: He was making 145,000,000 Ugandan shillings per annum</p>



<p>After the intervention: He now generates 201,000,000 Ugandan shillings per annum</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Milestone achieved after the intervention</strong></h3>



<p>They were able to construct a baking kiln at our factory which is eco- friendly, more fuel efficient, effective and produces a better result than our old manual ways. With this, we have added another district of supply to our profile since the quantity we can produce is much higher.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/eliab-mayengo-is-helping-to-provide-quality-construction-materials-to-build-for-the-future">Eliab Mayengo is helping to provide quality construction materials to build for the future</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Meet the Entrepreneur Connecting Kenyans to Healthy food</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/east-africa/meet-the-entrepreneur-connecting-kenyans-to-healthy-food#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=meet-the-entrepreneur-connecting-kenyans-to-healthy-food</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:48:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#TEFGOOGLEWOMAN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success Stories]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=22296</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When Binti Mwallau started Hasanat Ventures, her dairy processing company in Kenya, she expected some resistance from her peers in an industry dominated by men. But she was surprised to run into more skepticism from her customers. Despite her background in finance and biochemistry, many of them questioned her credibility as a woman entrepreneur. Worried &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/east-africa/meet-the-entrepreneur-connecting-kenyans-to-healthy-food">Meet the Entrepreneur Connecting Kenyans to Healthy food</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>When Binti Mwallau started <a href="https://hasanatventures.co.ke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hasanat Ventures</a>, her dairy processing company in Kenya, she expected some resistance from her peers in an industry dominated by men. But she was surprised to run into more skepticism from her customers. Despite her background in finance and biochemistry, many of them questioned her credibility as a woman entrepreneur.</p>



<p>Worried that her gender would affect Hasanat Ventures’ reputation, Binti considered hiring a man as the face of the business. But she eventually decided against it, standing firm in her pride as a solo founder and committed to tearing down the perception that women-run businesses in Africa aren&#8217;t as successful as those run by men.</p>



<p>“I think we should be challenging the outdated narrative that businesses run by men are guaranteed to be more successful,” Binti says. “Based on research, we&#8217;ve seen that businesses run by women actually perform better. We should use this as an opportunity to prove that as a woman, you do stand a chance to succeed in everything that you do.”</p>



<p>Just as important to Binti as <a href="https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-africa/what-breaking-bias-means-these-googlers-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breaking this bias</a> was giving Kenyans more access to affordable nutrition. “I realized that many people couldn’t afford premium yogurt. So we entered the market with a high-quality product that’s affordable for lower and middle-income earners who have become more health-conscious,” she says.</p>



<p>Binti knew she had to drive awareness for her brand, particularly to reach Kenyans who needed convincing about yogurt’s health benefits. So she turned to <a href="https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalskills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Digital Skills for Africa</a>, which offers virtual classes to help entrepreneurs grow their skills and businesses, and completed a digital marketing course to help her get Hasanat Ventures online.</p>



<p>“After participating in the course, we knew our online presence had to be bigger than just social media,” Binti says. “Now that we have a fully functional <a href="https://hasanatventures.co.ke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, we are actually getting leads from outside Kenya.”</p>



<p>As part of the course, Binti learned how to use <a href="https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Analytics</a> to measure her website’s performance. She could now monitor traffic insights, analyze pageviews and better understand who was visiting her site.</p>



<p>Binti’s determination and passion for her business are showing up in the results. In its first year, Hasanat Ventures supplied over 300 retailers with affordable dairy products. Three years later, it’s grown to support more than 50 farmers and even built its own production facility to keep up with demand.</p>



<p>“I really want to make sure that I am visible and speaking up in spaces women don’t usually have access to,” Binti says. “As Hasanat Ventures continues to grow, I am confident I can help change the perception of African women in business.”</p>



<p><em>58% of Africa’s entrepreneurs are women. That’s why we’re empowering them with the platform and tools to grow their businesses. Learn more about our</em> <a href="https://grow.google/intl/ssa/women" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>#LookMeUp campaign</em></a><em>, highlighting Africa’s women entrepreneurs like Binti who are working to</em> <a href="https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-africa/what-breaking-bias-means-these-googlers-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>break the bias</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/east-africa/meet-the-entrepreneur-connecting-kenyans-to-healthy-food">Meet the Entrepreneur Connecting Kenyans to Healthy food</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>BanaPads Is Making Menstruation Management Affordable And Convenient For Women</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/banapads-is-making-menstruation-management-affordable-and-convenient-for-women#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=banapads-is-making-menstruation-management-affordable-and-convenient-for-women</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2021 06:59:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Testimonials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#TEFGREEN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Banapads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Elumelu Foundation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=17778</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It is no secret that menstruation, is still considered a social taboo in many parts of the world. There is common theme of silence when conversations about the subject come up. As though it is not as natural as breathing. This is challenge inspired Richard Bbaale, a 2016 TEF Alumna from Uganda to create BanaPads. &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/banapads-is-making-menstruation-management-affordable-and-convenient-for-women">BanaPads Is Making Menstruation Management Affordable And Convenient For Women</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>It is no secret that menstruation, is still considered a social taboo in many parts of the world. There is common theme of silence when conversations about the subject come up. As though it is not as natural as breathing. This is challenge inspired Richard Bbaale, a 2016 <a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-entrepreneurship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TEF Alumna</a> from Uganda to create BanaPads.</p>



<p>BanaPads is an award-winning social enterprise registered in Uganda and Tanzania with the aim of manufacturing affordable and eco-friendly (100% biodegradable) sanitary pads. The pads are also collected to be used as manure and this means that the waste that goes to the local landfill will be reduced since the banana pseudo-stem is a recyclable product.</p>



<p>In Uganda, Richard’s home country, the stigma and negative stereotypes around menstruation also means a direct impact on the education of girls in that region. 20% of girls aged 13-18 miss at least one day of school during their period, and girls who were menstruating missed school on 28% of ‘period’ days compared to 7% on non-period days. This aggregated to absence from school of around 11% of teaching days.</p>



<p>For Richard, the solution to this was in two folds &#8211; tackle the difficulties Ugandan women face in menstruation management, thus helping to keep girls in school and create jobs for women in poor rural areas. He created a unique business model to help him achieve these two goals seamlessly.</p>



<p>Some women in Uganda not only consider conversations about menstruation as ‘awkward’ they also struggle to afford adequate sanitary materials. To mitigate this, Richard created a network of female sales agents, called Bana Champions. They are trained to not only sell the sanitary pads directly to women at home but also spread awareness of menstrual hygiene, receiving a commission on sales in return.</p>



<p>Richard began selling BanaPads in a small Ugandan village in 2010 and has since expanded his customer base to 25,000 customers by the end of 2018 and distributes at least 5 million pads annually.</p>



<p>Thank to Richard and the remarkable work he continues to do with BanaPads, more women can access affordable sanitary products and earn a living by spreading the message of proper menstruation management with their fellow women.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/banapads-is-making-menstruation-management-affordable-and-convenient-for-women">BanaPads Is Making Menstruation Management Affordable And Convenient For Women</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Yvette Ishimwe, TEF Alumna Recognised as Innovative African Business Leader</title>
		<link>https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/yvette-ishimwe-tef-alumna-recognised-as-innovative-african-business-leader#utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=yvette-ishimwe-tef-alumna-recognised-as-innovative-african-business-leader</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Joshua Praise]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:31:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[East African Alumni]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEF Testimonials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#TEFWOMAN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Elumelu Foundation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/?p=17640</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group, and 2016 TEF Alumna, Yvette Ishimwe, has been announced as one of the finalists at an international award targeted at Innovative African business leader What had initially started as an experiment with treating nearby lake water with an ultraviolet water purifier at the age of nineteen, has since grown &#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/yvette-ishimwe-tef-alumna-recognised-as-innovative-african-business-leader">Yvette Ishimwe, TEF Alumna Recognised as Innovative African Business Leader</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Founder and CEO, IRIBA Water Group, and 2016 TEF Alumna, Yvette Ishimwe, has been announced as one of the finalists at an international award targeted at Innovative African business leader</p>



<p>What had initially started as an experiment with treating nearby lake water with an ultraviolet water purifier at the age of nineteen, has since grown to become a company that delivers cans of clean water by bicycle to hundreds of families in her community with a rapidly growing customer base.</p>



<p>Her business was borne when Yvette came face-to-face with the challenge of accessing clean water for home use when her family had just relocated from Kigali to Kayonza District.</p>



<p>Following her recognition as <a href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur</a>, she was bestowed with a Young Leaders Award in 2017 for her commendable efforts in providing innovative solutions for household water shortage in Rwanda.</p>



<p>Very recently, Yvette was announced as one of ten entrepreneurs – half of whom are female –selected from over 12,000 applicants across all 54 African nations and passed multiple stages of judging and evaluation.</p>



<p>In her home country Rwanda, only 57% of the entire population have access to safe drinking water within 30 minutes of their location. Her organization Iriba Water Group, offers water treatment systems to institutions and individuals to help them access safe drinking water.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/the-tef-circle/tef-testimonials/yvette-ishimwe-tef-alumna-recognised-as-innovative-african-business-leader">Yvette Ishimwe, TEF Alumna Recognised as Innovative African Business Leader</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org">The Tony Elumelu Foundation</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
