Celebrating Our Top 50 Under 30: The Rising Motherland Moguls
International Women’s Month Celebration | March 10, 2026 This year, we are proud to once again shine the spotlight on Africa’s most dynamic young women through our SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls — a list that honours African women under 30 who are not just keeping pace with their industries, but rewriting the rules entirely. These are change-makers, trailblazers, and bold visionaries from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Gambia, Botswana, and beyond. They represent fields as diverse as healthcare, STEM, finance, social impact, journalism, marketing, education, and more. What they share is an unshakeable belief that Africa’s future is theirs to shape — and they are doing exactly that. From founding companies that are solving real problems, to creating platforms that amplify women’s voices, to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in male-dominated spaces, each woman on this list is proof that when African women are supported and celebrated, the entire continent rises. To our 2026 Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls — we see you. We celebrate you. And we cannot wait to watch you soar. 🔗 Meet the winners and celebrate them on LinkedIn: Follow @sheleadsafrica on LinkedIn to see the full list and show your support for every woman named. Drop a comment, share a post, tag a Motherland Mogul in your network — because celebrating women should never be a quiet thing. But the Top 50 is Only the Beginning Here’s what we know to be true: for every woman named on this list, there are thousands more whose stories are just as powerful. There is the seamstress who became a fashion brand. The teacher who built a school. The girl from a village who taught herself to code and is now running a tech startup. The woman who survived hardship and turned her pain into a platform. The mother building a business between school runs and midnight feeds. The graduate who said “no” to conventional paths and carved her own. We know you’re out there. We see your LinkedIn updates, your Instagram stories, your WhatsApp status announcements about new milestones. We read about you in newsletters, hear about you through friends, and meet you at events where you introduce yourself too humbly for everything you’ve actually accomplished. This International Women’s Month, we want you to know: She Leads Africa celebrates all of it. The big wins and the quiet ones. The companies that have raised funding and the ones still figuring out the first client. The women who have been recognised and the ones who haven’t yet — but will be. A Love Letter to African Women Everywhere To every African woman building something — whether it’s a business, a career, a community, a movement, or simply a better life for herself and those around her: You are the heartbeat of this continent. Africa’s story cannot be told without you. Its economy cannot grow without you. Its communities cannot thrive without you. And its future cannot be written without you leading. We celebrate how far you have come. Not just from where you started, but from who you were told you could be. We celebrate the version of you that showed up anyway — when the odds were unfavourable, when the resources were scarce, when the doubt was loud. We celebrate what you are building. With your hands, your mind, your relationships, your creativity, your stubborn, beautiful refusal to give up. And we celebrate where you are going — because the best chapters of your story are still ahead. Happy International Women’s Month. 🌍✨ She Leads Africa is a community dedicated to helping young African women become the best professional versions of themselves. Follow us at @sheleadsafrica and join thousands of Motherland Moguls building the Africa they want to see.
Why Networking Is Still the #1 Career Hack
(And How to Do It Without Feeling Awkward) By She Leads Africa | 5 min read | Career Growth Let’s be honest. The moment someone says “go network”, something inside you probably cringes. Maybe it brings up images of stiff handshakes at awkward cocktail parties, rehearsed elevator pitches that feel nothing like how you actually talk, or the dreaded small talk that leads absolutely nowhere. If that’s you — you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong for feeling that way. But here’s what’s also true: the opportunities that have changed women’s careers — promotions, partnerships, investor introductions, job offers, mentorships — they rarely come from a cold application into the void. They come from people who know you, like you, and think of you when something important comes up. That’s networking. And it doesn’t have to feel like a performance. The Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck A lot of women — especially early in their careers — believe that hard work alone is enough. That if you put your head down, deliver excellent results, and be a team player, the right doors will open. And while hard work matters, here’s the uncomfortable truth: talent is rarely self-promoting. In most organizations and industries, the people who get seen, considered, and chosen are the ones who’ve built relationships that put them in the room when decisions are being made. This isn’t about being fake or strategic in a manipulative way. It’s about understanding that careers — like businesses — are built on relationships. And the sooner you embrace that, the faster things can move for you. What Real Networking Actually Looks Like Forget the image of the business card swap at a conference. Modern networking — especially for ambitious women — is so much more human than that. It looks like: reaching out to a woman you admire on LinkedIn just to say her work inspired you. Showing up consistently in a community where your industry peers hang out. Asking someone you respect for a 20-minute virtual coffee chat. Sharing someone else’s win without any expectation of return. Networking, at its core, is relationship-building. And relationship-building is something you already know how to do — you just need to start applying it intentionally to your career. “The best networking doesn’t feel like networking. It feels like meeting someone who gets it.” How to Network Without Feeling Fake: 6 Practical Tips 1. Lead with curiosity, not agenda. People can smell desperation from a mile away — but genuine curiosity? That’s magnetic. Instead of approaching someone thinking “what can I get from this?” walk in asking “what can I learn from this person?” Ask about their journey, their challenges, what they wish they’d known earlier. Let the conversation breathe. 2. Make it about them first. The fastest way to be remembered after an event is to make the other person feel genuinely seen. Compliment a specific piece of work they’ve done. Reference something real. Show you actually paid attention. People remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten what you said. 3. Follow up — every single time. Most people make a connection and then let it disappear into the digital ether. Don’t be most people. Send a message within 48 hours of meeting someone. Reference something from your conversation. No lengthy paragraphs needed — a warm, specific note is more than enough to stand out. 4. Build before you need. Networking at its worst is transactional — and people can feel that. The women who’ve built the strongest networks didn’t reach out only when they needed something. They showed up, gave value, celebrated others, and contributed to communities long before they ever had a favour to ask. 5. Use your everyday spaces. Your next connection might be in your LinkedIn comments section, in a WhatsApp group, at your church, at the gym, or at an industry event. You don’t need a formal “networking event” to network. Every space is an opportunity to deepen a relationship — online and offline. 6. Let yourself be known. You can’t be connected if you’re invisible. Share your work. Talk about what you’re building. Post about what you’re learning. You don’t need a huge following — you need the right people to know what you’re about. Visibility creates luck. For the Introverts Reading This We see you. Networking culture tends to be designed for extroverts — loud rooms, fast conversations, constant stimulation. If that’s not your natural environment, it can feel exhausting before you’ve even walked through the door. Here’s what works for introverts: go in with a plan. Set a small, winnable goal — “I’m going to have three meaningful conversations today.” Not thirty. Three. Then honour your energy. It’s okay to step outside and reset. It’s okay to follow up digitally rather than work a room all night. Some of the most powerful networkers are introverts — because they listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up brilliantly. That is an edge, not a limitation. “Three real conversations will always beat thirty forgettable ones.” Why BoostHer 2026 Is the Perfect Place to Start Whether you’re just starting to build your network or you’re looking to deepen the connections you already have, the BoostHer Career & Trade Fair 2026 is one of the best rooms you can be in this year. It’s not a generic event. It’s a space built specifically for women between 18 and 35 — women who are ambitious, purpose-driven, and actively investing in their futures. That shared context means conversations start from a place of understanding, not pretence. On the day, you’ll have access to career sessions where you can engage directly with industry leaders and recruiters who are actively looking for talent. You’ll sit in on hands-on workshops where you’ll learn alongside other women who are serious about growth. You’ll walk through a trade fair of women-owned businesses — connections that could become customers, collaborators, or champions of your work. And in the spaces between the sessions — in the hallways, over lunch, at
BoostHer Career & Trade Fair 2026: Everything You Need to Know
May 2, 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria The future is female-powered — and Lagos is about to feel it. Mark your calendars: the BoostHer Career & Trade Fair 2026 is coming to the Regal Hall at Daystar Christian Centre, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, starting at 9:00 AM. Designed to host between 1,500 and 2,000 participants, this is shaping up to be one of the most significant women-focused events the city has seen. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a seasoned professional, an entrepreneur building your empire, or simply a woman ready to level up — this event was built for you. What Is the BoostHer Career & Trade Fair? The BoostHer Career & Trade Fair is more than a one-day event. It’s a movement. Built around the theme “Empowering Her Future, One Skill at a Time,” the fair brings together career professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and ambitious women from across Lagos and beyond. The goal is simple: create a space where women can access real opportunities, build meaningful connections, and walk away equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world. What to Expect on the Day Career Sessions & Recruiter Engagement Attendees will have direct access to inspiring career talks, industry insights, and one-on-one engagement with recruiters actively seeking top talent. If you’ve been looking for the right room to be in — this is it. Come ready with your CV, your questions, and your ambition. Digital Skills Training & Hands-On Workshops Skills are the new currency, and the BoostHer fair takes that seriously. Practical, hands-on workshops will cover essential digital and professional skills, giving attendees tools they can immediately apply in the workplace or in their own businesses. No passive lectures — this is learning by doing. A Vibrant Trade Fair Showcasing Women-Owned Businesses One of the most exciting highlights of the day is the trade fair itself. Women entrepreneurs and business owners will be front and centre, showcasing innovative products and services. It’s a powerful opportunity to discover, support, and celebrate women-led businesses and startups making their mark. Networking & Community Experience Some of the most valuable conversations happen in the spaces between the sessions. The BoostHer community experience is intentionally designed for connection — with mentors, employers, fellow entrepreneurs, and like-minded women who are just as hungry to grow as you are. Why You Should Attend This event isn’t just inspirational — it’s practical. Attendees can expect to: No matter where you are in your journey, there is something at BoostHer 2026 for you. Event Details at a Glance Date Saturday, 2nd May 2026 Time 9:00 AM Venue Regal Hall, Daystar Christian Centre, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos Expected Attendance 1,500 – 2,000 participants Theme Empowering Her Future, One Skill at a Time Be Part of the Movement The BoostHer Career & Trade Fair 2026 is a bold, necessary step toward creating economic empowerment and real opportunity for women across Lagos and beyond. It’s where skills meet opportunity, and ambition meets action. The future is being built — come help shape it. 💫 Click here to learn more and apply
Your 2026 Reset: How African Women Can Plan Careers, Money, and Growth With Intention
With the start of a new year, many African women find themselves reflecting quietly. Not just on what they achieved, but on how they feel — tired, proud, uncertain, hopeful, or all of the above. A new year has a way of forcing honesty. It asks questions we often avoid during busy seasons: Am I growing? Am I fulfilled? Am I building something sustainable — or just surviving? Before jumping into new resolutions and ambitious goal lists, it may be more powerful to pause and reset. A reset doesn’t mean starting over. It means keeping what works, releasing what doesn’t, and moving forward with intention. Rethinking Career Growth Beyond Titles For many women, career planning has long been tied to job titles, promotions, or company names. But the realities of today’s work environment have made one thing clear: titles change, but skills create leverage. As you prepare for the year ahead, it’s worth reflecting on what truly moved your career forward this year. Which skills opened doors? Which responsibilities stretched you? Where did you feel underutilised or unseen? Growth in the coming year may not come from a new role, but from deepening your expertise, improving your leadership capacity, or positioning yourself more strategically within your industry. The question to carry into the new year is not just where you want to work, but who you want to become. Approaching Income and Business With Clarity Whether you run a business, manage a side hustle, or earn a salary, starting a new year offers an opportunity to look honestly at your income. Many women equate growth with doing more — more clients, more projects, more hours. But sustainable progress often comes from doing less, better. Which efforts actually paid off this year? Which drained your energy without meaningful returns? Where did you undervalue your time, skills, or ideas? The coming year is an opportunity to choose clarity over chaos. Simplifying your income streams, refining your offerings, and making intentional decisions about how you earn can create more stability than constant hustle ever will. Shifting From Money Survival to Money Strategy For many African women, money conversations are shaped by responsibility — supporting family, navigating uncertainty, and preparing for the unexpected. As a result, financial decisions are often reactive rather than strategic. Resetting your relationship with money begins with awareness. Understanding where your money goes, how it supports your goals, and where it limits your options is a form of self-leadership. As you plan for the year ahead, consider what financial security truly means to you. Is it an emergency fund? Investments? Freedom to make career choices without fear? Money is not just about comfort — it is about choice, agency, and long-term power. Leading Yourself With Boundaries and Intention Burnout has become so common that many women no longer recognise it as a warning sign. Instead, exhaustion is normalised, and rest is postponed for “later.” But growth that comes at the cost of your wellbeing is not sustainable. Resetting for the new year may require redefining what productivity looks like. It may mean saying no more often, protecting your time, and releasing the need to meet every expectation placed on you. Personal leadership is not only about how you show up for others, but how you honour your own capacity. Moving Forward With Purpose You do not need to have every detail of the coming year mapped out. You only need clarity about what matters, courage to make intentional choices, and the willingness to adjust as you grow. At She Leads Africa, we believe African women deserve the tools, community, and confidence to build lives and careers that reflect their values — not just external definitions of success. As the new year approaches, consider this your permission to reset, realign, and move forward on your own terms.
Career and Business Planning Guide: Expert Strategies for Professional Success
As we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to step back and strategically plan your professional journey ahead. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or career professional, Planning can transform vague aspirations into actionable goals whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or career professional Start with Reflection Before rushing into new plans, take stock of where you currently stand. What were your biggest achievements in 2024? Which challenges taught you the most valuable lessons? Understanding your recent history provides crucial context for future planning. Remember that success isn’t just about hitting numerical targets. Consider how you’ve grown in less tangible areas: leadership capabilities, industry knowledge, professional relationships, and work-life integration. These insights will help shape more holistic goals for the year ahead. Market Analysis and Industry Trends Your planning should be informed by a clear understanding of your industry’s direction. We’re seeing several key trends shaping the business landscape: Consider how these trends might impact your industry specifically and position yourself to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Setting Strategic Priorities Rather than creating a laundry list of goals, focus on identifying 3-4 key priorities that will have the most significant impact on your professional growth. These might include: Professional Development: What specific skills or certifications would meaningfully advance your career? Consider both technical skills relevant to your field and soft skills that enhance your leadership capability. Network Enhancement: How can you strategically expand and deepen your professional relationships? Think about mentorship opportunities, industry groups, and collaborative projects. Business Growth: If you’re running a business, what specific metrics do you want to improve? This could include revenue targets, market expansion, or operational efficiency improvements. Personal Brand Building: How will you increase your visibility and influence in your field? Consider speaking engagements, content creation, or thought leadership opportunities. Creating an Action Framework Turn your priorities into concrete actions by following these steps: Break Down Large Goals Transform each priority into smaller, manageable projects. For example, if “expand market presence” is a goal, break it down into specific actions like “research two new market segments” or “develop three new client acquisition channels.” Set Clear Metrics Establish how you’ll measure success for each goal. These metrics should be specific and trackable, whether they’re quantitative (revenue growth, client numbers) or qualitative (improved team satisfaction, enhanced leadership skills). Create Timelines Develop quarterly milestones for each goal. This helps maintain momentum while allowing flexibility to adjust course as needed. Remember to account for both quick wins and longer-term objectives. Read more materials here Implementation Strategies Success lies in effective execution. Here are key strategies to maintain progress: Regular Review Sessions Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews to assess progress and adjust plans as needed. Use these sessions to celebrate wins, analyze setbacks, and refine your approach. Accountability Systems Consider finding an accountability partner or mentor to help keep you on track. Regular check-ins with someone who understands your goals can provide valuable perspective and motivation. Resource Allocation Ensure you have the necessary resources (time, budget, support) to achieve your goals. Be realistic about what you can accomplish with available resources and adjust plans accordingly. A plan is not a strategy Maintaining Flexibility While planning is crucial, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is equally important. Build flexibility into your plans by: Conclusion Effective career and business planning isn’t about predicting the future perfectly – it’s about creating a framework that guides your decisions while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. As you implement your plan for 2025, remember that regular refinement and adjustment are natural parts of the process. The key is to start with clear intentions, maintain consistent effort, and stay adaptable as you work toward your goals. By following this comprehensive approach to planning, you’ll be well-positioned to make meaningful progress in your professional journey this year.
Mastering Job Interview: A Roadmap to Professional Triumph
Introduction: Your Interview, Your Moment Indeed, interviews are more than just conversations—they’re pivotal moments that can transform your career trajectory. Moreover, for ambitious African women, nailing an interview isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about showcasing your unique value, confidence, and potential. Pre-Interview Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success 1. Research is Your Superpower 2. Personal Branding Matters Learn more about personal branding. 3. Technical and Soft Skills Preparation What to Expect: Interview Landscape Decoded Interview Formats You’ll Encounter Red Flags to Watch and Avoid Notably, here are critical things to avoid: Confidence: Your Ultimate Interview Accessory Body Language Speaks Volumes Communication Strategies Post-Interview Excellence The Follow-Up Game Plan Final Thoughts: Your Interview, Your Power Remember, an interview is a two-way conversation. You’re not just being evaluated—you’re also evaluating whether this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations. Key Takeaways Bonus Tip for She Leads Africa Community Connect with professional networks, attend workshops, and continuously invest in your personal and professional development. Don’t Miss Out! Join the She Leads Africa Employer Program to gain exclusive insights, personalized coaching, and advanced skills to supercharge your professional development and interview success. Our program provides tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge career resources for ambitious women looking to transform their career trajectories. Read More Disclaimer: This guide is your roadmap, but every interview journey is unique. Adapt these strategies to your style and the specific opportunities before you.
Your ultimate guide to starting and ending the year strong in 2023!
It’s 2023! Whoo hoo… It is not a year to rest on your oars, not a year to be complacent because of the level of success you have achieved so far, it is a year for doing more. There is still much work to be done no matter what your life vocation is. This year is bringing you a new opportunity to start (if you are yet to join the moving train of achievers), and to get better at what we do for our best is yet to come. The following steps will set you on the path of getting more done this year. If you know what you want, you will get it easily: Brain Tracy quote aptly puts it this way, “People with clear, written goals, accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than people without them could ever imagine”. I will put the emphasis here on “clear”-you are very sure what it is you want to achieve, you are not indecisive, thus, when you spot an opportunity that links to what you desire, you grab it with your two hands. Focus: You might have given yourself a pat on the back for the various feats you accomplished last year and this year you have so many ideas and you just want to execute them all at once. This might not turn out well and will slow down your productivity. It is important to balance your creativity with wisdom. Not all your beautiful ideas will fly so focus on your competitive advantage (that which you do so well or makes you stand out). See Success as a journey rather than a destination: When you see success as a destination, not only will you be tempted to wait for it to happen instead of working towards its achievement, but there is also the danger of being complacent. After the achievement of one goal, there should be the desire to get another. So don’t spend all your time trying to achieve one thing. Get it done and move on. Stop procrastinating Most of us are guilty of this habit. We push off what we are supposed to do now to a later time, and before you know it, it’s the year 2024. You don’t want to wake up tomorrow and you are a 105 years old; that dream you had when you were fifteen is still in your heart unaccomplished and you will know you have not lived because you will not feel fulfilled. Start working on that dream now so you don’t have regrets tomorrow. Be accountable: Arese Ugwu the author of the smart money woman in the acknowledgment page of the book mentioned that Steve Harris played a huge part in helping her finish the book in time-he kept checking up on her to make sure she was committed to writing her book. I believe if she hadn’t been accountable to him, she would not have finished the book at the time she did. There is this thing about the right time. If the book had not been published at the time it was perhaps the doors she said the book opened for her would not have happened. Find someone you can be accountable to especially if you are not naturally self-motivated or goal-oriented. Stay close to your inspiration: Life is not a walk in the park so are your dreams or things you desire to achieve. You need to stay inspired to reach the finishing line. Read articles regularly here on SLA, you will find stories that will help you learn from other people’s experiences so you can navigate your world better. Attend seminars and conferences aimed at making you improve the way you do things, watch movies that will motivate you, and surround yourself with people who can talk you up just when you need it. Be flexible: You don’t have to stick to one thing or one strategy if things are not working as expected. This year is for getting things done so don’t get stuck, find a new way for life is full of options. Oprah Winfrey puts it this way “Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” I look forward to a greater you this year 2023!
HGCP 2021 Participants: Seclot Vet co-founder Olasunbo Atekoja shares how Seclot is providing security through address verification
I sat down with problem solver Seclot VET co-founder Olasunbo Atekoja to discuss how she is building the footprint of Nigeria through address verification. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Olasunbo Atekoja and I am a co-founder of Seclot VET. I graduated with a degree in business Administration and Management 8 years ago. I have worked as an assistant supervisor with a fast food outlet, cash consultant with a Lagos state hospital and I am currently a country manager at Seclot. I spend my free time listening to music, going on road trips and spending quality time with my family. What do you feel are your biggest achievements? My biggest achievement is having overcome the fear of moving from paid employment to self employment, makin the leap to from regular income and structured work t the uncertainties of entrepreneurship such as business regulatory acts and stiff competitions. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is having the power to dictate how I spend my time, which allows me time to care for my household as well as the vastly available networking opportunities with other businesses and entrepreneurs. What challenges have you faced first as a founder and then as a female founder? The first and major challenge I faced as a founder is managing the team, some of the vetters are older men who find it difficult taking orders from a younger female and thus questioned my credibility as a manager, which is frustrating. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer. Seclot Vet is building the footprint of Nigerians one step at a time leveraging physical address and identity verification. We carry out employee verification, guarantor verification, NIN verification, driver’s license verification, Voters card verification, NUBAN verification and BVN verification. We perform physical address verification to confirm the authenticity of the information you’ve received from people you are working with in a seamless and effective manner. After using technological best practices to keep tabs on people we verify for our clients, we also provide after service support for them. You can learn more about us by visiting our website at https://vet.seclot.com/, you can also follow our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/seclotdotcom/. You may also direct enquiries to vet@seclot.com. How did you come up with the name for your company? Considering the state of insecurity in the country, we created a company that could reduce this insecurity by ensuring there is enough data for security outfits. We needed the name of the company to sound reassuring to our clients, hence the name Seclot which literally means Security for the Lot. How have you carved a niche for yourself in your industry? We have carved a niche for Seclot VET by ensuring we are registered as a security technology company. We do not only verify addresses and identity, we keep a repository of data which can be used to track the footprint of people over a period of time. Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? In 5 years time, we have a vision to have built the footprints of over 10 million Nigerians leveraging physical address verification. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? The most significant thing we did in growing our business was to increase our customer base to 1,600 while also applying to accelerator programs to scale up the business. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? The top 3 skills needed by any entrepreneur are marketing, people management, and bookkeeping. Entrepreneurs should invest their time in these activities (acronym KEN): Knowledge – research on your industry and best practices; Exposure – start marketing early and get feedback from potential customers and; Network – meet with people that are in your field or related field. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-toNday busy schedule? The trick I have discovered is that I have control only over myself and my actions, so I don’t get unnecessarily worked up over other people’s behaviors. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, I go to my place of relaxation. What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? The best advice I would love to share is “If you want to go fast, move alone; if you want to go far, move with a crowd”. Olasunbo is currently on the High Growth Coaching Program preparing Seclot VET to build the footprint of Nigeria.
HGCP 2021 Participants: Big Mama Africa Biz Concept founder Ukamaka Okolo discusses her passion to provide good quality food at an affordable price through her food production business
I sat down with Ukamaka Okolo, the founder of Big Mama Africa Biz concept to discuss how she founded what she hopes will be Enugu’s food market hub. Tell us a little about yourself I’m Ukamaka Okolo, the founder of Big Mama Africa Biz concept, a business which is all about farming; production of crops and animal processing and packaging. I am a fearless, energetic, resilient, God fearing woman. I am a graduate of Applied Biochemistry of the Prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I have background in banking where l spent nine years and got the award as the Best Supervisor of South East Nigeria. I am a great believer in woman power; yes I believe that women are very powerful. What is your why i.e. bottom line? and how do you stay motivated? My why is to live a life that does not conform to stereotypes about women; I am working everyday to be a successful, productive, independent, financially free and Godly woman that other women can look up to and feel motivated to aspire to more than they imagined for their lives. I don’t believe that anyone is here just to get by, exist and to make up population numbers, and my entire life is proof that everyone can live the best life they can possibly have. This hunger to change the status quo and become a pioneer and innovator is what drives me and keeps me motivated. What do you feel are your biggest achievements? The courage to step out of the banking industry to start my entrepreneurial journey is my biggest achievement as taking that risk allowed me the opportunity to truly start living my life fully, meeting people and expanding my network, getting more knowledge, and being exposed to enormous opportunities. If you had to write a book, what would it be on and why? If l have to write a book, it would be on the struggles of the average African woman. This is something close to my heart, to bring light on what women suffer through just for being born in Africa. This book would also serve as inspiration to how women can become pillars of society, and support each other towards making Africa a better place for our girl children to be born into. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why? Folorunsho Alakija is definitely my greatest influence in business because she defied the odds and that’s exactly what l am all about; she is a go getter, a fighter, a big achiever, a business mogul and more so a God fearing woman, she is indeed a perfect representation of the kind of woman l aspire to be. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? The ability to see problems as stepping stones to greatness is one of the best things about being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs have the uncanny ability to easily fall in love with problems, which is something I also enjoy about being one. How did you come up with the name for your company? I actually find this question very interesting. In 2017 while l was still working as a banker and pregnant with my fifth Child, a colleague (former now) chatted me up for something (l can’t remember exactly what it was but certainly on the job) and called me mama Africa. l thought she was referring to someone else but she insisted she was referring to me and asked, “Are you not mama Africa?”. It was at this point that l got her point; I am pregnant with my fifth child and the fourth l would have in the bank in a space of 6 years. Ordinarily, l was slightly offended but after thinking it over l realized that it was the perfect name for my business business, something I had been struggling with for over 2 years. So I took that, tweaked it a little and Big Mama Africa Biz Concept was official. l am actually currently in the process of modifying it to Mamafrika foods. Indeed l am Mama Africa as l have seven biological children. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer. Big Mama Africa Biz Concept is all about food. We farm; we produce crops, animals and fish. We process and package high quality food. Big Mama Africa is also about crop production and reduce the dependence of food from the North. We want to make sure that people are able to get decent food with their hard earned money and we fill this gap by creating quality food at an affordable price. Our vision is to become the best food hub in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria and we have already started with the production of garri. At Big Mama Africa, we produce food at a great quality, I like to say we sell what we eat, so if if it’s not good enough for my family, it’s not good enough for our customers. Though we currently produce garri, we intend to have the following products; fresh and dry corn, tomatoes, turkey and model a world class cattle ranch. You can connect with us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamafrikafoods or follow my personal handle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ukamaka.ogbuokolo. How have you carved a niche for yourself in your industry? We have done extensive research in our industry for more than 6 months and have identified that food necessity is a genuine need and people are willing to pay for our products. We do not undermine quality and we understand the power of good customer service. The combination of these three factors placed us at the forefront within two months of production. Currently, we have 3000 backorders for garri, which is our only live product because we have consistently delivered as promised. What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business? Taking part in the nitty gritty of the business at take off has significantly helped to grow my business. I led
HGCP 2021 Participants: Founder of KIDSREADART Ogechi Ogbaragu is making Africa better by teaching kids to read
I sat down with Ogechi Ogbaragu, the founder of KIDSREADART to talk about how her passion to help African kids create a better Africa by teaching them to read. Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Ogechi Ogbaragu and I’m the founder of KIDSREADART. I am an Early Years Accelerated Reading Expert, a certified Early Childhood Practitioner, Montessori Directress and Jolly Phonics Specialist. Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get to this point? As a teacher in the early years I found out that a lot of parents were worried about their kids’ reading struggles and would go all out to see their kids be able to read. Most of the time they would enlist me to teach their kids privately. Over time I saw it was a common problem as kids who could speak very well struggled to string two words in a book correctly. I thought of ways through which I could help more kids overcome this challenge in a fun and engaging manner, which gave birth to KIDSREADART. What is your ‘why’ i.e. bottom line, and how do you stay motivated? The reason I keep doing what I do is that I want kids to enjoy the thrill of reading a storybook, I don’t want to see any child discouraged from furthering their education because they lack the basic literacy skill of reading. I want to see well-read kids that are inspired and motivated to aspire to greater heights by the stories of those who challenged the status quo, I want the African child to see themselves as the agent of change that Africa and the world need to make our continent better. All of these keep me going knowing that I’m making a difference by contributing my own quota to help the African child succeed. Describe a typical day for you. A typical day for me starts with my personal time with God, after which I start working on the resources for the program. I check up with my team to ensure that they are on track with their deliverables, call clients and follow up with leads. What do you feel are your biggest achievements? My biggest achievement is the birth of KIDSREADART especially because it was born out of nothing, from having no idea on how to go about it to overcoming the problems with the developers, designing the lessons and finally seeing it come to life. What do you do for fun/relaxation? Sometimes I love snacking on a bottle of peanuts while reading supernatural fantasies on Radish or Dreame, other times I watch Netflix or play with my kids. What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? My favorite aspects of being an entrepreneur are having time for myself and my family, getting to meet new people all the time, continually learning new stuff as well as getting paid for doing what I love doing doesn’t seem like work. Introduce your company the way you would to a potential customer. KIDSREADART is a reading program designed for African children between the ages of 3-8 years which teaches them how to read and spell difficult word formations through animations and games for a great and fun reading experience. You can learn more about us and our program by visiting our website at https://kidsreadart.com/or follow us on our Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/kidsreadart/ Have you always been entrepreneurial, what led you to taking that first step and setting up your own business? I haven’t always been an entrepreneur , I used to work a 7-5 job before the Covid 19 pandemic changed the entire world. It was during the pandemic that I decided to walk down this path and I began by signing up for an accelerator program with The Founders Institute Lagos where I shared my ideas and was guided on how I could bring it to life. We got incorporated in November 2020 and started developing content by January and went live in July with the first 2 modules while we continued working on the last 2 modules in the background. The last 2 modules are still in development and will be released very soon. How have you carved a niche for yourself in your industry? I have carved a niche for KidsReadArt by making myself an expert in this field by taking feedback from the success stories of the parents I’ve worked with. I design and sell literacy resources for teachers on Teachers Pay Teachers that has generated funds and have recently started a Teachers Training Program for schools who wants to use our reading program. We ensure that we help not only the learners but the teachers and parents who use our program. What challenges have you faced first as a founder and then as a female founder? First getting the required funds needed to develop the idea was a huge challenge. I also had problems with the software developers and learning about the business side of managing a business. Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? In the next 5 years, KIDSREADART will have become the foremost reading program in the country, used by schools as a learning resource and by parents as an after school program in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Expertise in the chosen business, commitment to see it thrive and passion for your business, without these you can easily get discouraged when you encounter challenges. What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our community? First talk to GOD about it because God always has a way of bringing things to life even when you don’t know the next step you should take. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in? Know your business. If you don’t know research and learn, join an accelerator program like Founders