I read a great quote this morning by the renowned business guru, Peter F. Drucker that really resonated, he said: “In every success story, you will find someone who has made a courageous decision.” It seems to me, when meeting and speaking to so many incredible woman entrepreneurs in Africa, that bravery is at the heart of entrepreneurship. It takes great courage to believe in the journey you are on and the businesses you are trying to build, even when those around you tell you it’s impossible. Looking back, it seems like often the really groundbreaking businesses and ideas come from brave entrepreneurs, those who are willing to back their world-changing idea to the hilt and and fight against the doubters, the nay-sayers and general apathy in order to build something truly great and original. Many a successful company and world-changing invention has emerged as a result of a courageous entrepreneur who simply believed that it was too good to fail. So this morning, be brave, be courageous, and make things happen.

100 Lionesses: Flying Doctors Nigeria founder, Dr Ola Brown, honoured with Aviation Most Remarkable Medical Personality Award

In recognition of Flying Doctors Nigeria’s role in saving lives during critical and emergency situations in sub-Sahara Africa, Dr Ola Brown, the company's founder has been bestowed with the prestigious 2017 Aviation Most Remarkable Medical Personality Award by the Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV) held last month.

Divine Ndhlukula wins Zimbabwe's private sector leader of the year award

Women dominated the Zimbabwe Institute of Management 2017 Leadership Excellence awards that were presented in Harare this month, with Securico Security Services founder, Divine Ndhlukula, picking up the prestigious Private Sector Leader of the Year award. She received the award for her ongoing contribution to management excellence in the country in the preceding year and for being an example and inspiration for others to emulate.

100 Lionesses: Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee wins prestigious SEED Award

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee, the game-changing for-profit social enterprise which aims to improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers whilst at the same time protecting mountain gorillas in Uganda, has just been recognised by this year’s prestigious SEED Awards.

Awards and Accolades: 5 Young Women Entrepreneurs Recognized by the Keroche Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Programme

The Keroche Foundation Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Program is one of the tangible ways that leading Kenyan entrepreneur, Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries, is fulfilling her vision of empowering a new generation of young entrepreneurs in her country. Five young women entrepreneurs have just been recognized for their business building activities in the second cohort to graduate from the program.

100 Lionesses: Divine Ndhlukula appointed new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce President

This month saw the appointment of Divine Ndhlukula, founder of game changing security services company, Securico, as the new Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) President, a post she will occupy for the next two years. She has committed to dedicating her time at the helm of the ZNCC to furthering the cause of small to medium sized enterprises, something close to her heart as an entrepreneur. Divine said: “It will be important to note that we will focus on helping SMEs to realize their full potential as they now anchor the country’s economy. In the same vein, we will also strive to ensure that the country’s economy can realize its full potential.”

Sarah Collins and Wonderbag collaborate with Pfizer Vaccines to positively change lives in Ghana

In the Upper East Region of Ghana, cooking is a dangerous and time-consuming daily activity. Results from a self-reported survey indicate that women spend two hours a day gathering fuel and water, followed by up to four hours standing over open fires1. Exposed to cooking smoke for hours each day, women and small children can be at higher risk for deadly diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart disease and lung cancer.

African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good by Amanobea Boateng

Contributing to academic discussions on entrepreneurship and gender in Africa, Amanobea Boateng’s new book African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good, makes for fascinating reading. It provides coverage of recent trends and an exploration of the evolution of female entrepreneurship over time. This innovative new text, written from an African woman’s perspective, fills a gap in the current literature on this topic and places important focus on the role of female entrepreneurship in Africa’s development as a continent.

Mid Life Career Rescue: Employ yourself by Cassandra Gaisford

What if you could increase your income, health and happiness with a few simple steps? How would your life be different if you had more financial freedom, time flexibility, energy, motivation, confidence and self-belief? What if you could hit your business, personal and financial targets easily and make a huge difference in this world? Imagine waking up every morning with no boss, looking forward to your day, working and living with purpose, passion and profit. In her new book, Mid Life Career Rescue, author and career expert Cassandra Gaisford suggests you employ yourself and get the career you have always wished for.

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