Standing before a room of investors, he explained the architecture, capabilities and long-term potential of FasterDev, a platform designed to simplify how software is built. The technology was ambitious, but the audience struggled to see beyond the technical language. The meeting ended without the investment he had hoped for.

As Hannington packed his materials, however, one investor approached him outside the conference room. Where others had seen complexity, he saw potential. That conversation marked the beginning of a partnership that would help shape FasterDev into a growing software company serving businesses across Africa.

Today, FasterDev is demonstrating that African technology companies can build solutions tailored to African realities—making software development faster, more affordable and more accessible for businesses across the continent.

Hannington Mambo believes African businesses deserve software built for African realities

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

Custom-built systems are often expensive and time-consuming to develop, while many off-the-shelf solutions are designed for markets with different business environments and operational challenges. For developers, delivering reliable software can also involve repetitive processes that increase costs and delay deployment.

Hannington understood these frustrations from a unique perspective.

Before transitioning into software development, he built a career in accounting, grants management and humanitarian operations, including experience at Save the Children. As a self-taught programmer, he combined operational insight with technical expertise, recognising that software projects often struggled not because Africa lacked talent, but because the development process itself was unnecessarily complex.

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

FasterDev is simplifying how software is built

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

As the platform matured, its potential became increasingly clear. Rather than serving only one company, FasterDev evolved into a standalone software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that could support developers, technology companies and growing businesses across Africa.

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

Its solutions support accounting and financial reporting systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms for institutions such as schools and SACCOs, and business management software tailored to the needs of African small and medium-sized enterprises.

By reducing technical complexity, FasterDev allows developers to focus more on innovation while helping businesses access locally relevant software without relying on costly imported systems.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped strengthen Hannington Mambo’s vision

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

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

The support helped strengthen FasterDev’s business structure, increase its visibility and position the company for sustainable growth as it transitioned from an internal development tool into a commercial platform serving businesses across Africa.

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

Why Hannington Mambo’s work matters

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

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

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

Its impact extends beyond employment. Businesses across Africa can now access software designed with local operating conditions in mind, avoiding the high costs and lengthy implementation periods often associated with imported enterprise solutions.

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

Today, the company is led by Amadou Chico Sissoko, its angel investor and Chief Executive Officer, reflecting a founder-investor partnership built on trust, shared purpose and long-term commitment. Hannington continues to shape the company’s strategic direction alongside his brother, whose technical leadership has been instrumental in FasterDev’s evolution.

Building Africa’s digital future from within

For Hannington, FasterDev represents more than a software platform.

It is part of a broader vision to ensure African businesses can build world-class technology without depending on imported systems or expensive development processes.

As the company continues to grow, it aims to become the platform of choice for developers and businesses seeking to build software faster, more efficiently and at lower cost across the continent.

Africa’s digital future will depend not only on the number of technology companies it creates but also on the quality of the tools those companies use to innovate.

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

Through FasterDev, he is proving that simplifying software development can unlock new opportunities for businesses, strengthen local innovation and empower the next generation of African technology entrepreneurs—one line of code at a time.

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

Across many rural communities in Kenya, something as routine as accessing a computer, applying for jobs online or completing a digital skills course can require travelling long distances. While cities continue to benefit from rapid technological advancement, many smaller towns remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, limiting opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

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

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

Noah Kipkoech believes digital access should not depend on geography

Technology has become essential to almost every aspect of modern life. From applying for jobs and accessing government services to running businesses and acquiring new skills, digital literacy is increasingly a requirement rather than an advantage.

Yet for many people living in rural Kenya, these opportunities remain out of reach because access to computers, affordable internet and structured ICT training is limited.

Having grown up in Kericho County, Noah witnessed these challenges firsthand. Young people eager to develop digital skills had few local options. Entrepreneurs struggled to access online markets and services. Families often travelled considerable distances simply to complete tasks that required an internet connection.

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

Kasheen ICT Centre is making digital inclusion practical

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

The centre provides affordable computer and internet access, practical ICT training programmes and a collaborative environment where students, freelancers, entrepreneurs and job seekers can build the digital skills increasingly required in today’s workforce.

Rather than relying on donor funding alone, the business generates revenue through ICT services, internet access and digital training, demonstrating that community-focused technology solutions can also be commercially sustainable.

By combining accessibility with a viable business model, Kerilinks is helping reduce one of the biggest barriers to economic participation—limited access to digital tools and knowledge.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation helped accelerate Noah Kipkoech’s vision

Building a business that creates both commercial and social value requires more than determination. It requires access to capital, business knowledge and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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

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

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

Why Noah Kipkoech’s work matters

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

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

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

The enterprise has already created direct employment for two young people while providing hundreds of residents with affordable access to computers, internet services and digital skills training.

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

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

Looking beyond Kericho

For Noah, expanding digital inclusion is only the beginning.

Kerilinks Enterprises plans to grow its digital skills programmes, strengthen partnerships with community organisations and develop scalable models of last-mile connectivity that can be replicated in underserved communities across Kenya.

As Africa continues its digital transformation, entrepreneurs like Noah are demonstrating that innovation does not have to begin in major cities to create meaningful impact.

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

Noah Kipkoech envisions communities where location is no longer a barrier to opportunity and where every young person can acquire the digital skills needed to participate in the modern economy.

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

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

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

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

Siphilele Magagula turned a personal challenge into a business opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

Batter Bakes is making healthy eating more accessible

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

Batter Bakes takes a different approach.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The programme provided more than financial support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Siphilele Magagula’s work matters

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill Estates PTY Ltd, Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso is building an agribusiness that combines sustainable farming, export readiness and environmental stewardship to strengthen food systems and create employment in Eswatini.

Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso believes agriculture must create value beyond the farm

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

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

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

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

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

Greenhill Estates is investing in long-term sustainability

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

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

The initiative is designed to achieve two objectives simultaneously.

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

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

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

The Tony Elumelu Foundation accelerated Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso’s vision

A defining milestone came in 2019, when Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

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

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

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

Why Phiwayinkhosi Mavuso’s work matters

Africa’s agricultural potential extends far beyond food production.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evangelista Chekera designs solutions around farmers, not laboratories

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

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

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

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

Passion Poultry is modernising smallholder farming

Evangelista Chekera’s vision extends beyond a single product.

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

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

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

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

The Tony Elumelu Foundation accelerated Evangelista Chekera’s growth

A defining milestone in Evangelista Chekera’s entrepreneurial journey came in 2021, when she was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

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

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

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

From Zimbabwe to the global stage

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

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

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

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

Why Evangelista Chekera’s work matters

Food security begins long before food reaches the market.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 2024, Tembo Cleopatra was selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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

In 2021, Dumisani Ntini joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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

In 2021, Bakang Keimetswe joined the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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 and 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.

The post Bakang Keimetswe Is Showcasing Botswana Through Tourism appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

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 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, 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
• Created 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 and the 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 HERE

The post Ribeiro Tenguna Is Building Angola’s Digital Commerce Future appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Onome Matilda Odogene, a computer engineer with ten years of experience in the oil and gas sector, was interested in entrepreneurship. Her goal was to get youths in the Niger Delta region employed in sectors of the economy apart from oil and make African chefs top in the global culinary ranking.

“I want to change the narrative that we can get the youths gainfully employed in other sectors of the economy beside oil. I want African chefs to be top in the global culinary rank by equipping the chefs with professional skills, knowledge, and competence needed to be a successful chef or food business owners/start- up.”

Styda is set to be a global culinary business, that is set to revolutionize the food/foodservices industry in Nigeria. Styda Culinary is an academy that provides affordable, convenient and quality culinary training to chefs, would-be chefs, food business owners/startups, food enthusiast etc to interested clients within Warri and environs.

“The seed capital, business management training and priceless networks that I have gotten through the TEF platform has made all the difference in my business and changed my life entirely.”

Today, she has trained over 300 chefs and revamped over 30 foodservice businesses. She generated $15,350 minimum direct annual revenue, employed about six staff directly, and created jobs for hundreds of people. She has impacted people within the Niger Delta region by creating countless employment opportunities.

The post Meet Onome, 2017 TEF ALUMNI. Seed Capital in Education/Training Sector appeared first on The Tony Elumelu Foundation.