🚀 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
🔔 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:
🔔 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:
🔔 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:
🔔 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:
💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:
🔔 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:
💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:
🔔 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:
💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:
🔔 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:
💼 Important links mentioned in this episode are:
🔔 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: tomidavies.com ► TVC Labs: tvcng.com ► African Business Angel Network: abanangels.org ► BOOK: Investment Worthy Startup: a.co/d/fdMlnFh ► BOOK: The African Project Manager: a.co/d/bnrw6PV ► Bongo Hive: bongohive.co.zm ► Zambia Business Angel Network: zban.org.zm ► News Piece: techcrunch.com/2025/01/19/oui-capital-return-fund-with-moniepoint-exit ► Tamboti Circle: www.tamboticircle.com ► Beyond the Pivot: www.beyond-pivot.com 🔔 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: duniyahealthcare.com ► Mwansa Chalo: www.linkedin.com/in/mwansa-chalo-34197a45 ► Bongo Hive: bongohive.co.zm ► PBR Life Sciences: www.linkedin.com/posts/pbr-life-sciences_healthcareinnovation-bigdata-ai-activity-7275783061609328640-VwyZ ► Tech in Africa: www.techinafrica.com/2025-african-start-ups-poised-for-resurgence-amid-global-challenges ► Tamboti Circle: www.tamboticircle.com ► Beyond the Pivot: www.beyond-pivot.com 🔔 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:
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:
Tune 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:
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:
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:
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/