1. You have been an entrepreneur for over 36 years , from your mid twenties. What does being an entrepreneur mean to you and how have you navigated the journey for so long?
I consider being an entrepreneur the greatest adventure of my life. Always new challenges to take on, new lessons to learn, new people to meet , new opportunities to test your wit, tenacity, grit and creativity. Especially as an African entrepreneur, you have to dig deep and think out of the box to overcome challenges that others take for granted in other regions of the world. These experiences, however, build character in us, toughen us and empower us to create unusual solutions for problems that exist in our communities as well as in other communities.
You learn the power of collaboration and partnerships in order to succeed at our ventures. You also learn how to achieve so much with so little resources . There is no boring moment in the life of an African entrepreneur.
2. You sit on some of the most influential boards in Africa and have served in key global advisory roles. From your experience across these leadership spaces, what lessons stand out to you about effective leadership and what would you want upcoming young leaders, especially women, to understand?
Leadership is not about titles, it's about stewardship. The most effective leaders I’ve encountered are those who lead with vision, empathy, and the courage to do what is right even when it’s not easy. I want young leaders, especially women, to know that their voice is valid. They don’t have to conform to outdated molds to lead powerfully. Your authenticity is your superpower. The world is waiting for a new kind of leadership, one that is emotionally intelligent, morally grounded, and globally agile. Don’t be afraid to take up space. Lead with substance, not noise.
3. You have served as a judge in the Africa’s Business Heroes competition. What has that experience revealed to you about the quality, depth, and ambition of businesses being built across the continent?
Every year, I leave the judging panel inspired and hopeful. The depth of ideas, the grit of our entrepreneurs, and the sheer innovation coming out of Africa is breathtaking. These are not just businesses; they are bold solutions to real problems crafted with heart and rooted in the cultural intelligence of our continent. What’s clear is this: Africa doesn’t lack talent. We need more platforms, capital, and enabling systems to help that talent thrive. That’s one of the reasons African Marketplace matters so deeply to me.
4. You are now championing a new platform African Marketplace, launching in Dubai in November 2025. What inspired this idea? Where did it begin for you?
It started with a burden. For years, I’ve watched our incredibly talented entrepreneurs struggle to scale not for lack of vision, but for lack of global visibility. I wanted to create a bridge, something that would position our best brands on a world-class platform. African Marketplace is the fruit of that burden. It is a bold response to the urgent need to change the African business narrative from one of potential to one of performance. We have what it takes. We just need to show the world.
5. Hosting this event in Dubai is a powerful choice. What does that location mean to you? And what opportunity does it unlock for African and Caribbean businesses?
Dubai is a gateway city, a global crossroads for trade, tourism, and business. By choosing Dubai, we are not just exporting our products; we are exporting our excellence to one of the world's most strategic stages. The city gives us neutral ground and high visibility, but more than that, it allows African and Caribbean entrepreneurs to be seen, respected, and engaged in powerful ways. It’s not just about selling; it’s about positioning. We are planting a flag that says: We belong here. We are global players.
6. There are many trade fairs, but African Marketplace promises to be more than just booths and buyers. What makes this platform unique and what kind of experience are you curating for both exhibitors and attendees?
African Marketplace is more than a trade fair, it's a high-impact gateway to global business. It’s a celebration of culture, commerce, creativity, and connection in a way that reflects the richness of our continent and the Caribbean. We are designing an experience that is immersive, educational, and transformative. It will include B2B matchmaking, storytelling zones, innovation showcases, live demos and strategic networking that fosters real deals and deep dialogue. Our goal is to connect African and Caribbean excellence to the world not just through products, but through the story of who we are. It’s where opportunities are unlocked not by chance, but by design.
7. When the curtains close on African Marketplace Dubai 2025, what would success look like for you? What stories or outcomes would confirm that this first edition made the impact you envisioned?
Success will be in the testimonies. A textile brand from Burkina Faso securing a global supply chain deal. A Caribbean agro-processor finding distribution in the Gulf. A young woman entrepreneur walking away believing she belongs on any stage. Success for me is about real impact export-ready SMEs scaling beyond borders, buyers discovering untapped value, and the world walking away with a new respect for African and Caribbean enterprise. If we can walk away knowing we moved the needle, even slightly, for hundreds of businesses and shifted perception that will be victory.
8. For many African entrepreneurs, the thought of stepping onto a global stage can feel out of reach. How would you encourage someone who doubts they ‘belong’ at an event like African Marketplace?
I would say to them: You already belong. The stage is not reserved for the privileged; it is for the prepared. You don’t need to have it all figured out. What you need is the courage to start, and the commitment to excellence. The African Marketplace is not just for the ‘big players’-it's for those who are building with integrity, with vision, and with grit. If your business is ready to scale, your mindset must follow. Don’t shrink your greatness to fit into familiar spaces. Stretch into new territory. You were made for more.
9. Why is the African Marketplace a necessary step in reshaping how the world sees and engages with African and Caribbean enterprise?
Because visibility changes everything. For too long, the world has looked at Africa and the Caribbean through a lens of charity or crisis. We are flipping the script. African Marketplace is a visual declaration that we are creators of value, not just consumers of aid. It’s about giving our entrepreneurs a global voice and market presence. When buyers, investors, and stakeholders see the quality and innovation on display, they will begin to engage with us on new terms of dignity, excellence, and mutual value. That’s the shift we are catalyzing.
10. As entrepreneurs get ready to participate in African Marketplace Dubai, what concrete steps can they take now to ensure they’re well‑prepared and positioned to make the most of this opportunity?
Start by refining your brand. Polish your pitch, strengthen your product offering, understand your target market, and get your documentation right. This is not just a show; it’s a platform for growth. Do your research, know who's coming, and be ready to engage. Invest in your visual presentation branding matters. Most importantly, come with the mindset of a global entrepreneur. Be open to learning, to partnerships, to feedback. Prepare like the opportunity of a lifetime is on the other side because it might be.
