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10 African Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2015
Being an entrepreneur, it sounds amazing doesn’t it? In theory, entrepreneurship sounds awesome.You’re in control of you own destiny, working hours, and you can work from anywhere in the world.
But as any entrepreneur will tell you, starting your own business can be a scary, lonely and a personally demanding experience. All risk and responsibility is firmly placed on your shoulders.You can either buckle under the pressure or become stronger with the weight of expectation. With limited resources, and often inadequate infrastructure, the entrepreneurial journey can be even more challenging for African entrepreneurs who must harbor the true spirit of entrepreneurship by being extremely resourceful and innovative in their approach.
In no particular order, here are my pick of 10 African entrepreneurs to Watch in 2015.
1. Tebogo Ditshego, South Africa
Founder, Ditshego Media
Last year, Forbes Magazine listed him as one of the Top 30 Entrepreneurs under 30. He is the CEO of Ditshego Media, which is one of the few large black owned PR firms in Africa. Justine, Vodacom and O.R. Tambo International Airport are some of the most prestigious clients of his firm. Ditshego is also the Chairman of the South African Reading Foundation.
2. Opeyemi Awoyemi, Olalekan Olude & Ayodeji Adewunmi, Nigeria
Founders, Jobberman
The trio founded Jobberman, Nigeria’s single largest job placement website. Jobberman went live in August 2009. The number of companies using the site to find employees has grown from about 40 in 2009 to some 35,000 today. Through simple, yet cutting-edge technology, Jobberman helps link qualified personnel to the right job opportunities. Although the company is firmly established in Nigeria and Ghana, huge growth is anticipated in 2015, which will see them establish their brand throughout Africa.
3. Ludwick Marishane, South Africa
Founder, Headboy Industries Inc.
Ludwick invented the product named “DryBath” which is designed to change sanitation in poverty-stricken regions. He invented it when only 17 years old and quickly patented it – thus becoming the youngest patent filer in South Africa. Today, he is the founder of Headboy Industries. In 2011, he was named by Google as one of the twelve brightest young minds in the world. He is a Bachelor of Business Science and has done a major in Finance & Accounting frm the prestigious University of Cape Town. In the year 2011, at the Global Champion of the Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards, he was adjudged the best student entrepreneur on the globe.
4. Ashley Uys, South Africa
Founder, Medical Diagnostech
She is the founder of Medical Diagnostech, a reputed company, which brings out a powerful malaria test kit that is able to detect reportedly all malarial strains and suggest within ½ hour whether the treatment provided for malaria is effectual. The company develops and sells reliable and inexpensive medical test kits for HIV/AIDS, malaria, syphilis and pregnancy for the poor people in the rural areas of Africa.5.
Founder, Feed Green Ethiopia Exports
Senai is the founder of the Addis Ababa-based outfit “Feed Green Ethiopia Exports Company”, which is into the manufacturing and exporting of famous spice blends in Ethiopia such as Berbere, Korarima, Mitmita and Shiro. The firm was launched in 2012 to serve mainly to the needs of Ethiopians in the Europe and the U.S, but with significantly growing demand for Ethiopian spices, the company also began to export to new markets inside Africa. Only women are employed in this company.
6. Christian Ngan, Cameroon
Founder, Madlyn Cazalis
Christian is the founder of the Madlyn Cazalis, an African company that sells handcrafted bio-cosmetic items and is into the production of soaps, masks, scrubs, creams, natural lotions and body oils. The products of the firm are sold and distributed across over thirty chemist stores, retail outlets and beauty institutes in Cameroon as well as other adjacent nations in Central Africa. Ngan has also founded a miniscule financial advisory firm, named GoldskyPartners Advisory, in Cameroon.
7. Ronak Shah, Kenya
Founder, Kronex Chemicals
Ronak is the founder of Kronex Chemicals Ltd, which is a fast-growing producer of affordable home cleaning products. Ronak founded the company in January 2013 and it manufactures 2 items – a multi-purpose detergent and a dishwashing liquid. The products are enjoying an increasing demand in the lower middle-class of Kenya.
8. Winifred Selby, Ghana
Founder, AfroCentric Bamboo
Selby, a Ghanaian national, is the founder of Afrocentric Bamboo Limited, a company that manufactures and markets bicycles made from bamboo. Afrocentric Bamboo bicycles are produced exclusively for the local market and are priced at $100. Selby is a finalist of the 2014 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award.
9. Femi Oye, Nigeria
Founder and CEO, Green Energy and Biofuels
He is also the Co-Founder/CEO of SMEFUNDS and recipient of World Youth Leader’s Award, Renewable Energy Senator, Conference speaker, IT visionary, Business and Social Entrepreneur. His biggest venture Green Energy & Biofuels currently has approximately $1.5 million USD available from a $4 million Series A equity round. Femi is currently leading the way in providing alternative energy for the active working population in Africa
10. Simeon Ononobi, Nigeria
Founder, SimplePay
Simeon is the founder of SimplePay Payment Gateway, which allows any business or consumer with an email address to securely, conveniently, and cost-effectively send and receive payments online. SimplePay has recently received funding from Seedstars, a Swiss based Venture Capital Firm, so expect huge growth from this company in 2015, which will further highlight and confirm Simeon’s credentials as a technology entrepreneur.
I’ve shared 10 African entrepreneurs who will stand out in 2015. Use these people as inspiration to achieve your own entrepreneurial dreams
Do you agree with this list? Are there any entrepreneurs that you think we have missed out, and should be on the list?
Source: Joseph Adamu | http://mynaijanaira.com/10-african-entrepreneurs-to-watch-in-2015/Rising PR guru up for challenge
THOUGH their PR business is still in its infancy, persistence and ambition are the two traits that keep Ditshego Media growing.
Tebogo Ditshego, the CEO and owner, describes starting a “black-owned” PR company as a huge challenge.
After graduating with an honours in communication from the University of Johannesburg, Ditshego worked for a couple of public relations agencies and other institutions, including the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and the Communications Firm, before choosing to branch out on his own.
“The plan had always been to gain experience and then start my own company,” he said.
The 30-year-old from Katlehong, on the East Rand, has been recognised for his entrepreneurial skills.
Ditshego was included in financial magazine Forbes’s list of the 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa for 2014.
“This is a massive recognition. It is a recognition of all the positive work we are doing.”
Ditshego was also chosen for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
The experience has given him an understanding of how the financial world works.
But the journey hasn’t been easy.
“When we first started, Ditshego Media failed dismally. In fact, we had to close down for a year after just six months of operation,” said Ditshego.
“We failed because we used the ‘spray and pray’ method, instead of targeting clients strategically, going to network sessions to build relations and building our profile.”
Ditshego Media deals with maintaining good relations between a company and the public, corporate communications, advert placement and crisis management.
Their clients include Vodacom, OR Tambo International Airport, Umalusi and Avon.
“We are growing as a business. Another division that we have is an investment division that buys start-up companies with potential.
“We currently have our offices in Fourways in Johannesburg and in Nairobi in Kenya. Soon we will open another office in the CBD in Johannesburg.”
The company employs 11 permanent staff.
Tebogo Ditshego confirmed as VIP speaker at Global Entrepreneurship Summit
Tebogo Ditshego confirmed as VIP speaker at Global Entrepreneurship Summit
Two South Africans to speak at prestigious three day summit in Morocco during global entrepreneurship week
Johannesburg – November 6, 2014 – The Kingdom of Morocco will host the 5th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit which will bring together over 3000 entrepreneurs, heads of state, high level government officials, corporate leaders and global entrepreneurs from 19 – 21 November 2014. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ditshego Media, Tebogo Ditshego has been confirmed as one of two VIP speakers from South Africa who will participate in the summit.
Other speakers confirmed include US Vice President Joe Biden, Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Mohamed Boussaid, CEO of Atlas Mara (Financial services company which owns several banks across Africa) Bob Diamond, CEO, Africa 50 Fund: Africa Development Bank Tas Anvaripour and the President of Global Entrepreneurship Week Jonathan Orthmans.
“I’m thrilled to have been invited to participate in the summit because it will provide us with an opportunity to share ideas and participate in dialogue which will influence the direction entrepreneurship will take globally. We’re also going to learn from the great work of entrepreneurs across the globe and forge mutually beneficial relationships which will assist us to further expand our businesses.” Says Ditshego Media CEO Tebogo Ditshego.
Earlier this year Tebogo Ditshego was listed as one of Forbes Magazine’s top 30 African Entrepreneurs under 30 and he was also chosen to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI) which enabled him to study Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin in the US.
iThemba Walkathon Crusade for Hope 2014
CRUSADING AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Avon Justine hosts the ninth annual iThemba Walkathon
Johannesburg – Teusday, 21 October 2014 – On Sunday, 26 October Avon Justine will host the ninth annual iThemba Walkathon at Marks Park in Johannesburg. Aimed at creating awareness and raising funds to curb breast cancer, the iThemba Walkathon will consist of an 8km walk starting at 08h00 and a 5km walk which begins at 08h30.
It is currently estimated that 1 in 29 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually in South Africa, in comparison to the 1 in 31 women that was recorded by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in the previous national cancer registry in 2003. This is in line with the World Health Organisation’s assertion that the majority (69%) of all breast cancer deaths are increasingly occurring in developing countries.
With treatment becoming ever more sophisticated, breast cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in women, can be treated if detected early. In fact, the World Health Organisation suggests that the high rate of deaths is due to barriers to early detection, including lack of education or awareness about breast health.
In light of this, Avon Justine iThemba is contributing to breast cancer education and awareness through mobile education units that have been donated to the Breast Health Foundation (BHF) and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as well as through the annual iThemba Walkathons.
iThemba Walkathon Registration details
Participants need to register at the Marks Park Complex from Wednesday, 22 October 2014 – Friday 24 October from 10h00 – 18h00. On Saturday, 25 October registration will be open from 09h00 – 16h00. The cost for adults is R145 and for children under the age of 12 is R75.
ENDS
Distributed by Ditshego Media
Media contact: Khomotso Makuse
Email: khomotso@ditshegomedia.co.za
Tel: 011 057 4950 or Cell: 079 275 2076
Avon Contact: Katlego Modipane
PR, Internal Communications & Corporate Affairs Officer
T: 010 205 5102
C: 072 227 2773
E: katlego.modipane@avon.com
Second Annual National Book Week Forum encourages youth to read one book a month
Second Annual National Book Week Forum encourages youth to read one book a month
Speakers agree that spreading a culture of reading books plays a fundamental role in developing a prosperous nation
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 03 September 2014 – Yesterday the South African Reading Foundation (SARF) in partnership with O.R. Tambo International Airport, Brand SA and the University of Johannesburg encouraged South Africans to read one book a month for leisure at the launch the second annual National Book Week Forum at the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus.
According to the South African Books Development Council 14% of South Africans are active readers, 1% buy books from bookstores and only 5% of parents read books to their children.
Speaking at the National Book Week Forum, Airports Company South Africa Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mr Tebogo Mekgoe said, “Read books that challenge your perspective, that help you look at issues from various angles before coming to a conclusion.”
Mr Mekgoe further discussed what reading does in terms of ability, “Reading books teaches us how to communicate and to connect with people. However, if you don’t use the knowledge and skills you acquire from reading to help improve the lives of other people, you will become irrelevant very quickly.”
Ms Mpumi Mabuza, representing Brand South Africa at the event recounted to the audience why reading is so vital in ensuring individuals and nations reach their full potential. “My love for reading was ignited when I read Catcher in the Rye. It has since opened up a world of possibilities for me and my world is now so much bigger and better because of reading.
“I urge young people to include books in their daily activities of checking their Facebook pages and twitter updates. I encourage you to stop watching television 30 minutes earlier so that you can read a few pages of a book or the newspaper. Instead of visiting malls all the time, start a book club through which you can share your experiences of the books you are reading .
“When you see how much value reading books adds to your life, reading will cease to be a chore but will become something you love to you. You will be growing your world through the pages of what you are reading and you will also be growing our country. That is the power of reading.” Ms Mpumi Mabuza, Acting Stakeholder Relations Director, Brand South Africa.
Speaking about O.R. Tambo International Airport’s involvement in early childhood learning and education, the airport’s spokesperson, Unathi Batyashe-Fillis said, “O.R. Tambo International Airport has touched more than 6 000 lives in the past four years, through the donation of schools shoes, a science laboratory, book reading session and acknowledging high achievers in education. This is part of our drive to encourage excellence in learning, which can only start with a love of reading.”
Tebogo Ditshego, founder of Africa’s most followed book club “Read A Book SA” with over 30,900 followers on Twitter spoke about the state of African innovation and how an investment in inculcating a book reading culture can lead the continent to economic prosperity. “According to a study released in the UK Telegraph, reading books for leisure is the single most important indicator of a teenager’s future success. If we want to create an economically prosperous country we need to inculcate a culture of reading amongst the youth.
“Germany invested in technical higher schools in 1825 which developed generations of Engineers and chemists. They have a strong book reading culture and millions across the globe now want German cars because they invested in an education system that works. We can also take our nation to greater heights if we are willing to invest in building a nation that reads.”
This year’s theme for the National Book Week South Africa “going places” emphasizes that reading books can take anyone places professionally, socially, as well as through the travelling one experiences in each story. The sub-theme for the forum is Intellectual Swag which means it’s cool to be intelligent. This concept counters the negative stereotypes associated with reading books and has proven to increase the appeal of the activity amongst youth.
Guest speakers included: CEO of Shanduka Group Ms Phuti Mahanyele, Airports Company South Africa COO Mr Tebogo Mekgoe, Author Mr Shaka Sisulu, Author Ms Gugu Ndima, O.R. Tambo
International Airport Spokesperson Mrs. Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, Band SA Director: Stakeholder
Relations Ms Mpumi Mabuza, Media Personality Ms Pearl Thusi (MC), Actress Ms Nolo Phiri, Author Mr Mbali Mkhonto and Chairperson of the SA Reading Foundation Mr Tebogo Ditshego.
National Book Week Forum
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Media Advisory
For immediate release
Issued by Ditshego Media
National Book Week Forum
SARF, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Brand SA, University of Johannesburg encourage young South Africans to read one book a month for leisure
Johannesburg – August, 25 2014 – The South African Reading Foundation (SARF) in partnership with O.R. Tambo International Airport, Brand SA and the University of Johannesburg will launch the second annual National Book Week Forum on Tuesday, 2 September 2014.
The theme for National Book Week South Africa this year is “going places” which illustrates that reading books can take anyone places professionally, socially, as well as through the travelling one experiences in each story. The sub-theme for the forum is Intellectual Swag which means it’s cool to be intelligent. This concept counters the negative stereotypes associated with reading books and has proven to increase the appeal of the activity amongst youth.
At the National Book Week Forum business leaders, authors and celebrities will come together to discuss how books have assisted them to progress in their careers as well as how we can spread a culture of reading books in South Africa.
Guest speakers for the day include: CEO of Shanduka Group Ms Phuti Mahanyele, Author Mr Shaka Sisulu, Author Ms Gugu Ndima, O.R. Tambo International Airport Spokesperson Mrs Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, Brand SA Director: Strategic Marketing & Comms, Ms Wendy Tlou, Media Personality Ms Pearl Thusi (MC), Actress Ms Nolo Phiri and Chairperson of the SA Reading Foundation Mr Tebogo Ditshego.
We invite you to attend the National Book Week Forum which takes place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 2 September 2014
Time: 10h00 – 15h00
Venue: University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), Arts Centre
RSVP: bookings@ditshegomedia.co.za