Beyond the Pivot

Can your business outgrow your own psychology? 🚀In this masterclass on leadership and scale, Kim Otteby (Managing Director of Umoyo Health) shares how she transformed a bedroom start-up into a manufacturing powerhouse and household name in Zambia.From launching the first local alkaline water to maintaining radical brand integrity for over 15 years, Kim reveals that the ultimate key to success isn't just strategy—it's state. Discover the "Daily Priming" routine her team uses every morning at 7:30 AM to elevate their vibration and ensure peak performance.Inside the episode:The Psychology of Growth: Why you are the ultimate "ceiling" of your business.The 20 Connective Breaths: A live demonstration of the breathwork Kim uses for instant focus.Scaling with Integrity: How to transition from a "shoestring budget" to industrial manufacturing.Radical Consistency: Why staying true to your core values is the best marketing strategy in Africa.Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned leader, Kim’s insights on energy, mindset, and purpose-driven expansion are the blueprint for building a brand that lasts.🌍 Connect with Kim & Umoyo:Website: www.umoyo.comLinkedIn: Kim OttebyAbout Umoyo HealthKim Otteby operates at the intersection of natural wellness and high-performance leadership.Umoyo Health: Zambia’s leading provider of natural health products and therapies, dedicated to helping people achieve "Umoyo" (Life/Health) through quality and integrity.📌 Connect with Beyond the Pivot:Learning Hub: beyond-pivot.com/learning-hubPartner with us: [email protected] on YouTube: @BeyondthePivotTimestamped Chapters:(00:00) Scaling through consistency(04:15) From a bedroom to a health empire(09:30) Why Kim always wears white(14:22) Daily Priming: Elevating team state(21:45) LIVE DEMO: 20 Connective Breaths(28:10) Manufacturing Zambia’s first alkaline water(35:50) Breaking your "Internal Ceiling"(44:15) Maintaining quality at scale(52:30) Consistency is King(01:14:06) Final thoughtsℹ️ About This PodcastBeyond the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa. Hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande, each episode explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.🤝 Ways to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: www.beyond-pivot.com or through e-mail: [email protected] our Learning Hub and Offer it to Your Community: www.beyond-pivot.com/learning-hub

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Allen Kimbelwa, a Tanzanian entrepreneur who masterfully bridges the gap between the high-stakes boardroom and the untamed bush.As the founder of Adelphos, Allen has advised over 100 organizations on navigating the unique complexities of the Tanzanian market. Simultaneously, he leads Wild Reality Safari, a locally owned operation that brings the heritage of his homeland to the world.This conversation explores the parallels between climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and scaling a business, the importance of "one step at a time," and why personal leadership matters more to clients than a brand name.Allen opens up about the "loneliness at the top," the cultural nuances of doing business in Tanzania, and his mission to provide clarity to international investors entering the region.Sometimes, the ultimate pivot isn’t just changing your career—it’s integrating your passion for your country into every professional step you take.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ How to navigate the "complexities" of the Tanzanian market✅ Why climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is the ultimate metaphor for business growth✅ The secret to building long-term client loyalty through personal leadership✅ How to bridge the gap between international standards and local heritage✅ The reality of running a 100% locally owned safari operation🌍 About Adelphos & Wild Reality SafariAllen Kimbelwa operates at the intersection of professional consulting and authentic African experiences.Adelphos: A consultancy dedicated to helping organizations land and expand in Tanzania with cultural and strategic clarity.Wild Reality Safari: A premier safari and trekking company that focuses on the deep heritage and "wild reality" of the Tanzanian landscape.📌 Important Links► Wild Reality Safari► Adelphos► Beyond the Pivot► Beyond the Pivot Learning Hub► Tamboti Circle▶️ Watch This NextIf you’re interested in how to take over family business and grow it to international success watch this episode next:👉 Gaurav Vijayvargiya on Scaling a Family Business Across Africa🧰 Key Themes in This EpisodeBridging the Boardroom and the BushTanzanian Market Entry & ComplexityBusiness Lessons from Mt. KilimanjaroPersonal Leadership vs. Brand LoyaltyLocal Ownership & Heritage in TourismThe "Loneliness at the Top" in EntrepreneurshipStrategic Growth: One Step at a Time🤝 Ways to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: www.beyond-pivot.com or through e-mail: [email protected] our Learning Hub and Offer it to Your Community: www.beyond-pivot.com/learning-hub🌍 Connect with USYouTubeLinkedInInstagramSearch: Beyond the Pivot❓ Your TurnAllen says climbing Kilimanjaro tests every part of a business leader. What has been the "mountain" in your professional journey?Let us know in the comments.⏰ Timecodes00:00 – The Kilimanjaro Proposal: A lesson in client loyalty01:06 – Growing two businesses one step at a time01:57 – Introduction to Allen Kimbelwa: Boardroom to the Bush04:15 – The founding story of Adelphos and Wild Reality Safari08:22 – Navigating the complexities of the Tanzanian market12:45 – Cultural bridges: Why local heritage matters in business18:30 – Scaling a safari operation with 100% local roots25:10 – The mindset of the summit: Growth and perseverance32:40 – High-level consulting for international organizations40:15 – Why clients follow leaders, not just brands48:55 – The "Loneliness at the Top": Finding people to talk to55:20 – Advice for those entering the Tanzanian market58:29 – How to connect with Allen Kimbelwa59:34 – Final thoughts and closingℹ️ About This PodcastBeyond the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa.Hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande, each episode explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Gaurav Vijayvargiya, CEO of 260 Brands, one of Zambia’s leading agro-processing and food manufacturing companies scaling across Africa.This conversation explores what it really takes to scale a family business in emerging markets. Gaurav shares how he transitioned from supply chain professional and rally driver to leading a multi-country manufacturing company working with over 9,000 farmers across Southern and Eastern Africa.We discuss risk, innovation, treasury discipline, organic certification, farmer ecosystems, and why cash flow management remains critical when building in volatile markets. Gaurav also explains how 260 Brands expanded regionally, partnered with development finance institutions, modernized operations through technology and ERP systems, and built premium export products that reached Amazon #1 in the United States.This episode is for founders, investors, and operators building businesses in Africa and other emerging markets. It is a deep dive into scaling manufacturing, leading generational change in a family enterprise, building resilient supply chains, and designing systems that survive policy shifts and currency fluctuations.Topics covered include:Scaling a family business in AfricaRisk management and change managementOrganic farming and building farmer ecosystemsDevelopment finance and capital raisingCash flow preservation and treasury managementTechnology adoption in manufacturingExporting African brands globallyProduct launches and navigating ambiguityIf you are interested in African entrepreneurship, emerging markets strategy, agribusiness, manufacturing, or generational leadership, this episode offers practical lessons from the frontlines of building at scale.Connect & learn more:260 Brands⁠Beyond the Pivot⁠⁠Beyond the Pivot Learning Hub⁠⁠BongoHive⁠⁠Tamboti Circle⁠Work with us:Partner, sponsor, or collaborate via ⁠www.beyond-pivot.com⁠Or reach out directly at ⁠[email protected]⁠Beyond the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa. Hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande, the podcast explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Brad Magrath — seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and Partner at AHL Venture Partners, one of Africa’s pioneering early-stage venture funds.From co-founding and scaling Zoona into one of Africa’s most impactful fintech companies to becoming a fund builder backing the next generation of founders, Brad has lived the full startup cycle on the continent — from zero to scale, exit, and reinvestment.This conversation unpacks what it really takes to build, scale, exit, and reinvest in Africa. We go deep on why trust, execution, and risk-adjusted returns matter more than hype, and why capital efficiency often beats chasing unicorn-style growth in African markets.Brad shares hard-earned lessons from entrepreneurship, venture capital, and ecosystem building — insights every founder and investor operating in Africa needs to hear.Sometimes, the biggest pivot isn’t the business — it’s the founder.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why African startups must prioritize profitability before impact.What founders often get wrong about scaling and competition in Africa.How trust and long-term relationships shape venture success.The difference between unicorn thinking and “camel” businesses.How founders can transition into investors — and why that matters for Africa.Projects & organizations mentioned:ZoonaAHL Venture PartnersAfrican pension funds and local capitalCamel vs. unicorn business modelsConnect & learn more:Brad Magrath on LinkedInAHL Venture PartnersBeyond the PivotBeyond the Pivot Learning HubBongoHiveTamboti CircleWork with us:Partner, sponsor, or collaborate via www.beyond-pivot.comOr reach out directly at [email protected] the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa. Hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande, the podcast explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Nyeji Mhango, Managing Partner at wCAP , to unpack what truly makes businesses investable in African markets — and why most companies fail long before capital ever becomes the problem.Nyeji shares deep, practical insights from building a private credit fund focused on women-led and gender-diverse businesses in Southern Africa. She explains why Africa rewards patience, discipline, and strong fundamentals — not shortcuts, hype, or copy-pasted Western models.Throughout the conversation, Nyeji breaks down how investors actually assess risk, why founder mindset matters as much as numbers, and how businesses can grow sustainably using blended finance, retained earnings, and customer traction — not dependency on grants or donor capital.This episode goes beyond theory and dives into the realities of capital allocation, fund management, and founder behavior — offering an unfiltered look at what separates investable businesses from those that never get there.This conversation took place in November 2025.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ What investors really mean when they say a business is “not investable”✅ Why founder reluctance and resistance to feedback are major red flags✅ How Africa’s markets reward patient, unconventional capital✅ The right role of grants — and why they should never replace customers✅ Why retained earnings matter more than fundraising in early growth✅ How private credit differs from venture capital in African contexts✅ Why women-led businesses consistently outperform when given access to capital✅ What it actually takes to build and manage an investment fund📌 Important LinkswCAPNyeji Mhango (LinkedIn)Beyond the PivotBeyond the Pivot Learning HubBongoHiveTamboti Circle🧰 Key Themes CoveredWhat makes businesses investable in AfricaFounder mindset and investor red flagsPrivate credit vs venture capitalGender-smart and women-led investingBlended finance and grant dependencyRetained earnings and organic growthFund building and capital discipline🤝 Ways to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: https://www.beyond-pivot.comEmail: [email protected] the Learning Hub: https://www.beyond-pivot.com/learning-hub🌍 Connect With UsYouTube: @BeyondthePivotLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-pivot-podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.pivotSearch: Beyond the Pivot❓ Your TurnWhat do you think matters most for making a business investable in Africa — mindset, customers, or capital?Share your thoughts in the comments. Top insights may be featured in a future episode.ℹ️ About This PodcastBeyond the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa.Hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande, each episode explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Mark Ireland, Team Leader of Enterprise Zambia, to explore what actually works in climate-smart agriculture and rural SME development.With more than 20 years of experience in international development, Mark shares why long-term impact in agriculture comes from supporting viable agribusinesses rather than short-term projects. He explains why profitability, practicality, and strong business fundamentals matter more than buzzwords when it comes to climate-smart farming.Drawing on real examples from the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund, Mark breaks down how agribusinesses are improving farmer incomes through organic cotton, poultry value chains, mechanization, solar irrigation, and better access to finance. He also offers an honest look at why many development programs fail — and what needs to change.This conversation goes beyond theory and into the realities of grant funding, SME growth, compliance, risk, and long-term sustainability in Zambia’s agricultural sector.What you’ll learnWhy climate-smart agriculture only works when it makes economic sense for farmersHow agribusinesses help small-scale farmers access finance, inputs, and marketsWhy grants are not “free money” — and the real cost of complianceThe role of mechanization, solar irrigation, and technology in rural productivityWhy patience, honesty, and practicality matter more than perfect proposalsHow Zambia’s SME ecosystem is evolving — and where the biggest constraints remainLinks & ResourcesMark Ireland LinkedinEnterprise ZambiaSelf Help AfricaBeyond the PivotBeyond the Pivot Learning HubWays to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: www.beyond-pivot.com or through e-mail: [email protected] our Learning Hub and Offer it to Your Community: www.beyond-pivot.com/learning-hubConnect with usFollow Beyond the Pivot for more conversations with founders, operators, and ecosystem builders shaping Africa’s future.YouTubeLinkedInInstagramWhat do you think matters most for climate-smart farming — technology, finance, or market access?

🎙️ In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Natasha Chiumya to unpack what it really takes to invest in real estate in Africa without regret — especially for diaspora investors.Natasha shares practical, real-world lessons from working with buyers who lost money due to unclear land titles, broken trust chains, informal processes, and missing due diligence. She explains why many property investments go wrong, how trust is built (and broken) in real estate transactions, and what smart investors must verify before committing capital.This conversation strips away hype and focuses on reality — offering grounded guidance on how to approach property investing in African markets with clarity, patience, and the right checks in place.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ The most common property mistakes investors make in Zambia and how to avoid them.✅ Why land titles, documentation, and verification matter more than location hype.✅ How trust is built — and broken — in real estate transactions.✅ What diaspora investors often misunderstand about buying property back home.✅ Practical steps to invest in real estate without regret.📌 Important Links:► Natasha Chiumya LinkedIn► Buying Property in Zambia► Buying Property in Zambia YouTube► Beyond the Pivot► Beyond the Pivot Learning Hub► BongoHive► Tamboti Circle🧰 Key Themes Covered:Real estate investing in ZambiaLand titles and property verificationTrust and due diligence in African marketsDiaspora investing realitiesAvoiding costly property mistakes🤝 Ways to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: www.beyond-pivot.com or through e-mail: [email protected] our Learning Hub and Offer it to Your Community.🌍 Connect with UsYouTubeLinkedInInstagramSearch: Beyond the Pivot❓ Your TurnWhat’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced — or feared — when investing in property in Africa?Share your experience in the comments. Top insights may be featured in a future episode.ℹ️ About This PodcastBeyond the Pivot brings raw, thoughtful conversations with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of Africa. Hosted by Martin Vitek, and Kabwela Malupande each episode explores the cultural, strategic, and personal pivots behind building in emerging markets.#BeyondThePivot #AfricanStartups #EntrepreneurshipAfrica

How is mobile technology reshaping Africa’s startup ecosystem and what do the real numbers tell us about where the continent is heading next?In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we talk with Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal and one of the leading analysts tracking startup funding, mobile innovation, and digital transformation across Africa.Max breaks down the trends behind Africa’s investment landscape, the rise of mobile-first innovation, and why data storytelling is becoming essential for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.He also shares what 20 years in mobile tech and development taught him about reading signals, understanding markets, and spotting long-term opportunities in emerging economies.If you want to understand how mobile, data, and narrative power Africa’s next growth wave, this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn:The real story behind Africa’s funding trendsHow mobile technology still drives the continent’s biggest innovationsWhy data + narrative shape investor confidenceHow to separate genuine market shifts from hype cyclesWhat African founders in smaller markets should focus onWhy SMEs matter as much as high-growth startupsLinks:Africa: The Big DealMax Cuvellier GiacomelliBeyond the Pivot Learning HubBeyond the PivotBongoHiveTamboti CircleWays to Work With UsPartner, sponsor, or collaborate: www.beyond-pivot.com or through e-mail: [email protected] our Learning Hub and Offer it to Your Community: www.beyond-pivot.com/learning-hub

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Biola Alabi, a trailblazer who has shaped Africa’s creative industries and is now building bridges into venture capital. From leading M-Net Africa Magic, bringing shows like Sesame Street and Big Brother Africa to millions of homes, to launching Biola Alabi Media and co-founding Acasia Ventures and Delta 40, Biola has moved seamlessly between storytelling, mentorship, and investment.She opens up about her journey from media to venture capital, the importance of building ecosystems for African founders, and why creativity and capital must go hand in hand. Biola also shares lessons on failure, resilience, and the unique challenges of raising and deploying capital on the continent while remaining committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Biola transitioned from global media leadership to African venture capital✅ Why creativity and storytelling are powerful tools for investment and entrepreneurship✅ The role of women investors and leaders in Africa’s startup ecosystem✅ Lessons from founding Delta 40, backing climate and agriculture-focused startups✅ How failure and resilience shaped Biola’s perspective on growth and leadership💼 Important Links:► Delta 40► Acasia Ventures► Biola Alabi Media► Afropolitan► LinkedIn► Beyond the Pivot► BongoHive► Tamboti Circle🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with African founders, leaders, and investors building the continent’s future.💬 What part of Biola’s journey inspired you most? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Lulumbi Njelika, founder of Monter Capital, to explore how patient and purpose-driven capital can shape Africa’s future.With a vision to build a $100M private equity fund, Lulumbi shares his journey from global networks to investing in African businesses, and why governance, patience, and local partnerships are the keys to long-term success.From Harare roots to building Monter Capital, he explains what it takes to raise and deploy capital in frontier markets, the lessons learned from navigating African economies, and how the Ubuntu philosophy guides his investment approach.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why Africa needs patient and purpose-driven private equity✅ How Monter Capital is building a $100M fund to back African businesses✅ The role of governance, trust, and partnerships in investment success✅ Lessons from Lulumbi’s journey across global networks and African markets✅ Why Ubuntu and cultural context matter in African investing💼 Important Links:► Monter Capital► LinkedIn► Beyond the Pivot► BongoHive► Tamboti Circle🔔 Subscribe for more stories from African founders, investors, and innovators driving the continent’s future.💬 What part of Lulumbi’s story inspired you the most? Drop a comment below.

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we talk with Afshon Wallace, founder and CEO of AfriDelivery, about his journey from chasing KPIs to building a purpose-driven logistics platform in Zambia. Starting with just two motorbikes, Afshon bootstrapped AfriDelivery into a household name in Zambia, and now he’s focused on expanding across borders with the vision of building the “African DHL.”Afshon shares candid lessons on growing without outside funding, how purpose replaced vanity metrics as his guiding principle, and why building for impact matters more than chasing short-term wins. His story is a masterclass in staying mission-driven while scaling a company in a challenging but high-potential environment.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How AfriDelivery scaled from two bikes to a nationwide logistics platform✅ The realities of bootstrapping in African markets✅ Why Afshon believes purpose is the ultimate growth driver✅ The “African DHL” vision and what it takes to get there✅ Lessons for entrepreneurs building in emerging markets💼 Important Links:► AfriDelivery► LinkedIn► Beyond the Pivot► BongoHive► Tamboti Circle🔔 Subscribe for more founder stories and startup lessons from across Africa.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Cassandra Mtine, CEO of AgriPredict, a Zambian agri-tech company helping farmers make informed decisions through real-time weather alerts, pest detection tools, and market insights.Cassandra shares how AgriPredict evolved from a hackathon idea into a platform that supports thousands of farmers across Zambia and beyond. We discuss the challenges of scaling agricultural technology, bridging the gap between digital tools and on-the-ground realities, and why understanding farmers’ contexts is just as important as the tech itself.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How AgriPredict blends AI, data, and local knowledge to serve farmers✅ Lessons on building trust and adoption in rural communities✅ The business model behind agricultural technology in Africa✅ How partnerships and funding shape growth for early-stage agri-tech✅ Cassandra’s vision for the future of agriculture in Zambia and beyond💼 Important Links:► AgriPredict► Cassandra Mtine► Beyond the Pivot► BongoHive► Tamboti Circle🔔 Subscribe for more founder stories and startup lessons from across Africa.

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we speak with Nankhonde Kasonde van den Broek, founder of Zanga African Metrics, a Zambian leadership consultancy on a bold mission: to challenge global frameworks and redefine how success is measured in Africa. Through locally rooted data and culturally contextual tools, Zanga is creating an African-born performance index that better reflects the values, behaviors, and leadership norms of the continent.Nankhonde shares how her journey from executive coaching to systems design led to the creation of Zanga, and why African founders, organizations, and investors need new tools to evaluate leadership, performance, and value—on their own terms.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why global leadership models fail to reflect African realities✅ How Zanga is using coaching insights to build new measurement systems✅ The importance of grounding success metrics in lived experience and culture✅ What role data and behavior change play in shifting narratives about Africa✅ How Zanga bridges business, psychology, and systems thinking in its methodology💼 Important links mentioned in this episode:► Zanga African Metrics► Nankhonde Kasonde van den Broek► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more stories from African founders and thinkers reshaping how the world understands innovation and leadership.💬 What does success mean in your context? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Owen Harmon, co-founder of Gemini Capital Partners in Liberia. As an early-stage investor focused on local entrepreneurs, Owen shares what makes Liberia’s startup ecosystem unique and what it truly takes to back founders in one of Africa’s most underserved markets.We explore how Gemini Capital Partners is addressing the funding gap for Liberian startups, why youth-led innovation is critical, and how trust, mentorship, and long-term commitment shape early-stage investing in frontier markets.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why Gemini Capital Partners was founded to support Liberian entrepreneurs✅ The role of mentorship and trust in early-stage funding✅ What Owen looks for in founders and scalable business models✅ How investors can align profit with impact in frontier ecosystems✅ Why Liberia’s youth are key to driving innovation and growth💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Gemini Capital Partners► Owen Harmon LinkedIn► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories from African entrepreneurs and investors shaping the continent’s future.💬 What surprised you most about Liberia’s startup scene? Let us know in the comments!

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Chisepo Chirwa, CEO and co-founder of BOSSO, a Zambian construction-tech startup that’s reinventing how building materials are sourced and delivered. Launched in 2022, Bosso is building a digital platform that connects hardware suppliers, contractors, and homebuilders, making construction more affordable, transparent, and efficient.Chisepo shares his journey from policy and development to entrepreneurship, what he’s learned about solving real-world pain points.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Bosso is simplifying the construction supply chain in Zambia✅ Why tech alone isn’t enough without solving a real problem✅ The role of trust, brand, and supplier relationships in early-stage growth✅ What’s next for Bosso as it scales from Zambia to other countries✅ What lessons Chisepo learned about navigating customer behavior and product timing💼 Important links mentioned in this episode:► Bosso Website► Chisepo Chirwa► Beyond the Pivot► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle🔔 Subscribe for more founder stories and startup lessons from across Africa

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we speak with Francis Stevens George, a leading voice in Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial development. As a founder, educator, and ecosystem builder, Francis has spent years empowering young people and pushing for a more practical, mindset-driven approach to business in Sierra Leone.He shares honest reflections on the gaps in donor-driven programs, the importance of trust in local ecosystems, and why meaningful entrepreneurship must be rooted in local realities, not imported frameworks.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why mindset is the foundation of entrepreneurship✅ How Francis supports youth-led businesses in Sierra Leone✅ The limits of donor programs and imported startup models✅ Why trust and local relevance are essential for startup success✅ How to foster entrepreneurship that actually solves problems💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Innovation SL: www.innosl.com► Francis Stevens George: www.linkedin.com/in/francis-stevens-george-794bb3► Bongo Hive: bongohive.co.zm► Tamboti Circle: www.tamboticircle.com► Beyond the Pivot: www.beyond-pivot.com🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

🚀 In this powerful episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Vwanganji Bowa, the inspiring founder and CEO of Mighty Finance, a Zambian fintech company making credit accessible to underserved communities.Vwanganji shares her remarkable journey from losing her home after a failed first venture to building a thriving digital lending business that now supports thousands of SMEs in Zambia and is expanding to Malawi through her new platform Mama Pay.With raw honesty, she opens up about the challenges of being a female founder in fintech, navigating regulation, raising capital as an early-stage startup, and turning painful lessons into business success.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Vwanganji bounced back after losing her house to a bank loan✅ How Mighty Finance uses data and tech to assess creditworthiness✅ The role of incubators, accelerators, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship in her growth✅ The difference between solving a real pain point and building tech for tech’s sake✅ How Mama Pay is facilitating cross-border payments across the SADC region✅ The challenges of fundraising and operating in a highly regulated sector💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Mighty Finance► Vwanganji Bowa► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories from African founders redefining innovation!💬 Leave a comment — what part of Vwanganji’s story inspired you the most?

🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore how Rwanda is becoming a powerhouse for African startups with the support of Norrsken East Africa. Our guest, Elie Habimana, Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, shares insights into how Rwanda’s startup ecosystem is evolving, how entrepreneurs can access funding, and why regional integration is key for business growth in Africa.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Rwanda built a business-friendly startup ecosystem✅ The role of Norrsken East Africa in accelerating African entrepreneurs✅ Why fintech, climate tech, and health tech are leading Africa’s innovation boom✅ How startups can scale beyond their home markets using regional integration✅ What investors are looking for in African startups today✅ The biggest challenges founders face when scaling in Africa💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Elie Habimana’s LinkedIn ► Norrsken East Africa LinkedIn► Norrsken East Africa► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

🚀 In this milestone 10th episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Petra Rees, a Czech entrepreneur-turned-VC based in South Africa. From launching startups to exiting businesses in South Africa, Petra shares her incredible journey of adaptation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital in Africa.🔍 With experience in 3D printing, manufacturing, and impact investing, Petra explains why Africa presents unique opportunities for innovation and why corporate-backed VC funds are the next big thing in sectors like mining, light manufacturing, and value-add processing.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Petra transitioned from startup founder to investor in South Africa✅ Why corporate-backed VC funds are growing in South Africa✅ The importance of resilience and adaptability for entrepreneurs✅ How 3D printing is disrupting supply chains in South Africa✅ Why women founders often ask for too little funding—and how to fix it✅ How exits in Africa differ from those in the US & Europe💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Petra Rees LinkedIn► Petra Rees e-mail► Africa Tech Summit► Bongo Hive► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

In this exciting episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Haïle Amegashie, an investor at Breega, a $75 million venture capital fund focused on early-stage startups in Africa. With experience as an entrepreneur-turned-VC, Haïle shares his journey from building startups to investing in the next generation of African founders.Breega is not just a funding partner—their Scaling Squad provides operational, branding, and talent support, making them stand out in the crowded African venture capital landscape. Haïle breaks down what Breega looks for in startups, the realities of VC investment in Africa, and the key trends shaping the future of the continent’s tech ecosystem.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ How Haïle transitioned from startup founder to investor and what he learned along the way✅ What African startups need to scale successfully beyond just capital✅ Why copy-pasting Western business models doesn’t work in Africa✅ The biggest mistakes founders make when hiring their early team✅ What makes Breega’s Scaling Squad unique and how it helps founders grow 10x faster✅ How venture capital in Africa is evolving and what investors are looking for in 2024💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:Haïle AmegashieBreegaBongo HiveNews PieceTamboti CircleBeyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

Tomi "TD" Davies is self-describer gastro-terorrist and well known angel investor that has decades long of experience successfully building angel investment networks across the continent, forming and presiding over African Business Angel Network, forming Catalytic Fund and influential programs such as Mentor Pitch in Nigeria and in Zambia.TD is also author of 4 books that are a guidance for anyone interested to gain an understanding of the African startup ecosystem. Lucky for you, if you do not have time to read the book, we were priviliged to bring you this podcast episode, where TD talks about his approach to investing into startups as well about angel investing in general.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ The importance of angel investing and what it means to be an angel investor.✅ About the POEM framework and its effect on the Mentor Pitch program.✅ Tomi Davies approach of connecting mentorship to the angel investing.✅ The way on how to look on the startup world on the African continent.💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:► Tomi Davies► TVC Labs► African Business Angel Network► BOOK: Investment Worthy Startup► BOOK: The African Project Manager► Bongo Hive► Zambia Business Angel Network► News Piece► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

Discover how Mwansa Chalo, co-founder and CEO of Duniya Healthcare, is transforming medicine logistics in Zambia and beyond. In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore Mwansa’s journey into healthcare, how Duniya went from MVP to scaling, and their mission to save thousands of lives through timely medicine delivery.We also discuss their partnership with The Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and dive into the future of healthcare innovation in Africa. Plus, Kabwela shares the latest investment news from Africa, including key funding trends for 2024 and beyond.💡 What You’ll Learn:✅ How Duniya Healthcare is improving medicine logistics in Africa✅ The importance of healthcare delivery in rural areas✅ Latest funding trends in African startups💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:⁠► Duniya Healthcare⁠⁠► Mwansa Chalo► Bongo Hive⁠► PBR Life Sciences► Tech in Africa► Tamboti Circle► Beyond the Pivot🔔 Subscribe for more success stories from Africa!

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we look back on 2024 and step forward into 2025 with a focus on the dynamic world of African startup investments. Together with Kabwela Mulapande, we unpack 5 major news stories from November and December that shaped the ecosystem, highlighting the incredible growth and innovation seen across the continent this year.We also spotlight 3 unmissable events in 2025:MentorPitch Program – Connecting entrepreneurs with world-class mentors to refine their ideas.Timbuktoo Accelerator in Lusaka – Driving breakthroughs in mining technology and startups.Impact Investor Summit 2025 (Lusaka, Zambia) – A pivotal gathering for entrepreneurs and investors shaping Africa’s future.Kabwela shares insightful reflections on the biggest trends of 2024 and invites listeners to take part in these exciting opportunities that promise to fuel Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape in the year ahead.From groundbreaking investments to game-changing programs, this episode offers an inspiring wrap-up of the year and sets the stage for what’s to come. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about the African startup scene, there’s something here for everyone.Important links mentioned in this episode are:Timbuktoo AcceleratorMentorPitch ProgramImpact Investor SummitBongo HiveTune in and let’s embark on the journey to 2025 together!

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we’re joined by Muchu Kaingu, the co-founder and CEO of Lupiya, a trailblazing Zambian fintech platform committed to empowering underserved communities through financial inclusion. Lupiya leverages technology to provide accessible and sustainable financial services, with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and SMEs.Muchu shares his journey of turning a bold idea into a transformative business, the challenges of bridging the financial gap in Africa, and the innovative strategies behind Lupiya’s mission to empower individuals and businesses. Learn how Lupiya is redefining lending by offering collateral-free loans and what it takes to lead a fintech revolution in an emerging market.Discover the trends shaping Africa’s fintech landscape, the impact of inclusive finance, and Muchu’s insights into building a business that changes lives. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, fintech enthusiast, or curious about the power of technology in emerging economies, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.Tune in and get inspired by Muchu Kaingu’s story of innovation, resilience, and impact.Important links mentioned in this episode are:LupiyaBongo HiveBDO Fintech ReportNews Piece about Paratus

Accessing finances for startups, especially in the idea stage and pre-seed round, is challenging everywhere. However, in Africa, and particularly in countries like Zambia, it can be even more complex. The local investment network is still in its nascent stage, requiring navigation through a spectrum of options. These range from small angel investment networks and loan sharks to internationally based venture firms, whether situated in countries like Kenya and South Africa on the continent or overseas in Europe and the USA. In this episode, Kabwela will guide us through the current investment landscape in Africa, with a focus on Zambia, and share crucial statistics about the startup capital scene. Important links mentioned in this episode are: Brighter Bridges: briterbridges.com Enygma Ventures: www.enygmaventures.com Baobap Network: thebaobabnetwork.com Zambia Angel Network: zban.org.zm Launch Afrika Ventures: www.launchafrica.vc Renew Capital: www.renewcapital.com Tiger Global: www.tigerglobal.com Kukula Capital: kukulacapital.com Amano Capital: www.amanocapital.com Bongo Hive Ventures: bongohive.co.zm Catalytic Africa: catalytic-africa.com

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we dive into the inspiring world of Zambian startups, highlighting the stories of trailblazing entrepreneurs and their journeys to success. From gemstone innovators like Eleora Gems to agri-tech solutions like AgriPredict and financial disruptors like Lupiya, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in Zambia’s thriving startup ecosystem. Kabwela shares personal insights on what it takes to succeed in Zambia, the impact of women-led ventures, and how these startups are shaping Africa’s business landscape. Tune in for success stories, lessons learned, and practical advice for those interested in the African entrepreneurial scene! Useful links: Eleora Gems: https://eleoragems.com/ Green Giraffe: https://greengiraffezambia.org/ AfriOnline: https://afrionlinegroup.com/ AgriPredict: https://www.agripredict.com/ Bosso: https://thebosso.com/ Lupiya: https://www.lupiya.com/ BongoHive: https://bongohive.co.zm/

In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we're tackling a crucial topic: the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that have plagued African entrepreneurship for far too long. African entrepreneurs are often met with unfounded biases, especially the stereotype that their ventures lack legitimacy. We dive into why this perception exists, the real impact it has on investment opportunities, and how it obstructs the potential for innovation and growth across the continent.Throughout this conversation, we'll share actionable insights for identifying trustworthy and promising African startups, highlight networks that champion these businesses, and discuss the pivotal role of local communities and incubators in bolstering credibility. Whether you're an investor or just curious, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the true potential within Africa’s startup ecosystem and the steps we can take to uplift it.Useful links:https://www.afrilabs.com/https://bongohive.co.zm/

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Zambia's emerging startup ecosystem, exploring what makes this region ripe for innovation and growth. We’ll introduce you to the unique needs and advantages Zambia offers, alongside programs that are gaining traction and shaping the future for entrepreneurs. Discover how banks, telecom, and e-commerce are intertwining to create new opportunities, and gain insights into the challenges — and solutions — of working with one of the youngest populations in the world. Whether you're interested in new markets, social impact, or the entrepreneurial energy of Africa, this episode provides an eye-opening look at Zambia's startup potential.Useful links:https://bongohive.co.zm/https://vc4a.com/bongohive/mentorpitch-zambia-cohort-2/