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.

Em 2018, Hannington Mambo was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, receiving US$5 000 em capital inicial, 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.

Através de Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, 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.

O que começou por ser uma busca profundamente pessoal por opções alimentares mais saudáveis transformou-se num negócio que está a ajudar a redefinir a forma como as pessoas encaram a pastelaria, a nutrição e a inclusão.

Na qualidade de cofundador e diretor executivo da Pequenos bolos de massa, Siphilele Magagula está a provar que uma alimentação mais saudável não tem de comprometer o sabor, a conveniência ou a acessibilidade.

Siphilele Magagula transformou um desafio pessoal numa oportunidade de negócio

Muitas empresas de sucesso começam por resolver um problema que o fundador vivenciou em primeira mão.

Para Siphilele Magagula, o problema consistia em lidar com os desafios de saúde gastrointestinal e encontrar alimentos que satisfizessem as suas necessidades alimentares sem sacrificar o sabor nem a qualidade.

Em vez de se contentar com opções limitadas, decidiu criá-las.

Fundada em 2018, a Batter Bakes tornou-se a primeira marca de alimentação e estilo de vida de Eswatini dedicada à produção de produtos de padaria ricos em nutrientes e isentos de alergénios, bem como de soluções para panificação. Cada produto foi concebido para ser sem glúten, sem lactose e sem açúcar refinado, com opções veganas, à base de plantas e com baixo teor de hidratos de carbono disponíveis para clientes com diferentes necessidades alimentares.

A filosofia da empresa é simples: ninguém deve, em circunstância alguma, sentir-se excluído da mesa de jantar.

A Batter Bakes está a tornar a alimentação saudável mais acessível

Uma alimentação saudável é frequentemente associada a produtos especializados e caros ou a receitas complicadas.

A Batter Bakes adota uma abordagem diferente.

A empresa produz misturas para panificação prontas a usar, massas congeladas e produtos de panificação saudáveis que simplificam a preparação de alimentos para famílias, cafés e estabelecimentos de hotelaria, reduzindo simultaneamente o desperdício e mantendo uma qualidade consistente.

Ao combinar praticidade com valor nutricional, a Batter Bakes permite que tanto os pasteleiros profissionais como os amadores preparem produtos frescos de forma mais eficiente, sem comprometer a saúde nem o sabor.

A empresa também dá grande importância à utilização de ingredientes naturais cuidadosamente selecionados e ao aumento do uso de cereais e superalimentos disponíveis localmente, tornando as opções alimentares mais saudáveis mais acessíveis em Eswatini.

A Fundação Tony Elumelu ajudou a transformar a visão de Siphilele Magagula num negócio

Um momento decisivo em De Siphilele Magagula a sua jornada empreendedora começou 2019, quando foi selecionada para o Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu.

Selecionado entre mais de 216 000 candidatos, ela recebeu US$5 000 em capital inicial, formação empresarial e orientação para lançar a Batter Bakes como a primeira empresa alimentar de Eswatini a oferecer produtos ricos em nutrientes e isentos de alergénios.

O programa proporcionou mais do que apenas apoio financeiro.

Contribuiu para estabelecer as estruturas de gestão, os sistemas empresariais e a confiança empreendedora necessários para transformar uma ideia inovadora numa empresa com potencial de crescimento.

Hoje, a Batter Bakes continua a demonstrar como o empreendedorismo pode melhorar a saúde pública, ao mesmo tempo que cria oportunidades comerciais sustentáveis.

Para além da gastronomia, Siphilele Magagula está a moldar a economia criativa de Eswatini

Embora a Batter Bakes se tenha tornado um dos seus empreendimentos mais reconhecidos, a influência de Siphilele Magagula vai muito além do empreendedorismo na área da alimentação.

Designer multidisciplinar, estratega de branding e empreendedora criativa, tem contribuído para iniciativas internacionais nas áreas do design, da cultura e da inovação, ao mesmo tempo que defende o design thinking, a sensibilização para a saúde mental e o fortalecimento dos ecossistemas criativos em Eswatini.

O seu trabalho reflete uma filosofia mais ampla, segundo a qual o empreendedorismo não se resume simplesmente à criação de empresas — trata-se, antes, de conceber sistemas melhores, comunidades mais fortes e experiências mais inclusivas.

Por que é que o trabalho de Siphilele Magagula é importante

Em toda a África, a procura por opções alimentares mais saudáveis continua a crescer, à medida que os consumidores se tornam mais conscientes das questões relacionadas com a nutrição, o bem-estar e as sensibilidades alimentares.

Empresas como a Batter Bakes estão a contribuir para garantir que esta mudança seja inclusiva e não exclusiva.

Ao desenvolver produtos que satisfazem necessidades alimentares específicas, mantendo-se, ao mesmo tempo, práticos e apetecíveis, Siphilele Magagula está a alargar o acesso a estilos de vida mais saudáveis, sem exigir que os consumidores abram mão da qualidade ou da comodidade.

A sua trajetória empreendedora demonstra também como as experiências pessoais podem inspirar negócios com um impacto social mais amplo, transformando desafios individuais em soluções que beneficiam comunidades inteiras.

Perspetivas para o futuro

O futuro da alimentação será determinada não só pelo que as pessoas comem, mas também por quem tem acesso a opções mais saudáveis.

Siphilele Magagula continua a posicionar a Batter Bakes como algo mais do que uma padaria. Trata-se de uma marca alimentar inclusiva, empenhada em melhorar o bem-estar através da inovação, da nutrição e de um design de produtos bem pensado.

À medida que a sensibilização para as necessidades alimentares específicas cresce em toda a África, a Batter Bakes está bem posicionada para ajudar a liderar uma nova geração de empresas do setor alimentar, onde a saúde, a sustentabilidade e a inclusão andam de mãos dadas.

Para Siphilele Magagula, o sucesso não se mede apenas pelos produtos vendidos. Mede-se pela garantia de que todos, independentemente das restrições alimentares, tenham um lugar à mesa.

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

Deve criar empresas capazes de competir a nível internacional, criando simultaneamente oportunidades a nível nacional.

Na qualidade de fundador e diretor executivo da Greenhill Estates PTY Ltd, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso está a desenvolver um negócio agroindustrial que combina a agricultura sustentável, a preparação para a exportação e a gestão ambiental, com o objetivo de reforçar os sistemas alimentares e criar emprego em Eswatini.

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso acredita que a agricultura deve criar valor para além da exploração agrícola

O cultivo de produtos agrícolas é apenas uma parte de um projeto bem-sucedido empresa agrícola.

Preservar a qualidade, reduzir as perdas pós-colheita e aceder a mercados de elevado valor são aspetos igualmente importantes para que os agricultores possam aumentar os seus rendimentos e criar empresas resilientes.

Reconhecendo estes desafios, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso estabelecido Greenhill Estates com a visão de transformar a agricultura tradicional num agronegócio moderno, capaz de abastecer tanto o mercado nacional como o internacional.

A empresa produz legumes de alta qualidade para O mercado local de Eswatini ao mesmo tempo que se prepara para expandir a sua atividade para a exportação de fruta fresca, mini-legumes e legumes convencionais que cumprem as normas internacionais.

Em vez de se concentrar exclusivamente no aumento da produção, a Greenhill Estates está a investir em sistemas que aumentam o valor ao longo de toda a cadeia de abastecimento agrícola.

A Greenhill Estates está a investir na sustentabilidade a longo prazo

A agricultura moderna exige mais do que rendimentos mais elevados. Exige resiliência.

Sob a liderança de Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso, a Greenhill Estates está a desenvolver um programa ambicioso para plantar 10 000 árvores de fruto subtropicais por ano, incluindo variedades de abacate, manga e lichia, em cerca de 100 hectares.

A iniciativa foi concebida para atingir dois objetivos em simultâneo.

Em primeiro lugar, apoia a ambição da empresa de produzir fruta com qualidade de exportação para os mercados internacionais. Em segundo lugar, os pomares em expansão contribuem para o sequestro de carbono, demonstrando como a agricultura comercial também pode apoiar a sustentabilidade ambiental.

Para reforçar ainda mais as suas operações, a Greenhill Estates integrou uma unidade de embalagem totalmente equipada e tecnologias de conservação pós-colheita, incluindo congeladores de choque, o que contribui para reduzir o desperdício alimentar, mantendo simultaneamente a qualidade exigida para a distribuição comercial.

Este investimento reflete uma compreensão mais ampla de que a competitividade na agricultura depende tanto das infraestruturas como dos métodos de cultivo.

A Fundação Tony Elumelu impulsionou a visão de Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso

Um marco decisivo ocorreu em 2019, quando Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso foi selecionado para o Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu.

Através do programa, recebeu US$5 000 em capital inicial, formação empresarial, orientação e acesso a um dos maiores ecossistemas empreendedores de África.

Este apoio permitiu à Greenhill Estates expandir-se para além do abastecimento dos mercados locais informais e começar a criar explorações agrícolas comercialmente viáveis, capazes de abastecer mercados maiores e mais sofisticados.

Mais importante ainda, o programa reforçou as bases empresariais necessárias para promover o crescimento a longo prazo, criando simultaneamente oportunidades de emprego para os jovens de Eswatini.

Por que é que o trabalho de Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso é importante

O potencial agrícola de África vai muito além da produção alimentar.

O continente tem a oportunidade de se tornar um fornecedor global de produtos agrícolas de alta qualidade, mas para tal são necessários empresários dispostos a investir em infraestruturas, normas de qualidade e produção sustentável.

Através da Greenhill Estates, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso está a ajudar a demonstrar que uma agricultura preparada para a exportação pode começar a nível local.

Ao integrar a agricultura comercial, a tecnologia pós-colheita e a sustentabilidade ambiental num único modelo de negócio, está a criar um modelo de referência que mostra como a agricultura africana pode tornar-se mais competitiva, mantendo-se, ao mesmo tempo, social e ambientalmente responsável.

O seu trabalho também destaca o importante papel que o empreendedorismo desempenha no combate ao desemprego juvenil, através da criação de empresas que geram postos de trabalho a par da produção agrícola.

O próximo capítulo da agricultura africana pertencerá às empresas capazes de competir a nível global sem perder de vista o impacto local.

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso continua a posicionar a Greenhill Estates como uma dessas empresas.

À medida que os novos pomares amadurecem e as ambições de exportação se tornam realidade, a empresa pretende demonstrar que a agricultura sustentável, a competitividade comercial e a responsabilidade ambiental não são prioridades concorrentes — são, sim, pontos fortes complementares.

Para Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso, o sucesso não se mede apenas pelas toneladas colhidas em cada época, mas pelas oportunidades criadas para os agricultores, os trabalhadores e as comunidades em todo o Eswatini.

A sua trajetória demonstra que o futuro da agricultura africana reside não só na produção de mais alimentos, mas também na geração de maior valor.

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, quando foi selecionada para o Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu.

Through the programme, she received business training, mentorship, US$5 000 em capital inicial 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.

Através de 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.

Através do programa, recebeu US$5 000 em capital inicial, 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.

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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 em capital inicial, 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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His journey reflects a broader shift taking place across the continent, where local innovation is creating solutions that respond to local realities while opening new opportunities for economic growth.

Why Angola needed its own digital marketplace

Like many African economies, Angola has witnessed growing internet adoption and increasing demand for online services. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have traditionally struggled to establish an online presence due to limited digital infrastructure, fragmented payment systems and high barriers to entry.

For entrepreneurs, this often meant relying on informal sales channels that restricted visibility, customer reach and long-term business growth.

Recognising this gap, Ribeiro Tenguna envisioned a platform that would simplify online commerce for businesses while making digital entrepreneurship more accessible across Angola and, eventually, other Portuguese-speaking African markets.

From an ambitious idea to Kussumba Marketplace

Founded in 2017, the business began life as Makuta Marketplace before evolving into Kussumba Marketplace through a strategic rebrand that reflected its broader vision for regional growth.

Designed as a comprehensive digital marketplace, the platform enables businesses to sell far more than physical products. Vendors can also offer digital products, software, online courses, e-books and professional services, creating multiple pathways for entrepreneurs to generate income online.

By lowering the barriers to digital commerce, Kussumba Marketplace has become an important platform for businesses seeking to modernise their operations and reach customers beyond traditional retail channels.

The company’s model demonstrates how locally built technology can respond directly to market needs while supporting entrepreneurship at scale.

A pivotal moment through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

In 2019, Ribeiro Tenguna’s entrepreneurial journey reached an important milestone when he was selected for the Programa de Empreendedorismo da Fundação Tony Elumelu, the Foundation’s flagship initiative supporting entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries.

As part of the programme, Tenguna received US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, alongside world-class business training, mentorship and access to one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurial networks.

While funding provided valuable early-stage capital, the broader ecosystem proved equally important. Exposure to experienced mentors, practical business education and connections with fellow entrepreneurs helped strengthen the company’s growth strategy during a critical stage of its development.

The Foundation’s support complemented Tenguna’s vision, allowing him to accelerate product development while positioning Kussumba Marketplace for sustainable expansion.

Driving digital entrepreneurship in Angola

Since participating in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, Kussumba Marketplace has achieved measurable business growth.

Kussumba Marketplace has:

• Empowered more than 2,300 vendors
• Criado 16 direct jobs
• Generated approximately 24 million Angolan Kwanza in annual revenue

These figures represent more than business success. They reflect increased opportunities for entrepreneurs who now have access to digital tools that enable them to sell products and services online with greater efficiency.

As customer expectations evolve, platforms like Kussumba Marketplace are helping businesses compete in an increasingly digital economy while encouraging wider adoption of e-commerce across Angola.

The company has also expanded beyond traditional marketplace services by exploring integrated financial technology solutions, including Kussumba Pay, an initiative aimed at making digital transactions more seamless for businesses and consumers.

International recognition for local innovation

Innovation often attracts attention beyond national borders, and Kussumba Marketplace has been no exception.

In 2020, the company was selected among Africa’s most promising startups through the Challenge des 1000, an initiative supported by Digital Africa e a French Development Agency (AFD).

The recognition acknowledged the platform’s potential to strengthen digital entrepreneurship, expand economic inclusion and contribute to Africa’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.

For Tenguna, it reinforced the idea that locally developed solutions can compete on the continental stage while addressing challenges unique to African markets.

Expanding the vision beyond e-commerce

Entrepreneurs rarely stop with a single idea.

Building on the experience gained through Kussumba Marketplace, Ribeiro Tenguna continues to explore new ways technology can solve pressing social and economic challenges.

In 2024, he launched Alívio, a crowdfunding platform created to support social initiatives, creative projects and entrepreneurial ventures. The platform reflects his belief that innovation should not only enable commerce but also unlock opportunities for communities, creators and emerging businesses.

Together, Kussumba Marketplace and Alívio demonstrate a broader commitment to building digital infrastructure that supports entrepreneurship across multiple sectors.

Ribeiro Tenguna’s vision extends beyond creating an online marketplace. His work is helping shape an ecosystem where businesses can access digital markets, consumers have greater choice and entrepreneurs are equipped with tools to grow sustainably.

As Kussumba Marketplace continues to evolve through new services, digital payment solutions and regional ambitions, its journey highlights what becomes possible when innovation is combined with strategic support, resilience and a deep understanding of local markets.

Read More Success Stories AQUI

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Onome Matilda Odogene, uma engenheira informática com dez anos de experiência no sector do petróleo e do gás, estava interessada no empreendedorismo. O seu objetivo era empregar os jovens da região do Delta do Níger em sectores da economia para além do petróleo e colocar os chefes de cozinha africanos no topo do ranking mundial de culinária.

"Quero mudar a narrativa de que podemos empregar os jovens noutros sectores da economia para além do petróleo. Quero que os chefes de cozinha africanos estejam no topo da classificação culinária mundial, dotando-os das aptidões profissionais, dos conhecimentos e das competências necessárias para serem chefes de cozinha de sucesso ou proprietários/criadores de empresas alimentares".

A Styda está destinada a ser uma empresa de culinária global, que irá revolucionar a indústria alimentar e de serviços alimentares na Nigéria. Styda Culinary é uma academia que oferece formação culinária acessível, conveniente e de qualidade a chefes de cozinha, aspirantes a chefes de cozinha, proprietários de empresas alimentares/startups, entusiastas da comida, etc., a clientes interessados em Warri e arredores.

"O capital inicial, a formação em gestão de empresas e as redes inestimáveis que obtive através do Plataforma TEF fez toda a diferença no meu negócio e mudou completamente a minha vida".

Atualmente, formou mais de 300 chefes de cozinha e renovou mais de 30 empresas de serviços alimentares. Gerou um rendimento anual direto mínimo de $15.350, empregou diretamente cerca de seis pessoas e criou emprego para centenas de pessoas. Ela teve impacto nas pessoas da região do Delta do Níger, criando inúmeras oportunidades de emprego.

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