Monthly Community Roundup
Hello friends,
Somo Project
A few weeks ago, I got a call to participate as a judge at the Somo project, an accelerator program that supports startups in under-served communities like Kayole, Kibera and Korogocho with training, funding, and market access.
I immediately jumped at the chance to support this meaningful mission because Somo provides the support needed for people from disenfranchised backgrounds to push through their challenges of lack of money, internet, and other factors and create a world they imagined!
Real Impact
To date, Somo has
Reached +4k entrepreneurs
Trained 800 startups
Invested in 214
Created +3k jobs
That’s not all! Some of the funded startups have created solutions to provide clean water for +3,700 families and recycled nearly 1,000 tonnes of waste!
For more information on the Somo project and if you would like to get involved, read the Somo Annual report.
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What I’m following
My fascination with how great founders push through the seemingly insurmountable odds to create an innovative and thriving business led me to this great book - Failing to Win by Mike Quinn.
Failing to Win is an insightful book that peels back the curtains into the real hard truths and challenges of building and growing one of the first fintech businesses in Africa, Zoona . Mike focuses on the challenges and lessons he learned. Mike narrates how we steered the company through a turbulent decade as CEO to building one of Africa’s first fintech success stories, processing over $2.5 billion in transactions, generating over $26 million in income for 3,000 micro-entrepreneurs across Zambia and Malawi, and raising millions in investment.
| “Failure lays the foundation for innovation to occur” by Mike Quinn
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This week’s spotlight
This week’s spotlight is on Wowzi - a social media influencer platform that is creating a positive storm in Africa!
I’m an absolute raving fan of Wowzi’s founders, the business model, and the massive impact they have had on turning campaigns into paid gigs for +50k influencers across 7 countries in the past 2 years.
Wowzi helps companies to:
Plug into its powerful influencer network
Push brand messages and
Pull consumer insights from trusted influencers
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Jobs
We’re Hiring! The Creator Economy in Africa Podcast & Newsletter is growing and expanding!
Are you a funnel builder?
Do you believe in the power of technology that can be used to open up opportunities for people regardless of location or background?
Do you have a strong tech background in setting up funnels for selling digital products (e-books, online courses, podcasts)
If you said YES to all 3 questions above, email me or reply to this newsletter. I would love to chat with you :)
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Thank you and stay tuned for more exciting stuff over the next few weeks!