Startup Story
Jacqueléne Coetzer is the founder and CEO of Jacqueléne Global Consulting (JGC) — a pan-African business advisory and trade firm founded in 2022, specializing in strategic consulting, commodities, medical diagnostics, and cross-border market access. A former diplomat with 14 years’ experience, she now leads high-level negotiations and sourcing across Africa in sectors including medical diagnostics, metals, fuel, and mining. Through exclusive distribution mandates and deal structuring, she is helping shape Africa’s economic future. Fiercely resilient and values-driven, Jacqueléne empowers African women entrepreneurs to rise, scale, and lead — because she believes Africa’s wealth should be built by Africans, for Africans.
LoA spoke to founder, Jacqueléne Coetzer, to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, and her mission to build an impactful and purpose-driven business that makes a difference to economic and entrepreneurial growth in Africa.
What does your company do?
We are a pan-African business consultancy and trade firm specializing in strategic advisory, commodities sourcing, fuel and mining facilitation, and the distribution of medical diagnostics and medical and surgical equipment. JGC provides tailored consulting, cross-border market access solutions, and high-level negotiation services to businesses, governments, and investors across Africa — with a strong focus on integrity, empowerment, and continental growth. “We are not just building businesses. We are reclaiming our voice, our dignity, and our power. Africa and the future belong to us!”
“My vision is bold: I want Jacqueléne Global Consulting to become a leading force in Africa’s economic transformation, especially through changing the health profile of Africa and stopping the needless, undiagnosed deaths of Africans in their prime.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I built Jacqueléne Global Consulting out of necessity — and purpose. After years in government and diplomacy, I saw the deep disconnect between Africa’s potential and the opportunities reaching our people, especially women. I was tired of seeing gatekeepers, corruption, and closed doors. So, I created my own table. JGC was born from resilience — a way to reclaim power, create access, and help others do the same. I didn’t have investors, a trust fund, or family support. I had vision, grit, and a deep belief that Africans — especially African women — deserve to lead from the front. Also, with the medical diagnostic devices, we have a unique opportunity to change the health profile in Africa - to end the needless deaths of millions of people in their prime from undiagnosed conditions and diseases - almost all of which are curable and treatable.
What makes your business, service or product special?
At JGC, we don’t just trade goods or offer advice — we unlock access, build trust, and transform potential into power. What sets us apart is our unique blend of diplomatic insight, business strategy, and on-the-ground African expertise. We operate with integrity, agility, and passion — navigating complex deals with clarity and championing African-led growth at every turn. Our strength lies in high-level negotiation, cross-sector reach, and a deep commitment to empowering African women entrepreneurs. We’re not here to follow global systems — we’re here to reshape them, one partnership at a time.
Tell us a little about your team
At present it is just me, but I am surrounded by amazing business associates and partners, who are helping me to drive my vision and taken me one step closer each day to our ultimate success. Each one of my partners/associates is handpicked for their integrity, skill, and belief in the future we’re building — a future where African-led businesses are global powerhouses. Our strength lies in our agility, cross-sector knowledge, and shared vision. From strategy to sourcing, negotiation to diagnostics, each person plays a vital role in our growth. As we expand across the continent, we’re cultivating a trusted network of partners, agents, and advisors — because we believe in rising together, and lifting others as we do.
Today, JGC is not just a company. It’s a vehicle for economic freedom — for myself, for my business associates, for my continent, and for other African women who deserve to lead, own, and thrive.
Our strength lies in high-level negotiation, cross-sector reach, and a deep commitment to empowering African women entrepreneurs. We’re not here to follow global systems — we’re here to reshape them, one partnership at a time.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey was born out of necessity — and forged in resilience. After over 2 decades in diplomacy and government, I experienced first-hand how systems fail those without privilege or access. Despite holding senior roles and being recognised for my work, I was overlooked, underpaid, and often silenced. When the doors kept closing, I built my own. I started a herbal (the culinary type not the medicinal type) and baking business, which failed dismally!
In 2022, I founded Jacqueléne Global Consulting (JGC) with no funding, no safety net, and no family support — only vision, grit, and a fire to create something meaningful. What started as a business consultancy has grown into a dynamic pan-African firm with mandates in medical diagnostics, surgical equipment, commodities, fuel, and mining. I’ve weathered setbacks, betrayals, and isolation — but never gave up.
Today, JGC is not just a company. It’s a vehicle for economic freedom — for myself, for my business associates, for my continent, and for other African women who deserve to lead, own, and thrive. My journey is far from over, but every step I’ve walked — no matter how hard — has brought me closer to my purpose and ultimately my beckoning success.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My vision is bold: I want Jacqueléne Global Consulting to become a leading force in Africa’s economic transformation, especially through changing the health profile of Africa and stopping the needless, undiagnosed deaths of Africans in their prime - deaths that could have been prevented or greatly deferred. I plan to expand our footprint across the continent — scaling diagnostics and medical access in underserved regions, growing our commodities and fuel trading operations, and securing long-term partnerships in mining and strategic metals. I aim to establish regional hubs in East, West, North and Southern Africa.
But more than that, I want to create a platform that empowers African women — to trade, lead, negotiate, and own their seat at the table. I dream of launching a scholarship fund, mentoring the next generation of businesswomen, and building infrastructure that outlives me.
My goal isn’t just success. It’s legacy.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
It is very similar to diplomacy in that you never know what you are going to do from one day to the next. Surprises jump out at you from every corner & even from under you & you have to pivot and think on your feet every second. Also, the way I'm setting up my business is not just about making profit for my company, but in making a significant impact in the lives of people. Many Western companies refuse to deal with Africa or super-inflate their prices. I want to act to bring badly needed products, such as the medical diagnostic tests and devices to Africa and make them available to our people at affordable rates. Also, many intermediaries in commodities trading demand exorbitant commissions - my partners and I don't work like that - yes, we want to be paid for our work, obviously, but there is no reason to be greedy! There is enough money on the table for everyone. Plus, in this way, we give the best possible service to both our buyers and suppliers and also strengthen our credibility
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
If you are lazy or give up easily - don't bother! You will work harder than you ever have in your life, so make sure that you do something you are passionate about. You have to be able to deal with adversity, to deal with rude and dishonest people, to pivot a million times until you feel like you are a spinning top. Choose your partners and your initial team very carefully. A large number of small businesses fail because of fraud - my dad's travel business went under because his partner, who was also his accountant, stole all of the money and left him and us with hundreds of thousands of Rands in debt! It will take a lot from you, but if you persevere and link yourself with the right people, the journey to success will be shorter & easier.
Find out more
Email: jacq74jgc@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
Having a big vision for your business is one of the key drivers of success, but to realize that vision takes tenacity, dogged determination, and the ability to create a product or service offering that customers need and want. If you can do all that, and create an impact for other women entrepreneurs at the same time, then it’s an empowering business. Jacqueléne Coetzer has a big vision for her business, and the drive to make it a reality, building a network of like-minded partners and suppliers who share similar goals and ambitions. A business on the move to watch over the coming months and years! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa