Don’t get easily discouraged…

“I would say do not see the limitations, they are there deliberately to discourage you. Engage in sufficient research, ensure your solution meets a need, and just do it!”

Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

Be patient….

“Being a woman is an added advantage for you to be successful as an entrepreneur in Africa, because we are naturally strong and can endure hardworking tasks. The only thing you need to add is to be patient with your business as it takes 5 to 10 years to grow a brand. So to be successful one needs to be consistent with the idea and the business for it to grow; avoid procrastination; put God first in everything you do; and do not give up.”

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Stay strong and focused…

“… never give up, however difficult and long the path is, never give up! I have Faith, Strength and Focus, and that is all, and it’s enough to achieve everything I want in life.”

Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

Never give up....

"Be relentless, never give up. Pursue your dreams with fervor and network. You would be surprised how far having faith coupled with action will take you!"

Joycee Awojoodu, founder of ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

“Talent, hard work and education definitely help but like with every start-up the key is perseverance and understanding your product and customer much of which is learnt along the way. Running a creative start-up is by no means an easy exercise at all. Success wasn’t instant. I tried several things many times and eventually things are starting to take shape,”

Banke Kuku, founder of Banke Kuku Textiles (UK/Nigeria)

Focus on what you want to achieve…

“Determination and persistence are key to achieve anything in life, even when things don't seem to be working out, don't give up. Focus on what you want to achieve and with God by your side all things are possible.”

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Keep moving forward….

“Just start! There are so many reasons why you shouldn't but the important ones are why you should. The reason you have that idea is reason enough, and the world needs more women entrepreneurs. Every yes you get is a step forward and every no you get is a lesson for the next opportunity. Do not get caught up in the no's, just keep moving forward.”

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

It takes patience and persistence....

“I have come to learn to be patient and not to give up too quickly. It takes patience and persistence to bring a new and innovative product and ways of doing things to a community. There are early adopters who immediately embrace the product and there are traditionalists who resist the change that the initiative represents.” 

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative (Ghana)

Never give up….

"The greatest advice is to never give up even though it seems difficult or impossible to reach your ultimate goal. There will always be obstacles and difficulties to overcome.”

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Perseverance always pays off….

“Perseverance always pays off at the end. There were many times when I thought of giving up and looking for a job, but knowing that there are countless opportunities out there, I never gave up. Always try to stay ahead of the game.”

- Vasie Seweramulu is the co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety, a South African company that manufactures and distributes household and industrial cleaning detergents, including bio enzymatic, locally produced, eco-friendly products. Vasie, a former school principal, joined forces with two of her family members and launched the business in October 2015. Their products are targeted at the retail and hospitality industries in South Africa and across the African continent.  Read Vasie's startup story.