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 cofundado 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 e 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

Em 2024, Tafadzwa Chikwereti was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, 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.

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

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 energia renovável 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

Em 2024, Tawanda Maruza was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, 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.

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

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

Em 2024, Matilde Rungo se juntou ao Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, 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.

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

As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Fire Innovation Limited (Green Fire Zambia), Septiya Muhandu is transforming agricultural and industrial waste into eco-friendly charcoal briquettes that provide cleaner, more sustainable fuel for homes and businesses. His work demonstrates how environmental innovation can protect natural resources while creating practical solutions that people can adopt every day.

Septiya Muhandu is rethinking what waste can become

Agricultural residues are often treated as little more than waste. Across farming communities, biomass is frequently burned, discarded or left to decompose, despite its potential to become a valuable energy resource.

Septiya Muhandu saw an opportunity hidden within this challenge.

Through Green Fire, he has developed a business that converts agricultural and industrial waste into renewable charcoal briquettes, creating products that reduce pressure on Zambia’s forests while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.

Rather than extracting more natural resources, Green Fire focuses on maximising the value of materials that already exist. The result is a business model rooted in the principles of the circular economy, where waste becomes a resource instead of a burden.

Green Fire is building a cleaner future for Zambia

Environmental sustainability and economic opportunity often go hand in hand.

By producing affordable charcoal briquettes from biomass waste, Green Fire addresses several challenges simultaneously. The company supports waste reduction, encourages renewable energy adoption and provides households and businesses with an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional charcoal.

This approach creates benefits that extend beyond environmental conservation. It also contributes to local economic activity by creating value from agricultural by-products that might otherwise go unused.

As conversations around climate resilience and clean energy continue to gain momentum across Africa, businesses like Green Fire illustrate how local innovation can contribute to broader environmental goals while responding to everyday needs.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped strengthen Septiya Muhandu’s entrepreneurial journey

Em 2024, Septiya Muhandu was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, joining a network of entrepreneurs working to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges through business.

As part of the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, business training, mentorship and access to the Foundation’s pan-African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

For Green Fire, this support provided more than financial resources. It strengthened the company’s capacity to refine its business model, develop its growth strategy and connect with entrepreneurs across the continent who are building innovative, impact-driven enterprises.

The Foundation’s investment reflects a broader belief that Africa’s transition to a greener economy will be driven not only by policy but also by entrepreneurs creating practical, scalable solutions.

Why Septiya’s work matters

The future of sustainable energy in Africa depends on businesses that make environmentally responsible choices accessible and affordable.

Septiya Muhandu is part of a new generation of entrepreneurs proving that climate innovation does not have to rely on expensive technologies or imported solutions. Sometimes, meaningful change begins by rethinking resources that communities already have.

Through Green Fire, Septiya Muhandu is helping reduce dependence on traditional charcoal while encouraging cleaner cooking practices and promoting responsible use of natural resources.

His work highlights the growing role entrepreneurs play in supporting environmental conservation, strengthening local economies and advancing Africa’s transition towards more sustainable energy systems.

For Septiya Muhandu, Green Fire is more than a renewable energy company. It represents a vision of a future where economic growth and environmental stewardship reinforce one another.

As demand increases for cleaner energy solutions across Zambia and the wider region, Green Fire aims to continue expanding its contribution to sustainable fuel production and environmental conservation.

Septiya Muhandu’s entrepreneurial journey demonstrates that some of the most effective climate solutions are built on simple but powerful ideas. By turning waste into clean cooking fuel, he is helping protect forests, create value from overlooked resources and contribute to a more sustainable future for Zambia.

Sometimes, the strongest innovations do not begin with creating something new—they begin with seeing existing resources through a different lens.

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

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

Rethinking waste through entrepreneurship

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

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

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

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

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

Building a business with climate impact

Environmental entrepreneurship often demands patience.

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

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

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

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

Accelerating growth through the Tony Elumelu Foundation

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

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

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

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

Why businesses like CARABLAZE matter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why quality education matters

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

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

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

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

Building Sante City Academy around student success

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

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

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

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

Joining the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

Em 2024, Tembo Cleopatra was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, joining thousands of entrepreneurs from across Africa recognised for their potential to drive economic transformation through business.

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

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

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

Education as a catalyst for community development

Schools have a unique ability to influence generations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rethinking governance for Africa’s growing businesses

Corporate governance is often associated with large listed companies, complex regulatory frameworks and extensive boards of directors. For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it can appear distant, expensive or unnecessary.

Ntini challenges that perception.

He believes governance should be practical, accessible and designed to support entrepreneurs as they grow rather than becoming a consideration only after businesses reach maturity.

By translating governance principles into practical business tools, he helps organisations improve decision-making, manage risk, strengthen accountability and position themselves for long-term growth.

This approach reflects the evolving needs of African enterprises operating in increasingly competitive and interconnected markets.

Building the Global Governance Group

As the founder and CEO of Global Governance Group, Dumisani Ntini has built a consultancy focused on helping businesses embed ethical leadership, effective management systems and sustainable governance structures.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the company tailors governance frameworks to the realities of businesses operating in emerging African markets.

Its work spans strategic advisory services, governance implementation and executive development, helping organisations navigate regulatory expectations while strengthening internal systems that support sustainable growth.

For entrepreneurs seeking investment or expansion opportunities, these governance foundations can improve operational resilience and increase investor confidence.

Accelerating growth through the Tony Elumelu Foundation

Em 2021, Dumisani Ntini joined the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, becoming part of the Foundation’s pan-African network of entrepreneurs.

Through the programme, he received US$5,000 in seed capital, alongside business training, mentorship and access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem spanning all 54 African countries.

The experience reinforced his vision of making corporate governance more accessible to businesses across the continent.

Beyond financial support, participation in the programme expanded opportunities for collaboration, strengthened his regional network and provided additional momentum to scale the Global Governance Group’s impact.

The Foundation’s support complemented Ntini’s mission of equipping African enterprises with the governance systems needed to grow sustainably and compete globally.

Building stronger institutions through knowledge

Recognising that governance is most effective when it is understood rather than imposed, Ntini has invested heavily in business education and public engagement.

Under his leadership, the Global Governance Group launched the #GoodGovernanceWorkshops, bringing together executives, board members and entrepreneurs to explore practical approaches to governance, leadership and organisational sustainability.

These workshops encourage businesses to view governance not simply as a compliance exercise but as a strategic asset that strengthens resilience, improves transparency and supports better decision-making.

By making governance knowledge more accessible, the company is helping cultivate stronger business institutions across Botswana and beyond.

Shaping the conversation on corporate governance

Dumisani Ntini’s influence extends beyond consulting.

He is a recognised voice in Botswana’s business community, regularly contributing insights on corporate governance through appearances on Botswana Television (BTV) and his #CorporateGovernanceCorner column published in Botswana Business Weekly.

Through these platforms, he continues to advocate for governance as a catalyst for business success, investment readiness and sustainable economic development.

His work contributes to a broader conversation about the role governance plays in strengthening Africa’s private sector and creating businesses capable of delivering long-term value.

Dumisani Ntini believes the continent’s future competitiveness depends not only on entrepreneurial ambition but also on the strength of the institution’s entrepreneurs build.

Through the Global Governance Group, he is working to ensure that governance becomes an integral part of business growth rather than an afterthought.

For entrepreneurs seeking to build lasting organisations, governance is not simply about managing risk it is about creating the conditions for enduring success.

The post Dumisani Ntini Is Advancing Corporate Governance in Africa appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Her work reflects a growing movement across Africa, where entrepreneurs are redefining tourism by placing local communities and authentic experiences at the heart of travel.

Unlocking Botswana’s tourism potential

Botswana is internationally recognised for destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the Kalahari Desert. Yet beyond its iconic wildlife lies a wealth of cultural traditions, community experiences and lesser-known destinations that remain underexplored.

For many travellers, accessing these experiences requires local knowledge and carefully curated itineraries. For local tourism businesses, standing out in a competitive global market requires innovation, storytelling and a deep understanding of what modern travellers value.

Recognising these opportunities, Bakang Keimetswe founded Afrigetaway to bridge the gap between Botswana’s rich tourism assets and travellers seeking meaningful, immersive experiences.

Building Afrigetaway around authentic experiences

Established in 2018, Afrigetaway (Pty) Ltd operates within Botswana’s tourism and hospitality sector, specialising in destination management, eco-tourism, cultural tourism and adventure travel.

The company’s approach goes beyond organising trips. It curates journeys that introduce visitors to Botswana’s landscapes, heritage and local communities while encouraging responsible travel practices that respect both people and the environment.

By combining tourism planning with authentic storytelling, Afrigetaway is helping position Botswana as a destination that offers more than wildlife safaris—it offers experiences that create lasting connections between travellers and the places they visit.

As demand grows for sustainable and experience-led tourism, the company is responding to changing traveller expectations while contributing to the country’s evolving tourism economy.

Strengthening the business through the Tony Elumelu Foundation

Em 2021, Bakang Keimetswe joined the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, gaining access to the support needed to strengthen Afrigetaway during its early stages of growth.

Through the programme, she received US$5,000 in seed capital, alongside business training, mentorship and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial networks.

The support helped reinforce the company’s business structure, increase its visibility and provide practical tools for navigating the challenges of growing a tourism enterprise in a rapidly changing market.

Beyond funding, the programme connected Keimetswe with a community of entrepreneurs who continue to demonstrate the value of collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation across Africa.

Contributing to Botswana’s experience economy

Since participating in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, Afrigetaway has continued to strengthen its presence within Botswana’s growing tourism ecosystem.

The company has gradually expanded its focus on eco-tourism, experience-based travel e youth enterprise participation, reflecting broader shifts in how travellers engage with destinations.

Its work contributes to a tourism model that extends economic opportunities beyond traditional hospitality businesses by encouraging greater participation from local communities, guides and cultural experiences.

In doing so, Afrigetaway is helping showcase Botswana through the perspectives of the people who know it best.

This approach demonstrates how entrepreneurial innovation can complement national tourism strategies while creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.

Bakang Keimetswe believes Botswana’s greatest competitive advantage lies in the authenticity of its people, landscapes and traditions. Through Afrigetaway, she continues to build experiences that celebrate those strengths while responding to the evolving expectations of global travellers.

As demand grows for sustainable and culturally immersive travel, the company is well positioned to contribute to Botswana’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations.

Her entrepreneurial journey illustrates that tourism is more than moving people from one place to another. At its best, it builds understanding, creates livelihoods and allows communities to share their stories with the world.

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Após meses de formação intensiva em gestão empresarial e um exercício competitivo de apresentação de projetos a nível nacional, cada um dos empreendedores recebeu US$3,000 em capital inicial não reembolsável para lançar ou reforçar os seus empreendimentos. A sua seleção marca mais um marco importante no Programa de Empreendedorismo Aguka Ideation, uma iniciativa levada a cabo através de uma parceria entre a Fundação Tony Elumelu, o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento (PNUD), o Ministério da Juventude e das Artes do Ruanda e a União Europeia. Em conjunto, os parceiros estão empenhados em dotar a próxima geração de empreendedores do Ruanda do conhecimento, da orientação, das redes de contactos e do apoio financeiro necessários para criar empresas que gerem valor económico e social duradouro.

Para cada empreendedor que participou no programa, esta jornada representa muito mais do que receber capital inicial. É o culminar de meses de aprendizagem, aperfeiçoamento de ideias, teste de modelos de negócio e demonstração da resiliência necessária para construir uma empresa capaz de resolver problemas reais.

Em muitos aspetos, é precisamente este o objetivo para o qual o Programa de Empreendedorismo Aguka Ideation foi concebido.

Derivado da palavra em kinyarwanda “Aguka”, que significa “Levanta-te”, o programa reflete uma ambição comum de capacitar os jovens do Ruanda para transformarem ideias inovadoras em negócios prósperos. Embora o acesso ao financiamento continue a ser um obstáculo importante para muitos empreendedores em fase inicial, o programa reconhece que os negócios sustentáveis exigem muito mais do que apenas capital. Os empreendedores recebem formação em competências práticas de gestão empresarial, orientação especializada, apoio ao desenvolvimento empresarial e acesso a um dos maiores ecossistemas de empreendedorismo de África, garantindo que estejam preparados para enfrentar as realidades da criação e do crescimento de uma empresa de sucesso.

A mais recente turma junta-se a uma comunidade em expansão de empreendedores que desenvolvem soluções em setores fundamentais para as ambições de desenvolvimento do Ruanda, incluindo a agricultura, a tecnologia, os cuidados de saúde, a educação e as energias renováveis. Trata-se de setores em que a inovação tem o potencial não só de melhorar a qualidade de vida, mas também de gerar emprego, reforçar as cadeias de valor locais e contribuir para a resiliência económica a longo prazo.

A sua seleção reflete também a ênfase do programa no investimento em empreendedores nas fases mais iniciais do seu percurso. Ao apoiar os fundadores quando os seus negócios ainda estão a tomar forma, o Programa de Empreendedorismo Aguka Ideation ajuda a transformar ideias em empresas viáveis antes que as fontes tradicionais de financiamento se tornem disponíveis. Trata-se de uma abordagem que permite aos empreendedores construir bases empresariais mais sólidas, aumentando simultaneamente o seu potencial de crescimento a longo prazo.

Esta filosofia reflete o compromisso mais amplo da Fundação Tony Elumelu com o empreendedorismo como o caminho mais sustentável para a transformação económica em toda a África. Desde a sua criação, a Fundação tem defendido a convicção de que, quando os empreendedores recebem o apoio adequado, criam oportunidades não só para si próprios, mas também para as suas comunidades, através da inovação, da criação de emprego e do crescimento económico inclusivo. Em todo o continente, os empreendedores apoiados pela Fundação têm vindo a criar empresas que geram emprego, fortalecem as economias locais e inspiram a próxima geração de líderes empresariais.

O Programa de Empreendedorismo Aguka Ideation demonstra como as parcerias estratégicas podem acelerar esta visão. Ao reunir a experiência e o compromisso comum da Fundação Tony Elumelu, do PNUD, do Ministério da Juventude e das Artes do Ruanda e da União Europeia, a iniciativa cria um sistema de apoio abrangente que vai muito além da assistência financeira. Combina conhecimentos técnicos, orientação, colaboração institucional e redes empreendedoras para dar aos jovens fundadores a confiança e a capacidade necessárias para terem sucesso.

Este marco deste ano vem também dar continuidade a um legado cada vez mais sólido.

Antes de dar as boas-vindas a este mais recente grupo, o programa já tinha apoiado 300 jovens empreendedores ruandeses, disponibilizando US$900,000 em capital inicial acumulado, a par de formação em gestão empresarial, orientação e apoio ao empreendedorismo. Com mais 100 empreendedores a juntarem-se agora ao programa, a iniciativa Aguka continua a demonstrar como o investimento sustentado em jovens inovadores pode fortalecer o ecossistema empreendedor do Ruanda, criando simultaneamente oportunidades para as gerações futuras.

Por trás de cada empreendedor selecionado há uma história de ambição, perseverança e possibilidades.

Alguns estão a desenvolver tecnologias para resolver desafios do dia a dia. Outros estão a reinventar a agricultura, a melhorar o acesso aos cuidados de saúde, a criar soluções educativas ou a promover inovações no domínio das energias limpas. Embora as suas ideias sejam diferentes, partilham uma determinação comum em criar empresas que respondam aos desafios locais, contribuindo simultaneamente para o futuro económico do Ruanda.

À medida que estes empreendedores iniciam a próxima fase da sua jornada, passam também a fazer parte de uma rede pan-africana mais ampla de fundadores de empresas, ligados através da Fundação Tony Elumelu. Esta rede proporciona oportunidades contínuas de colaboração, aprendizagem e intercâmbio entre pares, reforçando a convicção de que o empreendedorismo prospera quando os inovadores aprendem uns com os outros e crescem em conjunto.

O impacto de programas como o Aguka vai muito além das empresas individuais. Cada negócio criado tem o potencial de criar postos de trabalho, dinamizar os mercados locais, reforçar as cadeias de abastecimento e incentivar uma maior inovação nas comunidades. Cada empreendedor que recebe apoio representa mais uma oportunidade de construir uma prosperidade inclusiva a partir da base.

No que diz respeito ao Ruanda, Investir nos empreendedores é, em última análise, um investimento na competitividade futura do país. No que diz respeito a África, isto reforça o reconhecimento crescente de que os jovens empreendedores estão entre os maiores trunfos do continente, capazes de impulsionar a inovação, criar emprego e moldar economias resilientes.

Os 100 empreendedores homenageados hoje estão apenas no início do seu percurso.

Dotados de formação empresarial de nível mundial, orientação, um ecossistema empreendedor solidário e a confiança que advém de terem conquistado a confiança de parceiros que acreditam no seu potencial, têm agora a oportunidade de transformar ideias ousadas em negócios que geram um impacto duradouro.

Porque, quando os empreendedores dispõem das ferramentas certas, não se limitam a criar empresas de sucesso, mas também geram emprego, fortalecem as comunidades e ajudam a construir um futuro mais próspero para o Ruanda.

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