saccohsidi

Mentorship is quite a unique word. Indeed, it is probably the most common word in the startup space. Whilst in Rwanda, I encountered a rather amusing quote from a brilliant founder and podcaster. He had it written boldly on his t-shirt, and I found it utterly fascinating. It read: Over-mentored and under-funded. It was quite […]

“Relationship” is a common word that we all know. It is so common in our society that its true definition has likely eroded over time, like many other words. It is one word for which many English dictionaries do not have a singular agreeable definition. Do not get me wrong; the context is often the

Securing early-stage investment in Africa can be a challenging endeavour these days, particularly for those new to the entrepreneurial world. While the continent’s business landscape is developing rapidly, successfully navigating the investment environment requires more than a great idea. Over the years of working with investors and entrepreneurs, I have recognised some unwritten rules guiding

Two weeks ago, I received a call that would change my perspective on entrepreneurship and life. The caller informed me that Vusi Thembekwayo, one of the world’s leading global speakers, investors and entrepreneurs, was coming to the UK. He will be speaking at a conference my company was organising this October. The caller thought it

Over the last couple of years, I embarked on an unconventional journey, applying startup principles to my personal development. This was no simple experiment; it required dedication, a shift in mindset, and an openness to embrace both success and failure. Reflecting on this path, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact it can have on one’s

The economic landscape of Africa, with its dynamic markets and innovative ecosystems, stands as a testament to the continent’s evolving narrative. Central to this transformation is the undeniable role of women, who operate more than 40% of small and large medium enterprises across the continent. Without their participation, Africa’s economic vitality would be markedly diminished.

Over the recent years, the African business ecosystem has seen a notable increase in investor interest, leading to inflated valuations of many startups. This trend has often been mistaken for the ultimate marker of success. However, this perspective is somewhat misleading, as securing a successful funding round does not equate to the holistic success of

Over the years, operating within the African ecosystem has taught me many lessons, spanning from being an entrepreneur through to my roles in operations and navigating the complex web of investor relations and more. This journey, filled with both triumphs and trials, has been a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity

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

In the past few days, I found myself amid a transformative experience in Kigali, Rwanda, attending the innovation summit at Carnegie Mellon University-Africa. This event brought together 17 universities, with students challenged to showcase possible solutions from key challenges across multiple sectors. One particular case study that captivated my attention was the solution proposed by