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While traveling to the USA and being exposed to different cultures and business leadership practices was invaluable, I must say that meeting other young leaders from across Africa has been the highlight of my experience. We learned from each other, and I was fortunate to spend six weeks with an incredible, inspiring 24 individuals who continue to motivate me.

Now that we are back home, I have had the chance to reflect. With the new application opening in just a few days, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of my fellow participants’ stories. I hope that others can learn from them as I did and that any young leaders considering applying for next year’s cohort will be inspired by these stories and motivated to put their best foot forward. I can assure you, that it is an extraordinary experience.

For the first episode of this Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) edition, ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQXs9DnuyVI&t=895s ) we have Babafemi. Join me for an insightful conversation with this AgriTech innovator from Nigeria. We’ll discuss his journey in agricultural Fintech, the impact of technology on smallholder farmers, and the future of agribusiness in Africa. You will learn about our experiences in the Mandela Washington Fellowship and gain valuable insights if you are an aspiring applicant.

For more information about Babafemi, you can check out his LinkedIn page at https://lnkd.in/dFJzgG8D or learn more about what he is doing back home at www.crop2cash.com.ng

On this Labour Day, I want to honor the memory of one of my late mentors, whose birthday also falls today. Let me share the remarkable story of Mr. Ruge Mutahaba, his extraordinary gift for recognizing potential, and my time with him that profoundly influenced my career and personal growth.

My first encounter with Ruge was in early 2017 at the Costech Center in Dar es Salaam during one of Fursa’s talks with startups. Before this encounter, I had only heard of his prowess and leadership in the industry, never seen him with my two eyes nor his picture. So, when I discovered he was there, I had to ask, “Ndo yupi?” meaning which one is Ruge? With his reputation as a mastermind, I had imagined a towering figure, loud and authoritative. However, I was surprised to find Ruge, a petite and soft-spoken individual who could easily blend into a crowd but commanded attention when he spoke.

I approached him, introduced myself, and found that he was intrigued by what I had to say. Later on, he revealed that he already had a sense of what I could offer and where I could fit in just from our brief conversation. He invited me to his office the following week and handed me a card, a token I still cherish.

Despite his busy schedule, I managed to schedule a meeting with boss Ruge through a former friend’s help. Walking into his office on a Tuesday, I was struck by his exceptional listening skills. Regardless of whether one’s ideas were brilliant or not, boss listened attentively. His keen observation and thoughtful responses indicated that his mind was always formulating plans and solutions.

After narrating my life story, he wasted no time and he offered me a chance to work alongside him on Fursa 2017, recognizing the potential in me, that others might have overlooked. Recognizing the potential in me, he welcomed me into the team at THT. My days were spent at the office, learning invaluable lessons during meetings with CEOs and MDs. Under his guidance, I honed my skills in conducting meetings, negotiating deals, and prioritizing client and investor interests. His mentorship at that pivotal time laid the foundation for my professional growth.

I recall the moments when boss Ruge would enter the office and find me seated in his chair. I’d rush to stand up, but he’d always insist, saying, “It’s okay Nahuja, you’re the boss now, have a seat.” He never criticized my work outright; instead, he offered gentle guidance like suggesting improvements or condensing lengthy proposals for more impact. His words made me feel capable, empowered, and valued.

Ruge’s impact extended far beyond his office at Clouds Media. From founding initiatives like Fursa, THT, Malikia Wa Nguvu, the School of Excellence, and more, he wasn’t just chasing financial success; he was passionate about every project he undertook. His leadership style, though quiet, spoke volumes about his dedication and vision. He unintentionally built a legacy as a pioneer in the entertainment industry.

During my time working with him, I realized why he earned titles like “The Mastermind”, “Scofield “, “the godfather of Entertainment” or the famous one “jasiri muongoza njia” after his death. Boss Ruge understood the power of entertainment not just for our communities but for the entire nation. He inspired celebrities to engage in meaningful activities like city cleanups and blood donations, knowing that their influence would lead others to follow suit. I recall a conversation where he proposed the idea of famous artists like Diamond Platnumz promoting urban farming alongside his music, believing it would encourage youth to invest in agriculture. He believed that every project should make a real impact, which is why initiatives like Fursa always prioritized education and empowerment in every region Clouds Media visited before Fiesta festivities, or how he empowered young women entrepreneurs through the Malkia wa Nguvu initiative, and even beyond his time with us, these impactful projects continue to inspire us all.

In early 2018, I leaped into full-time entrepreneurship. I vividly recall the moment when he texted me to order from Kikapu, my grocery delivery business at the time. His words of congratulations and blessings the next day in the office, as he encouraged me to move forward and leave Fursa behind, remain etched in my mind. Reflecting on those moments, I just can’t help but dwell on the memories of Mr. Ruge Mutahaba, a man whose impact transcends words. Despite human imperfections just like each one of us, he lived for others in such a profound way that his departure left a void felt by many. His unwavering belief in people, his willingness to give chances, and his ability to nurture talent were unparalleled. He left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered, guiding and supporting them in their journeys.

On this Labour Day, being his birthday, I remember him fondly and I find myself mourning the loss of a visionary and a mentor. I strive to emulate his legacy, to touch lives as deeply as he did, and to keep his spirit alive in everything I do. May his memory continue to inspire us to be kinder, lead with our actions not words, give people chances, be more compassionate, and leave a meaningful impact on those around us.

You can read more about Boss Ruge’s story here Ruge Mutahaba Foundation

Continue to rest in power, Boss Ruge.
Happy heavenly birthday, your legacy lives on.

Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of entrepreneurship, shall we? Because let’s face it, not everyone is cut out for this rollercoaster ride! Sure, being your own boss sounds like a dream, but the reality is more like a wild, unpredictable adventure.

In my recent podcast, I peeled back the shiny veneer to reveal the harsh truth: entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It’s like diving into a pool without knowing how deep it is – exhilarating, yes, but also a bit terrifying. And let’s not even get started on the financial rollercoaster. Say goodbye to that steady paycheck; it’s all about feast or famine in the entrepreneurial world.

But wait, there’s more! The glamorous image of success often overshadows the gritty truth. It’s not all champagne and Instagram-worthy moments; it’s late nights, endless challenges, and moments of doubt that make you question your sanity. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a thrill unlike anything else – the satisfaction of building something from scratch, the joy of seeing your ideas come to life, and the resilience that grows with every setback.

So, if you’re thinking of taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, buckle up! It’s a wild ride filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. But hey, if you’ve got the passion, the grit, and a healthy dose of humor, you might just survive – and thrive – in this crazy entrepreneurial journey!

As my birthday month nears, I take time to look back on my 15+ years in my career. I’ve gathered 20 important lessons from this journey that I’m eager to share with you.
These insights cover everything from finding success beyond the usual measures to taking calculated risks and embracing adaptability in a changing work world. They’re not just words; they’re real experiences that have shaped how I approach business, leadership, and personal growth.

Join me as I explore these lessons in my recent podcast episode. Get ready for stories, tips, and inspiration that can help you on your own path to success.
Don’t miss out new episodes coming soon — subscribe now for this insightful conversation on career growth and personal development.

In filming the latest episode of my podcast with Aunt Sadaka, we faced numerous challenges. However, I had made a promise to myself long ago to start with what I have and produce content that I personally find valuable.

Aunt Sadaka is someone I deeply admire. She has the ability to not just speak with you, but to speak into your soul. When I reached out to her, I knew I wanted to delve into the topic of self-love, something I had been struggling with for a long time. It’s incredible how finding love for oneself can be so transformative.

We finally had our sit-down this month, coinciding with Women’s Month celebrations. As I prepared for the episode, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of comments online, especially from men, regarding Women’s Day celebrations. While organizations were vocal about inclusivity, I observed a lack of championing movements from men.

I want to make it clear that I’m not a feminist in the traditional sense, but I strongly believe in women’s empowerment and its positive impact on development. It’s about equality and fair opportunities, not about being the same as men.

Women have always played crucial roles in shaping homes, supporting spouses, and raising children, all while pursuing their dreams. However, amidst our strides, I worry that we may be losing touch with our femininity and traditional roles.

This episode with Aunt Sadaka shed light on how she, like many other women, managed to balance career aspirations with familial responsibilities. It reinforced the notion that we can do it all, but it requires humility, exercising feminism, and practicing self-love.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, I want every woman to know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. We are not here to compete or replace men; we excel at what we do best. Happy Women’s Month!

Watch the full episode and subscribe for more insights and empowering conversations. #EmpoweringWomen #LessonsLearned #SelfLove #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInBusiness #BalancingAct #AuntSadakaWisdom

Reflecting on an insightful session earlier today with Mr. Yassim, a budding entrepreneur. These interactions are always a learning experience for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to exchange insights and grow together with my clients.

#Nahujahatibu #EntrepreneurshipJourney #BusinessConsulting #LearningFromClients #whatIknow #Marketingconsulting #consultationservices #sharewithme #letmehelpyou

Well, let me tell you, that phrase has been my life motto since I first stumbled upon it, way back when. My dear uncle Say used to tease me, saying that if he had 1000 Tshs for every idea I presented to him, I’d be a billionaire by now. Talk about setting high expectations!

But seriously, back then, life was like one big canvas waiting to be painted with dreams and ambitions. I’d come up with wild ideas left and right, and Uncle Say would humor me with his encouraging nods and playful jabs. Ah, those were the days – when believing seemed so easy, and the future looked bright with promise.

Fast forward to adulthood, and let’s just say reality hit me like a ton of bricks. Bills to pay, responsibilities to juggle, and dreams that suddenly felt a lot more out of reach than they used to. Turns out, being a grown-up is a lot less fun than it seemed when I was a kid! But here’s the thing – despite the challenges and setbacks, that childhood mantra still rings true for me. Sure, the path to success may be filled with twists and turns, but I refuse to let go of my beliefs. I’ll keep hustling, keep pushing forward, and keep believing that if I can believe it, I can darn well achieve it.

So, to all my fellow believers out there feeling the weight of adulthood bearing down on you, I say this: don’t lose sight of your beliefs. Keep believing big, keep working hard, and keep believing in yourself. Because who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll look back and laugh at all the obstacles we overcame on the way to making our dreams a reality.


In Tanzania, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the determination of women seeking loans through VICOBA SACCOs, the theme takes on a profound significance. I vividly recall the story of a close friend who, despite her drive and determination, encountered significant hurdles due to the absence of comprehensive financial education. This personal experience highlights the critical need for not just financial support, but also for the empowerment that comes with financial literacy. Mere access to capital is not sufficient for sustainable success. We need the knowledge and skills to effectively manage finances, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of running a business.
It’s about more than just securing funding; there is a pressing need for mentorship, guidance, and access to networks that can provide invaluable insights and support. As women entrepreneurs, we must proactively seek opportunities for mentorship and continuous learning to enhance our capabilities and resilience in the face of challenges.
This month, I hope to see more discussions, articles, forums, and policies addressing the critical need for comprehensive financial literacy tailored to women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. By advocating for and actively participating in initiatives that promote financial education, we can collectively work towards creating an environment where women are not only invested in but also empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their ventures. It is through this holistic approach that we can effectively accelerate progress and create lasting impact within our entrepreneurial community.