The Gap Is Not About Awareness — It’s About Who Gets Left Out of the Room
Why African women entrepreneurs are still being failed by the systems built to serve them — and what She Leads Africa is doing about it. There are more fintech apps, grant programmes, accelerators, and women empowerment initiatives on the African continent today than at any point in history. And yet, if you ask the women building businesses across Africa — from the woman six months into her first venture to the one who has been grinding for five years — many will tell you the same thing. The opportunities exist. But not for her. Not yet. This is the paradox that sits at the heart of women’s entrepreneurship in Africa. It is not a gap caused by a lack of solutions. It is a gap caused by solutions that keep finding the same women — the already connected, the already visible, the ones who already had one foot inside the door. At She Leads Africa, we see this every day. And we think it is time to name it plainly. The Pipeline Leaks at Every Stage The challenge facing African women entrepreneurs is not one bottleneck. It is many — and they show up differently depending on where a woman is in her journey. The aspiring entrepreneur has the idea, the drive, and the lived experience. What she doesn’t have is a pitch deck she was taught to write, an account history that satisfies a lender, or a network that opens the right doors. The tools and programmes built to help her still assume she is already halfway there. The early-stage founder is generating revenue — sometimes formally, often not. But the moment she tries to grow, the system asks her to prove she is already established. Registration documents. Bank statements. Credit history. Requirements that assume a formalised business life she hasn’t had the opportunity to build yet. She is told to be formal before the system will help her formalise. The growth-stage woman has survived. In the African entrepreneurship environment, that alone deserves recognition. But survival doesn’t make her visible to funders. She is too revenue-generating for a grant, too informal for equity investment, and too small for a traditional bank loan. She has outgrown the programmes designed for beginners and been overlooked by the systems designed for scale. The ecosystem has no clear product for who she is right now. At every stage, the same truth emerges: the pipeline doesn’t break in one place. It leaks everywhere. It’s Not Just Funding. It’s Technology Too. When we talk about inclusion for women entrepreneurs, the conversation often stops at capital. But the gap runs deeper than money. The digital tools built to serve African women entrepreneurs — the apps, the platforms, the financial products — are largely designed for someone who already has a registered business, a reliable internet connection, a smartphone, and a transaction history. For the woman who has none of these yet, the technology meant to include her is effectively invisible to her daily reality. And here is what makes this particularly frustrating: the women we work with are not lacking in intelligence or capability. Many are educated. Many are digitally aware. Many have smartphones and data. But they are still using tools that were not built with them in mind — tools that assume a version of their life that doesn’t yet exist. This is the technology inclusion gap that doesn’t get talked about enough. It is not just about the woman in a rural area with no internet access. It is also about the young graduate in the city who downloads a fintech app and finds that every feature requires a credit history she was never given the chance to build. Both women are being failed. By the same assumption. That inclusion means making the tool available — not making it actually work for her. The Bigger Problem: Who Is in the Room When Solutions Are Built Every programme, product, and policy that has failed to reach the women who needed it most has one thing in common. She wasn’t in the room when it was designed. Not really. Not in a way that shaped the brief, challenged the assumptions, or redirected the approach. She may have appeared in a survey. She may have been referenced in a needs assessment. But co-design — real, compensated, iterative co-design that starts from her reality — is still the exception, not the standard. The result is solutions that are technically available but practically inaccessible. Programmes that serve the women already connected to the ecosystem and measure that as impact. Funds routed through organisations closest to power, not closest to the women themselves. We are not short of good intentions. We are short of proximity. And proximity cannot be replaced by a focus group held after the product is already built. What She Leads Africa Is Building Toward She Leads Africa exists because we believe African women don’t need to be saved. They need to be seen. Seen at the aspiring stage, before they have the language or the credentials the system demands. Seen at the early stage, when they are building something real with little structural support. Seen at the growth stage, when they have proven themselves and still can’t get a seat at the table. Our work is not perfect. The gap is wide, and we are one organisation. But we are committed to closing it one step at a time — by creating platforms where these women are not just beneficiaries of a solution someone else designed, but active voices in shaping what support actually looks like for them. That means programmes built around continuity, not just conversion. Real, sustained accompaniment — mentorship that outlasts the cohort, networks that hold beyond graduation, follow-on support that responds to where she actually is, not where the programme assumed she would be. It means funding and amplifying the organisations with genuine proximity to underserved women — the ones operating in communities that the mainstream ecosystem rarely reaches. And
Sandra Amachree Inspires a New Era of Female-Led Innovation and Sustainability in Africa
Sandra takes centre stage on a panel discussion titled “Frugal, Fast, and Future-ready: Driving Innovation in Resource-Constrained Markets.”
Redefining the Future: How Impact Hub and Bayer Foundation Empower Women Entrepreneurs to Transform Food and Health Systems in Africa and the Middle East
In a world where millions still lack access to basic healthcare and nutritious food, change is being written not in policy papers or boardrooms, but by women entrepreneurs building solutions at the heart of their communities.
From a Spark of Passion to a Global Creative Movement: The Story of For Creative Girls
When Gbemi Lolade first started For Creative Girls, she didn’t imagine it would grow into the vibrant, global community it is today. At the beginning, it wasn’t about building a company or leading a movement. It was simply about sharing her excitement for women whose creative work inspired her. She would find women doing brilliant, bold things and think: the world needs to see this. That spark—a passion for amplifying voices that often went unheard—became the seed for For Creative Girls. A Passion Project with Global Footprints What began as a personal project in 2017 quickly caught fire. Over the years, For Creative Girls has hosted mentorship programs that have reached women across multiple countries and continents. Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, France, and beyond have been part of the journey, connecting through shared stories, guidance, and collaboration. This global footprint didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistency, belief, and a community that kept showing up. From the early days of writing features to curating mentorship opportunities, Gbemi has watched the platform expand in ways that surprised even her. Tools for Today’s Creatives As For Creative Girls enters a new chapter, Gbemi is clear about one thing: it’s not about chasing trends or positioning the brand as a “tech-first” company. Instead, it’s about asking: how can we support creatives better in their day-to-day work? That question recently led to the creation of a custom GPT inside ChatGPT—digital assistants designed specifically for creatives. It basically helps improve creative portfolios, guiding users on structure, presentation, and storytelling. They’re not meant to replace human connection or mentorship; rather, they extend the heart of For Creative Girls into the digital space, giving creatives accessible tools at their fingertips. As Gbemi explains: “We’re not an AI company. We’re just experimenting with how new technologies can serve our community.” It’s a grounded, thoughtful approach to innovation. With this and more flagship programs coming up, For Creative Girls continues to focus on what has always mattered most: people, creativity, and community. The Heart of the Work Ask Gbemi what keeps her going, and she’ll tell you—it’s the stories. The stories of women who thought their work didn’t matter until it was seen. The stories of mentees who found confidence, clarity, or career direction after connecting through the platform. The stories of friendships and collaborations that never would have existed otherwise. These are the wins that keep For Creative Girls alive; the human heartbeat beneath the programs, articles, and now, tools. What’s Next Looking ahead, Gbemi is both reflective and hopeful. She knows For Creative Girls has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but in her words: “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.” The next chapter isn’t about becoming a tech giant or redefining creativity on a global stage. It’s about continuing to be a safe space where women creatives can grow, be seen, and be supported, no matter where they are in the world. Because at its core, For Creative Girls has never stopped being what it was at the start: one woman’s passion for shining a light on others, now multiplied, magnified, and carried forward by a global sisterhood.
HGCP 2022 Participants: Abigail is promoting happy periods through technology
From a slum-like community in Bariga, Somolu in Lagos, to running her own business that provides healthcare solutions to women. Abigail Ogunyemi is the founder of Mellopads, and also part of the 2022 SLA’s High Growth Coaching Program. “Trust yourself more, because only you can change your life. No one else will do it for you.” – Abigail Ogunyemi She is committed and dedicated to the advancements of the lives of women. When Abigail had her first period at 13, she had no one to guide her through the new body changes. Little did she know then that she was going to be a changemaker in so many women’s lives. We were privileged to have a conversation with her, and this is what she had to say. What do you enjoy most about running your own business? It is having the opportunity to take an idea and inspire other people around me to contribute to making it better and put it into action. How would you describe your company Mellopads? The Mellopads is a life-changing company that is committed toward bettering women’s healthcare through our various range of easy-to-use products and services. How did the idea to start your business come about? I suffered excruciating menstrual pain to a point that schooling for a full month was a challenge sometimes. At that time, I knew something was wrong, so I decided to solve one of my most difficult health challenges of menstrual pain. I would have continued to pursue a law degree in a Nigerian university, but I got an opportunity to study at the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda. And that was my AHA! moment – when I knew I could really be anything outside conventional and in learned that entrepreneurship was a state of mind. I kept pursuing opportunities in the field of women’s healthcare until I was able to garner enough knowledge to propose a solution to alleviating menstrual pain, the Mello heat pads. It is still in the pursuit of better women’s healthcare that I got through the High Growth Coaching Program of the SLA to secure my business growth. What do you feel are your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey? Raising grants for the business and being in the HGCP program. Share how your experience has been as one of the HGCP 2022 finalists? It has been 200% rewarding. It has been more than I was expecting but durrr, it is very common to see SLA exceed your expectations. I have a wonderfully blunt and knowledgeable mentor (my kinda person) and my fellow cohort members are sweet! What would you like to have learned from the trainers and coaches by the end of the program? Team management, how to raise funds and SLAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:))))) What are your top 3 traits of a successful entrepreneur? Open-mindedness, resilience and honesty What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? Your business failure does not mean you’re a failure, you need to have a life outside of your start-up. Enjoy the process. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Eating healthy, prioritizing their health, reading business books, attending networking events and keeping a journal of their entrepreneurial journey. For more information about Abigail please visit: Abigail Ogunyemi LinkedIn profile Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
HGCP 2022 Participants: Chioma is bringing pride in owning African made products
Born in a family of three. Raised by a strong and entrepreneurial woman. Meet Chioma Ukpabi, the founder of Kahdsole Designs, a woman that knows what starting from the bottom means. She is a young woman who prides herself in changing the narrative about made in Nigeria products. Chioma is one of the High Growth Coaching Program’s finalists . We sat her down for a conversation and here is what she had to say. “Opening my inbox and seeing mails from young ladies across Africa who write to me about the inspiration they get from me keeps me inspired to always want to keep going.” – Chioma Ukpabi Tell us a bit about yourself and how did you get to this point? I was born in Owerri, Imo State and was raised by my late grandma who was a business woman. I had my basic education at Lighthouse Startright High School and did my tertiary education at Bowen University. Growing up with my grandmother made me love and appreciate entrepreneurship. That is why after school I decided to launch my own company with the little savings I had instead of waiting for a job. The journey hasn’t been all rosy but we keep thriving. I used to shy away from people when I was younger but now entrepreneurship has brought out the extrovert in me. Have you always been entrepreneurial, what led you to taking that first step and setting up your own business? Share your journey. I didn’t want to be an entrepreneur but after my university education, I couldn’t sit around waiting for a job. So I had to make use of the knowledge I got from my grandmother who was a successful business woman to kickstart my brand and there has been no regret ever since. What would you say has contributed to the success of your business? Always showing up even when I feel less motivated and utilising all platforms I have access to sell our brand. Share with us, what your business does? Kahdsole Designs is a leather product manufacturing company that makes quality shoes, belts, bags and other leather accessories. We never compromise on quality and always give the best value for money. What would you like to be remembered for? What legacy do you want to leave in this world? I want to be remembered as someone who massively contributed in changing the narrative about made in Nigeria products by keeping to these three values; quality, integrity and excellence. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Effective delegation is one crucial activity I would encourage entrepreneurs to invest their time in. It will save them from burnout in their journey. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here. [mailerlite_form form_id=15]
HGCP 2022 Participants: Christianah shares her story of rising up through tenacity to build a business
This year’s edition of the High Growth Coaching Program promises to be very exciting for our founders. The SLA team sifted through over a 1000 applications and after a rigorous application process we selected our top 20 participants. We are so proud of how far they have come. On a weekly basis we will introduce you to our participants, their story and their business. On today’s feature we sat down with Christianah Imole-Ayo Owoeye, co-founder of Trash Monger to share her story on coming from a humble background and rising up through tenacity to build a business that would empower women. “Always be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn.” – Christianah Imole-Ayo Owoeye Tell us a bit about yourself? I was born in Agege Local Government Area in Lagos. I am the second child of six and the first female child in my family. My primary education was in Lagos while my Secondary Education and Tertiary Education were in Ogun State. I am a graduate of Business Administration. Growing up wasn’t fun until I found my Identity in Christ which gave my life a new meaning and purpose. Apart from running Trash Monger. I am a soulful gospel minister, artist, and scriptwriter. During my National Youth Service, I participated in several advocacies through the Community Development Service (CDS). I was an active member of the Federal Road Safety Corp CDS group and often engaged in sensitization projects among women and girls on personal hygiene through the reproductive health CDS group. My work with the Reproductive Health CDS group increased my passion for an impactful life which made me volunteer in a recycling organization where I built my knowledge about the Waste Management sector where I now fully operate and lead. I would say one of the best gifts received growing up was education. What was your favourite subject at school and why? Psychology; I like being able to understand human feelings through what they are saying or not saying. What was your dream job or career path when growing up? Growing up I wanted to be a cosmetologist, but I was not sure if I could study this as a course in a university. I remember that as a secondary student in Nigeria, you had to choose between two or three pathways that determine the subjects you will learn as a senior secondary school student, I decided to choose the “art” pathway because I thought that it would have some connection to cosmetics. I didn’t realize how wrong I was until I was in my second year of high school. I remember crying when I realized my mistake. However, it did not turn out all bad, I realized that I had a knack for writing, acting and playing musical instruments. Tell us a bit about your family and the relationship you have with them? I am married to my friend of over 7 years and it’s being over a year of beautiful communion and friendship. Tell us about the legacy you want to leave in this world? What you would to be remembered for? That I gave hope, that I lived a life that would inspire you to take life as a gift. Have you always been entrepreneurial, what led you to taking that first step and setting up your own business? Right from when I was a teenager, I had always loved proffering solutions and rendering services. When I was younger I helped manage my dad’s pepper soup business. I loved seeing the joy on our customer’s faces after serving them. I also sold jewellery and clothes in school to support myself. Ah! I also had a failed business, it was a recharge card business. As a new entry in the waste management sector the ability to impact the local communities mostly women and youths while contributing to achieving a sustainable environment makes being a social entrepreneur interesting and inspiring. What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur? The ability to impact the lives of local women and youths while contributing to achieving a sustainable environment makes entrepreneurship a journey worth being a part of. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer? Trash Monger Limited is a waste collection and recycling social enterprise that is into the collection and recycling of waste into sustainable raw material for manufacturing processes. Since we started the business we have been able to create over 300 green job opportunities for internally displaced women and youths from underserved communities. Also, through our initiative we have carried out sensitizations within local communities on the importance of recycling and how to achieve a sustainable environment. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? Continually learning through courses, mentorships and growing my network. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Management [money, time, leadership] skills, Strategic thinking skills and A good communication skills What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? Always be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here. [mailerlite_form form_id=31]
Finance Tips for Startups Trying to Survive the Pandemic
Someone said, saying “when the pandemic is over” is starting to sound a lot like “when Rihanna releases a new album” and lol, I couldn’t agree more. We should start adjusting to what life looks like now, instead of making plans for when the pandemic ends, because we have no idea when that might be. Everything around us is constantly changing, including the way we do business. The World Economic Forum says that the businesses that are most likely to survive this pandemic are the innovative ones. I also believe that businesses that have made good financial decisions in the past (have emergency funds) are most likely to survive the pandemic. For businesses that are still in their infancy stage, this might be a very tough period as they don’t have a pool of savings to tap into and unfortunately have to depend on their creativity. We’ve come up with a few finance tips and tricks that businesses can utilize to not only survive the pandemic but operate smoothly even after it is long gone. 1. Don’t put your eggs in one basket You have probably heard this piece of advice a thousand times before, but you need to listen to it now more than ever. With so many businesses closing their doors, the least that you can do as a business owner is diversify your income. Depending on one source of income/sales is way too risky, you need to start thinking of how to improve the customer experience and in turn, get more sales. What else do your customers need apart from what you already provide? Can you provide that product/service? Try by all means to think of ways to introduce new offerings to your existing customer base or start providing something new to a new clientele. 2. Everything is becoming virtual, why aren’t you? This tough period has forced so many business owners to think on their feet and execute immediately. We’re also seeing so many businesses hopping onto the online scene and honestly, it makes so much sense! Think about it, do your customers need to visit your office for all of your products/services? Is there a way that you offer your services online? Can customers order and have your products delivered to them? If there is even the slightest chance that you can continue with some parts of your business online, then GO FOR IT! You don’t have much to lose, setting up an online platform is less costly and has higher returns, in most cases. 3. Make Smarter Budget Choices for Your Business We need to make smarter money moves this year and that starts by budgeting better. Also, try by all means to increase your income and decrease your expenses. The first thing you can do is ask yourself; what costs can you absolutely live without? Think of all the costs that are not vital to your business operations and all the costs that are unnecessary now that some employees are working from home. For example, you no longer have to buy coffee and tea because, if no one is in the office, no one needs these during coffee breaks. Most landlords can give their tenants payment holidays and cuts on their rent, you will never know if yours is keen unless you ask them.Secure your future with intelligent, ethical innovation Legacy Trust. Administration costs such as stationery can lower your spending, see how much money you can save by not buying these. To save the company from costs of petrol, try to arrange all meetings online so you don’t have to travel to any venues or offices. The last thing you can cut out of your budget are events (if you’re still having those), as great as they may be for employee morale, the business can do without it for now. 4. Invest in learning new skills When push comes to shove, become the jack of all trades. For the time being, try not to outsource services such as Marketing and Finance. Tough times call for tough measures, so as a team, this is the time to invest in a new set of skills. There are a lot of free online courses, make use of them. Take a social media course and handle your own social media, this cuts out the Marketing consultancy fees you pay. Your finance team should also try to learn how to create professional and accurate annual financial statements, that way you can pay less on finance fees to other businesses. We’re all trying to survive the pandemic so we need to do business better, the key is to try and see if you can do some things in-house instead of outsourcing. 5. Apply for relief grants Do your research and find out if your local government and banks are still offering relief funds. If they are, take full advantage of this opportunity. Apply for your business and hope for the best. After all, who doesn’t like free money? I hope you find these tips helpful, here’s to successful and thriving businesses in 2021!!!
2021 Workplace Superpowers – The Musthaves
If I was asked what my special skills were a year ago, it would definitely differ from now. 2020 came with a twist and remote work forced every one of us to learn how to Do It Yourself (and I don’t mean cooking). Here are some of the must-have skills for 2021 that will make you more sellable to recruiters, and an asset in your current workplace. Hard Skills for the Workplace 1. Data Analytics: The workplace today requires us to think in data. This requires us to do a bit more research, crunch those numbers, understand raw data and drive business growth based on concrete analysis. 2. Content Creation: Your ability to produce entertaining or educational material that not only caters to the interests and challenges of a target audience but increases engagement and conversions definitely sets you apart from others in your field. The content you produce can take many forms, including blog posts, videos, graphic design and newsletters. 3. Marketing: Businesses worldwide need analytical people who understand what sort of tools are available in the growing digital toolbox, and know how to dig in through trusted channels. 4. Sales: This can pass for both a hard skill and a soft skill as sales involves persuasion, but with a specific commercial end in mind. Your ability to convert leads to revenue would give you a spot in any workplace. 5. Video production: The average person will watch 25 continuous days of video in 2021. Video content is quickly becoming the dominant form of all communication and companies are fighting to create effective digital video assets. 6. Product Development: This involves managing the process of developing a product or enhancing existing products in order to meet customer expectations effectively. If you haven’t noticed, times are changing and the direction of products being developed is too. Soft Skills for the Workplace 1. Creativity: Developing new ideas, applying new solutions to address existing problems. Some people are naturally creative on their own, but a lot of us need to bounce ideas off others to get the creative juices flowing. An ability to learn continuously and willingness to adapt to change is essential to boost your creativity. 2. Communication skills: Interpreting information through speaking, listening and observing is a must-have skill for 2021. Organizing thoughts and data points into a comprehensive, holistic narrative will get you where you need to be in your career. 3. Collaboration: Collaboration suffers when roles and goals are not defined. The next time you take on a group project, strike up a conversation about what success looks like, and who’s doing what. This simple act can get everyone rowing together faster and more effectively. 4. Adaptability: Manage your mindset. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances starts with a mindset that’s willing to adapt to changing circumstances. If you tend to balk at change, reflect on the reasons why — and then see if you can reframe your perspective to help you see things differently. 5. Emotional intelligence: Practicing control, knowing when to push, expressing yourself and observation of interpersonal relationships among people in a workplace is very important when working with people. 6. Leadership: Leadership in the 21st century is much more about influence than authority, learning to appreciate and adapt to people with different perspectives, priorities, and personalities is a key skill to develop. Having a difficult time figuring out your superpowers? Here are three questions you can answer to guide you: What unique contribution do you bring to projects, conversations, and meetings you attend? Why do team members come to you for help? What would be missing if you were to leave your current place of work? If you are unable to answer these questions yourself, ask a colleague or friend. If your answers do not reflect the skills listed above, don’t relent or give up. The internet is packed with so much information, take some short courses, seek guidance from a work buddy, mentor or your boss. A superpower isn’t just a skill but a perspective, a mindset and a way of working that enhances everything you touch. The requirements for success in the workplace are changing and what matters most is your ability to adapt to change/trends as they come.
#HowWeSpent2020: Zimbabwean start-up teaches women how to farm in pandemic
While this year has been challenging for most, we’re spotlighting non-profits and social enterprises that have worked hard to continue making an impact despite the added challenges that 2020 brought. If a story connects with you, please support the organization and founders in this series. Be part of our community of outstanding women by joining She Leads Africa today. ABOUT CHASHI FOODS (ZIMBABWE) Most people know that global hunger is a pressing issue — but what you may not know is that food waste is equally concerning. Food wasted every year in the continent could feed up to 300 million people, according to the United Nations. In just Uganda alone, up to 40% of fruit and vegetables end up being discarded. Post-harvest losses have a negative impact on the environment as food decay releases methane, which is 28 times more harmful than carbon dioxide, and is associated with global climate change. However, where many would see a problem, Chashi Foods saw an opportunity. “Much of what’s sold in markets is wasted because farmers cannot store the food. So they have to return home and pick fresh fruit and vegetables to sell the next day. During the dry season very little grows so people go hungry. Moreso due to strict government-mandated measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus we could potentially spark food shortages around the country.” – Forget (Product Development Director) Chashi Foods is committed to providing sustainable solutions in reducing food loss. By the use of smart technologies and agro-processing, Chashi Foods has been able to increase the shelf life of farm produce. But their mandate goes further, coining them the three P’s, Chashi Foods concentrates on people, planet, and profit. By helping farmers prolong their product shelf life they have managed to increase their income per capita. More nutritious food will be available to rural and urban dwellers, especially children as they can eat the dried produce. Their main target is to hire mainly women to manage the operations and collection of revenue at Chashi stations. All the while stopping food waste will be beneficial to the planet. DEALING WITH THE MARKET MAFIAS & COVID-19 Just before the COVID-19 lockdown started in Harare, Forget had been in a plight to eliminate intermediaries or market mafias from the supply. The market mafias have garnered a reputation to buy produce from the farmers at a very low price and then exorbitantly sell them to the consumers. However, as the lockdown was imposed their focus had to shift. Suddenly, they had no product to buy as the rural farmers found it hard to commute to the city center. But their call to action was even stronger as farmers’ harvested produce went to waste since large markets were closed. Eventually, Chashi too had to close their production and their impact seemingly came to a halt. Beyond buying from rural farmers, Chashi continued to support farmers by providing mentorship and training in post-harvest management and agribusiness. During the Covid19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown period, they trained over 100 farmers in post-harvest management and helped reduce over 5 tons of produce from being lost. Forget shared a beautiful success story of a female farmer in Guruve, a small village center in the North of Zimbabwe. “After receiving our training manual, this lady was able to dry about 300kgs of tomato harvest which she sold to the local hotel. I haven’t met her personally but she’s come to refer to me as family. That’s what we are aiming to do at Chashi – improving people’s livelihoods.” As it became apparent that the pandemic would drag on for long, Shareka looked for new avenues of selling their products. As you might guess, the top of the agenda had been gravitating to selling items online and getting them delivered to doorsteps. While this sounds easy in theory, it brought all sorts of challenges. Professional storefront to be built, photography to be taken, secure payment methods, delivery drivers and transport, and getting the message out there that they’re virtually open for business is not an easy job. So Chashi came up with an easier plan, they leveraged already existing platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp. “The pandemic has only enhanced the need for more supply chain resiliency, and for us to make the most of the food that is being produced, disseminated, and purchased not only in Africa but throughout the world.” – Forget Shareka ADJUSTING TO MAKE IMPACT IN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC “We created a WhatsApp group in which we were facilitating the selling of farmers’ produce. We identified a common hotspot of activity and traffic in the city, and then created a meeting point for farmers to sell their products and push volumes. We did this free of charge and it was fulfilling seeing the weight we lifted off their shoulders.” The nearly instantaneous economic recession triggered by the COVID-19 shutdown has wreaked havoc on businesses large and small. For Chashi what has kept them going is reploughing all their sales proceeds into the business towards operational expenses which include salaries and maintenance of their machinery. Forget testifies that the pandemic has taught her and the organization an important lesson in resilience. The pandemic now presents additional challenges for managing mental health and other economic challenges. Loss and suffering may change a person, but much will influence its trajectory, including biological, environmental, behavioral, and psychological components. “Any life stressor, to some degree, is out of our control. How long will the pandemic last? When can we go back to school? To work? All valid questions, but they are also unknowns and uncertainties; we don’t want to get stuck ruminating about them,” says Forget. Lastly, Shareka made a warm invitation. Women constitute nearly 50% of the agricultural workforce and own one-third of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, they are a key pillar of Africa’s food systems. As the challenges related to COVID-19 come into force in various countries, women’s livelihoods and business