Startup Story
Clara Chinwe Okoro is Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the travel tech company My Beautiful Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, and launched in 2019. Designing Travel experiences in Africa with Technology at My Beautiful Africa, she is passionate and focused on promoting how digital transformation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector can lead to a more competitive Tourism industry in Africa through Smart Tourism. Clara's speaking engagements are known for being both engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and tourism.
Clara is also the Executive Producer at Brandworld Media, and an accomplished TV Host, International Resource Speaker, Multiple Award Winner and an Entrepreneur. She is a graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria with a BA in Education. Clara set up the first ever Brand focused TV show in Nigeria known as BRANDWORLD, a program she says was designed to preach the gospel of branding to Africa in recognizing that Brands were the new wealth creators in any modern economy.
A constant fixture in a host of creative content events globally such as Cannes Lions Advertising Festival; Festival of Media, Montreaux, Switzerland; Samsung Africa Week, Cape Town, South Africa, New York Fashion Week, USA, the show came to represent the platform where brands tell their stories beyond their 30’’ commercials. A driven individual, a usual attribute of an entrepreneur, and a multiple awards winner in different categories and nominations in her sphere of work, Clara left an opportunity to work with the American Oil Company Gulf Oil, now Chevron, after graduation to pursue her vision of turning Creative intelligence into a powerhouse of economic advancement with tools at her disposal so she could become a Media Innovator.
Clara is the Chairman of BJAN (Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria) and the Sub-Group Team Lead for the INFOSYSTEMS/DATA/STATISTICS Sub-Group of the NESG (Nigeria Economic Summit Group) Tourism and Hospitality Industries Thematic Group. She is the Director of Media and Communications WIHN (Women in Hospitality in Nigeria) and the Global Ambassador for Technology and Sustainability at the ATB (African Tourism Board).
LoA spoke to the passion-driven Clara Chinwe Okoro to find out more about her unique business, and her drive to harness the power of technology to drive a new era in sustainable tourism.
“Our mission is to inspire and empower travelers to discover the hidden gems of Africa, providing them with a seamless and immersive journey by using technology to leverage and enhance their experiences.”
What does your company do?
My Beautiful Africa is a pioneering travel tech company based in Lagos, Nigeria. We are passionate about the role technology is playing in showcasing the breathtaking beauty and cultural richness of Africa to the world. Our DNA as a company is Smart Tourism. Our mission is to inspire and empower travelers to discover the hidden gems of Africa, providing them with a seamless and immersive journey by using technology to leverage and enhance their experiences. We strive to leverage technology to connect travelers with local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable tourism practices in delivering our tour packages.
What inspired you to start your company?
The inspiration for starting My Beautiful Africa came from my deep passion for showcasing the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences Africa has to offer. I saw an opportunity to use technology as a bridge to connect travelers from all over the world with the diverse beauty of Africa in a seamless and immersive way. Through the company, I aim to tell Africa's story from an authentic perspective while driving digital transformation in the travel and tourism industry. It’s a mission to redefine how people experience Africa and to inspire pride in the continent's endless possibilities through Smart Tourism
What makes your business, service or product special?
At My Beautiful Africa, what sets us apart is our commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with authentic storytelling to showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities across the continent. As we work on our travel aggregator platform, iSmartAfrica, a game-changer in the industry, it will simplify travel planning by offering curated packages, personalized recommendations, and seamless booking processes—all while promoting sustainable tourism practices. We prioritize the needs of travelers while ensuring that local communities benefit from the economic impact of tourism.
“The inspiration for starting My Beautiful Africa came from my deep passion for showcasing the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences Africa has to offer.”
Tell us a little about your team
The team at My Beautiful Africa is a lean dynamic group of 3 passionate and innovative professionals who share a common vision: to redefine travel and tourism in Africa. Our team brings together diverse expertise in travel technology, tourism marketing, customer experience, and cultural storytelling, which enables us to deliver exceptional services to our clients. Each team member is deeply committed to showcasing the beauty and diversity of Africa while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. We are Clara Chinwe Okoro, Julius Fatumbi and Chichi Maduka. From travel consultants and tech developers to content creators and marketing specialists, everyone plays a critical role in making our vision a reality.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making an impact. Starting My Beautiful Africa was fueled by a desire to change the narrative around Africa’s tourism industry and to showcase the continent’s unparalleled beauty and potential, and the route I chose was Technology as a niche.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. From conceptualizing the idea of blending technology with tourism to building a platform that connects travelers with authentic African experiences, each step has required vision, innovation, and determination.
I do not really come from an entrepreneurial background as my Father was a Teacher and my Mum was a stay at home Mum. Growing up, I was inspired by family members who pursued their own ventures with grit and creativity, chief amongst whom was my Uncle who owned a print shop business. Watching him navigate challenges and seize opportunities instilled in me the confidence to follow my own path. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and staying true to your purpose. My entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the belief that every dream can become a reality with the right mindset and effort. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how My Beautiful Africa is not just a business but a platform that creates opportunities, tells stories, and makes a difference.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My vision for My Beautiful Africa is to establish it as the premier company driving the integration of technology into the travel and tourism industry in Africa. I aspire for it to be a trailblazer in leveraging innovative solutions to enhance the travel experience, promote sustainable tourism, and empower local communities. By continually investing in cutting-edge technology, such as AI-driven travel platforms and immersive digital tools, we aim to make Africa’s unique offerings more accessible to global travelers.
Additionally, I have ambitious plans for the Tourism and Technology Summit Africa, which I envision growing into a globally recognized annual gathering for the tourism and travel industry in Africa. My goal is for the summit to become the go-to platform for thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to converge, share insights, and shape the future of travel and tourism across the continent.
Through these initiatives, I aim to not only position My Beautiful Africa as a leader in the industry but also contribute to the broader narrative of Africa as a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable destination. By fostering collaboration and showcasing Africa’s potential, I believe we can redefine the global perception of the continent’s tourism landscape.
“Starting My Beautiful Africa was fueled by a desire to change the narrative around Africa’s tourism industry and to showcase the continent’s unparalleled beauty and potential, and the route I chose was Technology as a niche.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the impact of my work—both on the people I serve and the industry I’m passionate about. For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that My Beautiful Africa is playing a role in transforming how people experience and perceive Africa. Every time a traveler discovers the beauty, culture, and diversity of the continent through leveraging of technology which our platform promotes, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment.
I also find immense joy in creating opportunities for others. Whether it’s empowering local businesses, supporting community-driven tourism, or mentoring emerging talents in the industry, knowing that my efforts contribute to growth and positive change is deeply rewarding.
Another source of satisfaction is the creative freedom entrepreneurship provides. The ability to bring innovative ideas to life, tackle challenges head-on, and turn a vision into reality is exhilarating. Each milestone—whether it’s launching a new initiative, receiving positive feedback, or overcoming a hurdle—reminds me why I started this journey.
Finally, what truly keeps me motivated is the legacy I’m building. Through My Beautiful Africa and initiatives like the Tourism and Technology Summit Africa and the promotion of Smart Tourism, I’m contributing to a future where Africa’s tourism industry is celebrated globally, and that, for me, is the ultimate reward.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There are so many things I would like to say as I have gone through so much on this journey. However, my biggest piece of advice to women looking to start their own ventures is this: believe in the power of your vision and let it guide you, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.
The world will often try to define your capabilities based on outdated stereotypes or societal expectations, but you must have the courage to break through those barriers and trust in your unique ability to make a difference.
Never stop investing in yourself. Equip yourself with knowledge, develop new skills, and stay adaptable to change. The entrepreneurial journey is dynamic, and your ability to evolve with it is key to your success.
Above all, don’t be afraid to start small. Every great enterprise began with a single step. What matters most is the consistency of your effort and the clarity of your vision. Trust that your voice and your work have value, and that the world needs the unique perspective you bring.
Find out more
Email: tourismandtech@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mybeautifulafrica.co
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/mybeautyafrica
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mybeautyafrica
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/my_beautiful_africa
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mybeautyafrica/
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa we believe that if you harness your passion as an entrepreneur, it provides a great foundation for your business. Clara Chinwe Okoro is doing just that with her travel tech company My Beautiful Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria. She is bringing the unique and breathtaking beauty and heritage of Africa to global travelers, leveraging technology to connect travelers with local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa