As Mambo Pambo World founder Kawira Mirero puts it, “You just don’t need capital but patient capital.”
Across Kenya and Uganda, women are defying the odds to build thriving businesses despite financial and societal hurdles.
In many African communities, women play a crucial role in shaping economies, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.
Beyond providing for their families, they drive innovation, create jobs and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Interiors Limited CEO Evelyn Zalwango says expectations are exaggerated at times.
“As a woman, people tend to think you should be strong through anything,” she says. “But we are human, and we should be treated as such. We also go through a lot.”
These and other realities of being a woman in business are highlighted in a new documentary that explores their entrepreneurial journey.
African Women Rising: In Their Words captures the triumphs, struggles and the power of perseverance of women entrepreneurs.
Many of the women featured began their
businesses with minimal resources, relying on personal savings and
determination.
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Kawira Mirero started her Kenyan fashion brand in her guest room. “I had two tailors, and I used to meet my clients in the sitting room. Most tailors weren’t used to this kind of set-up,” she recalls.
Her experience underscores a common challenge in the fashion industry: high capital demands. “Every item is money locked down, and some designs don’t sell much.”
Similarly, Kienyeji Food Store CEO Miriam Nabakwe emphasises the need for patience in business.
“To build something great, you have to be very focused and patient. Through patience, you’ll go through storms, and how you rise is what matters.”
Despite starting with limited resources, these women have expanded their businesses, hired employees and created opportunities for others.
Nabakwe now employs 50 people and attributes her success to working with professionals.
“If there are skills I feel I don’t have, I get experts to help me and actualise my plans,” she says.
Beyond financial constraints, mentorship and guidance are vital to an entrepreneur’s journey. Arise Collections CEO Agnes Netunze believes that continuous learning is important.
“Mentorship is key. If you stop learning, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, what happens? You die,” she says.
She also stresses the importance of having a good support system in days when everything seems overwhelming and one wants to disconnect from everything.
Speaking to the Star, African Women Rising director Felix Masi said the road to success is paved with despair.
“Many entrepreneurs start businesses, but without mentors, someone they can look up to, their journey feels rough and hopeless,” he said.
“I wanted to redefine the word ‘home’ and showcase what Africa has to offer on a global stage.”
For entrepreneurs, feedback, especially criticism, can be a powerful tool for growth.
“Negative feedback is the best feedback,” Netunze says. “It helps you focus on areas your excited heart doesn’t want to look at. If my team missed something, I want to know who is brave enough to say it as it is.”
EastNat Ltd director Easter Kojwang agrees. “Feedback helps you grow. What matters is how you receive it and what you do with it. When customers give feedback, it means they value your business and want you to do better.”
African women entrepreneurs continue to reshape industries, proving that success is not solely defined by resources but by resilience, strategy and adaptability.
The documentary has already received international recognition, earning a spot at the Ekurhuleni International Film Festival in South Africa. As part of Women’s Month celebrations, it is set to premiere in Nairobi tomorrow at Nairobi International School.
Masi hopes the film will inspire more women to take bold steps towards entrepreneurship. “No journey is beautiful until you jump the cliff and cross over to the other side. Carry on and write the best chapter of your story.”
