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THE SOAPMAKER’S DREAM : BAI CONTEH’S PATH TO TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CONTEH INDUSTRIES
“Without soap, it would have been very difficult for me to gain an education. This inspired me to start my own business and become a job creator.” Bai Conteh I met Bai Conteh several years ago at an entrepreneurship and young people’s conference. When he reached out last year to introduce his venture, I could barely recall who he was. He was adamant about showing his gratitude for everything I had instilled in his mind and vision back then (mind you, he owed me nothing – was not obligated at all). We met, and he handed me a large bag of detergent powder, persistently following up to ensure I used…
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EACH ONE, TEACH ONE: EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH SKILLS TRAINING
In a world where access to education and opportunities is not always equal, the “Each One, Teach One” philosophy shines through as a beacon of hope. It’s about individuals taking it upon themselves to share knowledge, skills, and mentorship to uplift others. Haja Mariama Bangura, the Founder of Girls Connect Sierra Leone, exemplifies this philosophy through her inspiring work. Haja Mariama Bangura: A Beacon of EmpowermentHaja Mariama Bangura founded Girls Connect in 2022 with a vision to support both in and out-of-school girls in Sierra Leone. The organization provides mentorship, career development, and skills programs to shape the lives of young women. One remarkable project spearheaded by Haja and…
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THE IMPACT OF WOMEN IN CREATIVE INDUSTRIES : A SPOTLIGHT ON FATMATA SARAH DAVIES
Throughout the decades, creative industries stand as a beacon of innovation, self-expression, and limitless potential. However, within this vibrant sector, the need for inclusive participation and empowerment remains crucial, especially for women seeking to break barriers and make their mark. In this blog post, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Fatmata Sarah Davies, a trailblazing entrepreneur from Sierra Leone, whose remarkable achievements in the informal job sector spotlight the power of inclusion in the creative industries. Research conducted in developing countries, including Sierra Leone, emphasizes the evolving role of women in the creative industries, which encompass sectors such as art, design, film, music, fashion, and advertising. Despite historical male…
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SUNAH AGNES KEILI: AN ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAILBLAZER TO WATCH IN 2024
Empowerment knows no bounds when women unite their vision with purpose in business development, social advocacy, and volunteerism. As pioneers of positive change, let your passion be the spark that ignites a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Over the past fifteen years, Sunah Agnes Keili has become a formidable catalyst for change within the ever-evolving realms of business development, social advocacy, and volunteerism. Her accolades, including the African Innovation Prize in 2013 and being an IVLP Exchange Fellow of the US Department of State in 2017, attest to her commitment to making a positive impact on society. Sunah’s diverse roles, from business development consultant to co-founder of Jaylay Gomei,…
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EMPOWERING INCLUSION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: KATHLEEN JAH-DAVIES’ INSPIRING JOURNEY
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, success hinges significantly on the integral components of diversity and inclusion. Kathleen Jah-Davies, co-founder and creative director of Arch Design SL Ltd., stands as a shining example of how inspiring inclusion can lead to remarkable achievements in careers traditionally dominated by certain demographics. Her journey, marked by determination, education, and a commitment to fostering balance, highlights the transformative power of equal opportunities. Breaking BarriersKathleen’s academic background, earning a Bachelors Degree of Engineering in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Project Management, and Project Development from the University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen and the Alanus University of Applied Sciences in Germany, positions her as a…
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Entrepreneurial Resilience and Vision: Insights from “Things Fall Apart”
I recently was gifted a copy of one of my favourite teenage books “Things Fall Apart” by the renowned author Chinua Achebe. As I read through pages and went from chapter to chapter, I realised for the first time the many life lessons embedded into it. I have read this book like many others several times before, but I have not had the level of insight I have had in the last few days. I strongly believe that while the book holds several interpretations, as an entrepreneur/Startup Operator it tells a very powerful story and offers viable lessons for operating in Africa. In the intricate dance of entrepreneurship, where the…
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JAMES SAMBA DRIVES CHANGE: SIERRA LEONE’S SOCIALLY INNOVATIVE YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR IGNITES A GREEN REVOLUTION
Meet James Samba, a visionary entrepreneur and self-taught innovator from Pujehun District, Sierra Leone. From his early days of tinkering with gadgets to leading Sierra Electric Technologies, James embodies the values of social entrepreneurship, youth development, and innovation. In this blog post, we’ll delve into his inspiring journey, the impact of Sierra Electric Technologies, and the broader implications for sustainable development in Sierra Leone and beyond. When the Passion Sparks James’s journey began in Pujehun, where his fascination with technology took root. At the age of 14, he dismantled his grandmother’s radio, setting the stage for a lifelong passion for creating and innovating. This early curiosity laid the foundation for…
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We Just Move On Because Everyone Says We Should: Addressing Mental Well-being in Africa’s Startup Scene
In the rapidly evolving African startup landscape, the shimmer of success and funding milestones often masks a deeper, more personal battle. The year 2023 proved particularly challenging for many African founders globally, marking a period of intense strain that has continued into the current year. From Lagos to Nairobi, the stress of navigating a complex and demanding business environment took a significant toll on the mental well-being of these entrepreneurial leaders. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, captures the relentless nature of entrepreneurship with his words: “Running a startup is like chewing glass and staring into the abyss. After a while, you stop staring, but the glass chewing never…
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INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF SUCCESS: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS IN 2024
In the fast-paced landscape of 2024, the entrepreneurial journey is a journey that demands adaptability, innovation, and a keen understanding of market dynamics. Global awareness of environmental and social issues continues to grow, there’s likely to be an increase in the number of entrepreneurs focusing on sustainable and impact-driven ventures. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their choices, and investors are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. This listicle announces strategies that can propel your venture forward, by drawing inspiration from some remarkable entrepreneurs and companies who have not just survived but thrived in this ever-evolving business environment. We hope you are inspired to take…
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40 Things I’ve Learned at 40: A Mini Masterclass in Growth, Purpose & Becoming
Turning forty is often framed as a milestone of arrival. For me, it is something far more sacred: a milestone I was not always certain I would reach. My early years were marked by significant personal trials: near-death accidents, a season of facial paralysis, complex reproductive health battles including fibroids, adenomyosis and endometriosis, the private grief of infertility, business disappointments, personal failures and seasons of immense loss. There were moments when the future felt uncertain, when long-term planning felt aspirational rather than guaranteed. Longevity was never something I took for granted. Yet surviving is not the same as living. Somewhere between hospital rooms, boardrooms, classrooms and prayer closets, a shift…
