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 struggled to see beyond the technical language. The meeting ended without the investment he had hoped for.

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.

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.

Hannington Mambo believes African businesses deserve software built for African realities

As businesses across Africa embrace digital transformation, many still encounter the same obstacle: finding software that fits their needs without exceeding their budgets.

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.

Hannington understood these frustrations from a unique perspective.

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.

Together with his brother and co-founder, Lamek Mambo, he set out to change that.

FasterDev is simplifying how software is built

Originally developed under the umbrella of Mambo Software, FasterDev began as an internal development tool designed to automate repetitive and error-prone aspects of software engineering.

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.

Today, the platform enables organisations to build and deploy software more efficiently while reducing development costs and delivery timelines.

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.

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.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped strengthen Hannington Mambo’s vision

Building innovative technology requires more than technical expertise. It also requires access to capital, business support and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages growth.

In 2018, Hannington Mambo was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, receiving US$5,000 in seed capital, business training, mentorship and access to the Foundation’s pan-African entrepreneurial network.

The support helped strengthen FasterDev’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.

For Hannington, the programme reinforced a belief that continues to shape FasterDev’s mission: Africa’s challenges are best solved by entrepreneurs building solutions for the continent.

Why Hannington Mambo’s work matters

Africa’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, but software development remains a significant barrier for many businesses seeking to modernise their operations.

By making software development faster and more accessible, FasterDev is helping lower that barrier.

The company has created skilled employment opportunities for software developers, technical leaders and executive professionals, contributing to Kenya’s growing technology ecosystem while supporting continued product innovation through its recurring software-as-a-service revenue model.

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.

FasterDev has also expanded its reach through SME networks, developer communities and connections within the Tony Elumelu Foundation alumni network, strengthening collaboration across Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Today, the company is led by Amadou Chico Sissoko, 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’s strategic direction alongside his brother, whose technical leadership has been instrumental in FasterDev’s evolution.

Building Africa’s digital future from within

For Hannington, FasterDev represents more than a software platform.

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.

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.

Africa’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.

Hannington Mambo believes those tools should be built in Africa, for Africa.

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.

The post Hannington Mambo Is Helping African Businesses Build Software Faster appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

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.

Rather than accepting this gap as inevitable, Noah chose to build a business that could help close it.

As the Founder of Kerilinks Enterprises Limited, he is making digital services and ICT training more accessible through the Kasheen ICT Centre, a community-based technology hub that equips residents with the tools and skills needed to participate in today’s digital economy.

Noah Kipkoech believes digital access should not depend on geography

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.

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.

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.

Recognising both the challenge and the opportunity, Noah founded Kerilinks Enterprises Limited, a social enterprise committed to making technology more accessible where it is needed most.

Kasheen ICT Centre is making digital inclusion practical

At the heart of Kerilinks Enterprises is the Kasheen ICT Centre, a technology hub designed to bring affordable digital services directly into underserved communities.

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’s workforce.

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.

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.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped accelerate Noah Kipkoech’s vision

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.

Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, Noah received $5,000 seed capital that enabled Kerilinks Enterprises to expand the operations of the Kasheen ICT Centre and strengthen its early growth.

The support helped increase the centre’s reach, enhance service delivery and establish sustainable revenue streams while continuing to make digital services affordable for local communities.

Beyond funding, the programme connected Noah to a network of entrepreneurs across Africa who are building businesses that solve pressing local challenges through innovation.

Why Noah Kipkoech’s work matters

Digital inclusion is increasingly recognised as a foundation for economic growth.

Without access to technology, individuals face greater barriers to employment, education and entrepreneurship, while communities risk being left behind as economies become more digital.

Through the Kasheen ICT Centre, Noah is helping ensure that these opportunities are available closer to home.

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.

Young people who have completed the centre’s programmes report greater confidence using technology and improved readiness for jobs requiring basic ICT competencies, helping strengthen workforce participation within the community.

In recognition of his leadership, Noah was invited to serve as a judge for the Warriors for Good Awards in early 2025, celebrating social innovation and community impact across Kenya.

Looking beyond Kericho

For Noah, expanding digital inclusion is only the beginning.

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.

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.

The future of digital inclusion will depend not only on better technology but also on making that technology accessible to everyone.

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.

Through Kerilinks Enterprises, that vision is already becoming a reality—one community, one learner, and one connection at a time.

The post Noah Kipkoech Is Bringing Digital Opportunity Closer to Rural Kenya appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

What began as a deeply personal search for healthier food options has grown into a business that is helping reshape how people think about baking, nutrition and inclusion.

As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batter Bakes, Siphilele Magagula is proving that healthier food does not have to compromise on taste, convenience or accessibility.

Siphilele Magagula turned a personal challenge into a business opportunity

Many successful businesses begin with solving a problem the founder has experienced firsthand.

For Siphilele Magagula, that problem was navigating life with gastrointestinal health challenges and finding food that met her dietary needs without sacrificing flavour or quality.

Rather than accepting limited options, she decided to create them.

Founded in 2018, Batter Bakes has become Eswatini’s first food and lifestyle brand dedicated to producing nutrient-dense, allergen-free baked goods and baking solutions. Every product is designed to be gluten-free, lactose-free and refined sugar-free, with vegan, plant-based and low-carbohydrate options available for customers with different dietary requirements.

The company’s philosophy is simple: no one should ever feel excluded from the dinner table.

Batter Bakes is making healthy eating more accessible

Healthy eating is often associated with expensive speciality products or complicated recipes.

Batter Bakes takes a different approach.

The company produces ready-to-use baking mixes, frozen batters and wholesome baked goods that simplify food preparation for households, cafés and hospitality businesses while reducing waste and maintaining consistent quality.

By combining convenience with nutrition, Batter Bakes enables both professional and home bakers to prepare fresh products more efficiently without compromising on health or taste.

The business also places strong emphasis on using carefully sourced natural ingredients and increasing the use of locally available grains and superfoods, making healthier food choices more accessible within Eswatini.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped transform Siphilele Magagula’s vision into a business

A pivotal moment in Siphilele Magagula’s entrepreneurial journey came in 2019, when she was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

Chosen from more than 216,000 applicants, she received US$5,000 in seed capital, business training and mentorship to launch Batter Bakes as Eswatini’s first nutrient-dense, allergen-free food business.

The programme provided more than financial support.

It helped establish the management structures, business systems and entrepreneurial confidence needed to transform an innovative idea into a scalable enterprise.

Today, Batter Bakes continues to demonstrate how entrepreneurship can improve public health while creating sustainable commercial opportunities.

Beyond food, Siphilele Magagula is shaping Eswatini’s creative economy

While Batter Bakes has become one of her most recognised ventures, Siphilele Magagula’s influence extends well beyond food entrepreneurship.

A multidisciplinary designer, branding strategist and creative entrepreneur, she has contributed to international design, cultural and innovation initiatives while advocating for design thinking, mental health awareness and stronger creative ecosystems in Eswatini.

Her work reflects a broader philosophy that entrepreneurship is not simply about building businesses—it is about designing better systems, stronger communities and more inclusive experiences.

Why Siphilele Magagula’s work matters

Across Africa, demand for healthier food options continues to grow as consumers become more aware of nutrition, wellness and food sensitivities.

Businesses like Batter Bakes are helping ensure that this shift is inclusive rather than exclusive.

By developing products that meet specialised dietary needs while remaining practical and enjoyable, Siphilele Magagula is expanding access to healthier lifestyles without asking consumers to compromise on quality or convenience.

Her entrepreneurial journey also demonstrates how personal experiences can inspire businesses with broader social impact, transforming individual challenges into solutions that benefit entire communities.

Looking ahead

The future of food will be shaped not only by what people eat but also by who has access to healthier choices.

Siphilele Magagula continues to position Batter Bakes as more than a bakery. It is an inclusive food brand committed to improving wellbeing through innovation, nutrition and thoughtful product design.

As awareness of specialised dietary needs grows across Africa, Batter Bakes is well positioned to help lead a new generation of food businesses where health, sustainability and inclusion work together.

For Siphilele Magagula, success is not measured only by the products sold. It is measured by ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, has a place at the table.

The post Siphilele Magagula Is Redefining Healthy Baking in Eswatini appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

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

As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 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 was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, 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.

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 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

Through the programme, she received business training, mentorship, US$5,000 in seed capital 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.

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 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

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 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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.

Source: Africa Brief 

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Market insight: Africa’s unique conditions have generated hyper-local innovations — in logistics, agritech, and fintech — that global corporates can integrate for competitive advantage.
4. 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.

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 co-founded 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 WhatsApp and 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

In 2024, Tafadzwa Chikwereti was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, joining thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa building businesses that solve local challenges through innovation.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, 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.

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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 renewable energy 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

In 2024, Tawanda Maruza was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, joining thousands of entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries working to solve local challenges through business innovation.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, 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.

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As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 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

In 2024, Matilde Rungo joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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 in seed capital, 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.

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