Startup Story

Masego Madzwamuse is a writer, a designer with a deep passion for African prints, and the founder and head designer of Bola Nangabe in Botswana. She created her design label to blend sustainable fashion principles with the art of storytelling through African textiles. Inspired by the hues and textures of the Kgalagadi desert, her luxury brand embodies the richness of desert landscapes. Using carefully chosen fabrics from across the continent, Masego creates clothing for individuals on the move, eager to embrace their authenticity. Each piece weaves a story of beauty and resilience, much like the vibrant burst of color that emerges with the first rains in the desert.

Beyond her fashion work, Masego has over 20 years of experience in climate justice, community rights in conservation, and supporting social movements and civil society organizations advocating for social and economic justice. Her commitment to social justice runs throughout her business model, from sourcing to final production. She sources fabrics from informal traders and crafters’ markets and collaborates with a network of independent tailors.

LoA spoke to the creative Masego Madzwamuse about her passion for African prints, her love of fashion, and her ambitions for building her business and brand over the coming years.

When did your start your business?

I registered the business in South Africa in 2017 and opened the Botswana operations in 2021. We have 5 employees.

What does your company do?

Our design label blends sustainable fashion principles with the art of storytelling through African textiles. Inspired by the hues and textures of the Kgalagadi desert, our luxury brand embodies the richness of desert landscapes. Using carefully chosen fabrics sourced from across the continent, we create clothing for individuals on the move, eager to embrace their authenticity. Each piece tells a story of beauty and resilience, much like the vibrant burst of color that follows the first rains in the desert. We specialize in both bespoke and ready-to-wear garments, available through our online store and at popup shops in Gaborone, Johannesburg, and Geneva. Customers can also find our merchandise at the Duck Cafe in Maun.

What inspired you to start your company?

I was inspired by the richness of history that African textile carries and the meaning different prints carry. Women in markets, women as part of political formations and social clubs use prints to communicate and carry messages, ceremonies, and to mark life milestones. The sight of women wearing African wear with grace throughout Africa inspired me. Back then, people in Southern Africa reserved African prints only for special occasions such as weddings and cultural festivals. I thought to myself, what if we made this dress style part of our everyday wardrobe? From there I decided to make contemporary fashion, paying attention to unique details and birthing a luxury line and, of course, bringing it back to our origin story- the people of the desert and their landscapes. We make limited edition pieces. I like to think of our clothes as wearable art.

What makes your business, service or product special?

Our business stands out for its unique combination of sustainable fashion, cultural storytelling, and authentic African inspiration. By using textiles that capture the essence of the Kgalagadi desert, each piece embodies both beauty and resilience, offering wearers a meaningful connection to African landscapes and heritage. The label’s focus on ethically sourced materials and collaboration with local artisans emphasizes a commitment to social impact, supporting communities and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Additionally, the versatility of our offerings—bespoke, ready-to-wear garments, and varied shopping options—caters to a broad audience, making our brand accessible yet exclusive. This fusion of high-quality, culturally rich fashion with a strong dedication to sustainable practices creates a brand experience that is truly special and memorable.

We draw on the unique strengths and creativity of our intergenerational team of passionate women.

Tell us a little about your team

We are a family business, including my sister Phindile Madzwamuse and daughter Linda Chengeta.

Phindile is sales rep and operations manager for Bola Nangabe since 2018 to date. Phindile Madzwamuse, a visionary painter, foodie enthusiast, and an entrepreneur is dedicated to transforming creativity into captivating art. She joined me right at the formation of the business in 2017 when Bola was launched. She has passionately lent her talents to Bola Nangabe, strategically positioning the brand and marketing it to the perfect audiences. Based in Maun, her work reflects not only her technical prowess but also a deep connection to the local community.

Linda is a fine year student at the Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa where she is studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Studies. She works for Bola Nangage as a photographer and social media director over the past 5 years. She uses film and digital photography to capture the design labels garments and creating art through them. She has worked behind the camera as well as in front of it as a model. Her assignments have included being the official photographer for Bola Nangabe PopUp events, live-streaming content across our social media platforms. Linda began managing the website 3 years ago, setting up beautiful and inviting pages that allow us to take our business worldwide.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

Before I officially registered my company, I had been designing and selling clothes to friends and family on a smaller scale for many years. I remember a trip to Monrovia in 2009, where I spent an entire day doing what I loved best—exploring the market and buying fabrics from local women traders. By the end of the day, I had a bag full of the most exquisite textiles. A friend asked, "What are you going to do with all that?" and suggested I take the fabrics to a tailor right there. "You could open a boutique when you return home," he said.

Two weeks later, I collected two suitcases full of beautiful clothing, and when I returned, I managed to sell all the items to friends in Gaborone and Johannesburg. A seed had been planted. Years later, I fully embraced this passion and decided to create a line of capes—the Bola Nangabe classic capes. I organized a pop-up shop in my own backyard, in Norwood, Johannesburg and the turnout was incredible. The positive response from customers was overwhelming, and it was in that moment I realized I was onto something. This could become a real business and provide additional income for me and my children.

I also had a powerful role model growing up—my mother. She worked full-time as an accountant and ran a side business buying and selling leather bags from Zimbabwe in the 80s and 90s. With the income she earned, she was able to give my siblings and me a quality education in private schools, which wouldn’t have been possible on her regular salary alone. I feel fortunate to combine a source of income with something that truly ignites my passion.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

My aspiration for Bola Nangabe is to establish it as a strong global brand representing African luxury wear. I envision a future where we design our own fabrics and open a concept studio in Maun, creating a vibrant hub for textile innovation. This vision is not just a personal ambition; it has the potential to unlock new opportunities for a budding sector in our country, allowing us to showcase the richness of African design on a global scale.

We are actively addressing challenges, such as prohibitive shipping costs for fabrics and finished products. Our partnership with Afrikea and their subsidized shipping arrangement with DHL is a strategic step forward, and we continue to explore even more efficient options.

While our production remains small-scale, we recognize the need for funding to support our growth. As a team of primarily women creatives, we acknowledge that enhancing our business acumen and operations is crucial. We are eager to seek partnerships and mentorship that can elevate us to the next level, ensuring that Bola Nangabe not only thrives but also contributes positively to our community and the global fashion landscape.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

What gives me the greatest satisfaction as an entrepreneur is the ability to blend my passion for African textiles with a commitment to sustainable fashion and community empowerment. I started small, designing for friends and family, but with each step—from sourcing fabrics in markets across Africa to selling out at my first backyard pop-up shop—I saw how my designs could celebrate African heritage while supporting local artisans and traders. Every piece I create tells a story of resilience, and seeing customers embrace that story is deeply fulfilling.

I’m also inspired by my mother’s example of turning a side business into an opportunity for her children, and I’m grateful to follow in her footsteps. My entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about financial independence but also about creating a positive impact—providing beautiful, meaningful clothing that celebrates authenticity and cultural pride.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Start where you are and lean on your community. Your dreams are valuable, so don’t let them fade away. It’s easy to get caught up in overthinking the first step, but the key is to take action—just start. Each small step you take can lead to greater opportunities and connections.

Trust in your vision and the support around you, and you’ll find that the journey becomes more manageable and rewarding.

Find out more

Email: masegom@bolanangabe.com

Website: http://www.bolanangabe.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BolaNangabe

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bolanangabe/profilecard/?igsh=MXRnZ29haGJvdHVpeA==

Why LoA loves it…

It’s always wonderful to see women entrepreneurs who are passionate about African fashion and textiles, building businesses and brands that celebrate the cultural traditions and designs of the continent. Masego Madzwamuse has created a design label that artfully blends sustainable fashion with cultural storytelling, capturing the essence of the Kgalagadi desert. She takes her customers on a visually rich journey of the places she loves through fashion. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa