Nigeria’s plastic pollution crisis has long been a growing environmental concern. With a $10 billion market opportunity, one company is making waves in turning this problem into a sustainable business solution. Kaltani, a plastic recycling business founded by Obi Charles Nnanna, is at the forefront of Nigeria’s recycling industry. The company recently secured $4 million in seed funding, fueling […]
From ‘Mad’ Idea to Multimillion-Dollar Enterprise: The Inspiring Journey of Nigeria Duo Shaping the Move of Consumables
In 2016, Nigerian entrepreneur Obi Ozor and his co-founder Ife Oyedele launched Kobo360, an innovative e-logistics platform that connects truck owners with businesses in need of cargo transport services. The concept, an “Uber for trucks,” was met with skepticism. “People thought we were mad,” recalls Ozor, reflecting on the early struggles that defined Kobo360’s foundation. Despite these doubts, Kobo360 […]
Mossadeck Bally: The Malian Visionary Behind Azalaï Hotels Group’s West African Success
Mossadeck Bally, founder and CEO of the Azalaï Hotels Group, is a leading figure in the West African hospitality industry. Born on August 27, 1961, in Niamey, Niger, to Malian parents with deep roots in commerce, Bally’s journey to building the first private African hotel chain in the region is a testament to determination, entrepreneurship, and resilience. From acquiring […]
How Justin Irabor Is Penetrating Africa’s AI Space
When Justin Irabor, a web developer and data science student, enrolled in a distance learning program at the International University of Applied Sciences in Germany, he quickly realized he needed help managing the dual demands of work and study. Balancing his professional life with academic obligations was proving difficult, especially without a consistent study partner. Synchronizing schedules with others […]
When You Need To Keep Fit Is What Nigeria’s Foluso Ogunwale Is Selling
When Foluso Ogunwale launched iFitness in 2015, he faced an uphill battle in convincing financiers that his vision for a gym chain in Nigeria was viable. At the time, fitness centers were perceived as luxury products, catering to an elite market rather than serving as accessible health and wellness facilities. Most gyms were scarce, with one prominent Lagos fitness […]
Transforming Plastic Waste into Affordable Housing: Kubik’s Innovative Solution for Ethiopia’s Housing Crisis
Kubik, a trailblazing startup with offices in Kenya and Ethiopia, is tackling two critical issues simultaneously: plastic waste pollution and the housing deficit in Africa. By transforming recycled plastic into durable building materials such as bricks, beams, and columns, Kubik is making waves in the construction industry. The company recently launched operations in Ethiopia, targeting the country’s affordable housing […]
How Haul247 is Revolutionising Logistics in Nigeria: The Sehinde Afolayan Journey from a Grain Crisis to a $3 Million Enterprise
In 2019, Sehinde Afolayan faced a logistical nightmare that would ultimately transform Nigeria’s supply chain landscape. As the leader of an agricultural commodities trading company, Afolayan encountered severe challenges with deteriorating logistics and warehousing services. The illuminating moment came when a down payment had been made for 60 tonnes of grains, only to discover that most of the stock […]
Breaking the Mold: How Emily Wangui is Revolutionising Kenya’s Furniture Industry
In the heart of Nairobi, a vibrant showroom on Quarry Road hums with the sounds of hammers and saws, crafting a symphony of creativity and hard work. This is the world of Furniture Zoo, where a rainbow of brightly coloured furniture pieces fill the space, showcasing the artistry of Kenya’s emerging furniture industry. At the helm of this creative […]
Turning Trash into Treasure: How Ifedolapo Runsewe is Transforming Nigeria’s Waste Tyres into Valuable Products
In a country known for its vast oil reserves, Ifedolapo Runsewe is on a different quest for “black gold.” As an entrepreneur based in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, she is redefining waste management through her company, Freee Recycle, which transforms discarded vehicle tyres into a range of usable products. Runsewe’s journey into the world of recycling began after more than […]
From Waste to Wow: How Juliet Tumusiime is Revolutionising Hair Extensions with Banana Fibres
Juliet Tumusiime, at 42, stands at the forefront of eco-friendly beauty with her groundbreaking company, Cheveux Organique, a Uganda-based manufacturer producing hair extensions made from an unexpected source—banana fibres. Her journey began in 2012 during a project with USAID, where she observed an immense amount of waste in banana cultivation. Farmers were discarding banana stems after harvesting the fruit, […]