Beyond the Pivot
Beyond the Pivot is a podcast hosted by Martin Vitek and Kabwela Malupande that bridges the worlds of Europe and Africa. Drawing on their own experiences, the two hosts share personal stories and insights into entrepreneurship across both regions. Martin discusses entrepreneurship education in the Czech Republic, while Kabwela focuses on fostering innovation in Zambia. Each episode explores the unique opportunities, challenges and inspiring stories that come with building businesses in these very different markets.
Epizody
Ashu Sagar on the Future of Manufacturing and Value Addition in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 31
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Ashu Sagar, co-founder of Caribbean Beverages and former president of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM).From starting out in accounting at 17 to mortgaging his home to launch Aquavita water, Ashu brings two decades of hands-on leadership to scaling local industry. This conversation covers dropping founder ego to "make what se
Njoki Njoroge on Scaling a Lifestyle Brand and Redefining Men's Grooming | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 30
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Njoki Njoroge, founder and CEO of Mandevu Beardcare. With a background in marketing and IT, Njoki shares how small businesses can leverage data to move from guessing to knowing. From mixing formulations in her kitchen to scaling into over 100 retail stores, she has masterfully bridged digital innovation with physical retail expansion across Eas
Mulumba Lwatula on Scaling Zambia’s Mining Technology | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 29
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Mulumba Lwatula, Head of Investments for Mining and Energy at Zambia’s IDC. With a background spanning digital infrastructure, post-conflict tech consulting, and angel investing, Mulumba steers strategic industrial investments while championing local startup ecosystems. Beyond the boardroom, he is a technologist, rancher, and passionate photo
Kim Otteby on Mindset Mastery and the Psychology of Growth | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 28
Can your business outgrow your own psychology? 🚀In this masterclass on leadership and scale, Kim Otteby (Managing Director of Umoyo Health) shares how she transformed a bedroom start-up into a manufacturing powerhouse and household name in Zambia.From launching the first local alkaline water to maintaining radical brand integrity for over 15 years, Kim reveals that the ultimate key to success isn'
Allen Kimbelwa on Navigating 5 Worlds in One Nation | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 27
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Allen Kimbelwa, a Tanzanian entrepreneur who masterfully bridges the gap between the high-stakes boardroom and the untamed bush.As the founder of Adelphos, Allen has advised over 100 organizations on navigating the unique complexities of the Tanzanian market. Simultaneously, he leads Wild Reality Safari, a locally owned operation that brings
Gaurav Vijayvargiya on Risk, Innovation and the Future of 260 Brands | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 26
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Gaurav Vijayvargiya, CEO of 260 Brands, one of Zambia’s leading agro-processing and food manufacturing companies scaling across Africa.This conversation explores what it really takes to scale a family business in emerging markets. Gaurav shares how he transitioned from supply chain professional and rally driver to leading a multi-country manufa
Brad Magrath on Why Capital Efficiency Beats Hype in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 25
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Brad Magrath — seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and Partner at AHL Venture Partners, one of Africa’s pioneering early-stage venture funds.From co-founding and scaling Zoona into one of Africa’s most impactful fintech companies to becoming a fund builder backing the next generation of founders, Brad has lived the full startup cycle on the contin
Nyeji Mhango on What Makes Businesses Investable in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 24
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Nyeji Mhango, Managing Partner at wCAP , to unpack what truly makes businesses investable in African markets — and why most companies fail long before capital ever becomes the problem.Nyeji shares deep, practical insights from building a private credit fund focused on women-led and gender-diverse businesses in Southern Africa. She explains why
Mark Ireland on Climate-Smart Farming, Finance, and Rural Growth in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 23
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Mark Ireland, Team Leader of Enterprise Zambia, to explore what actually works in climate-smart agriculture and rural SME development.With more than 20 years of experience in international development, Mark shares why long-term impact in agriculture comes from supporting viable agribusinesses rather than short-term projects. He explains why pro
Natasha Chiumya on Real Estate Investing Without Regret in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 22
🎙️ In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Natasha Chiumya to unpack what it really takes to invest in real estate in Africa without regret — especially for diaspora investors.Natasha shares practical, real-world lessons from working with buyers who lost money due to unclear land titles, broken trust chains, informal processes, and missing due diligence. She explains why many propert
Max Cuvellier Giacomelli on Mobile Tech Shaping Africa’s Future | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 21
How is mobile technology reshaping Africa’s startup ecosystem and what do the real numbers tell us about where the continent is heading next?In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we talk with Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal and one of the leading analysts tracking startup funding, mobile innovation, and digital transformation across Africa.Max breaks down the trends beh
How Biola Alabi Bridged Media and Venture Capital in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 20
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Biola Alabi, a trailblazer who has shaped Africa’s creative industries and is now building bridges into venture capital. From leading M-Net Africa Magic, bringing shows like Sesame Street and Big Brother Africa to millions of homes, to launching Biola Alabi Media and co-founding Acasia Ventures and Delta 40, Biola has moved seamlessly between
Lulumbi Njelika Monter Capital Investing in Africa’s Future | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 19
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Lulumbi Njelika, founder of Monter Capital, to explore how patient and purpose-driven capital can shape Africa’s future.With a vision to build a $100M private equity fund, Lulumbi shares his journey from global networks to investing in African businesses, and why governance, patience, and local partnerships are the keys to long-term success.F
Afshon Wallace Shifted from KPIs to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 18
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we talk with Afshon Wallace, founder and CEO of AfriDelivery, about his journey from chasing KPIs to building a purpose-driven logistics platform in Zambia. Starting with just two motorbikes, Afshon bootstrapped AfriDelivery into a household name in Zambia, and now he’s focused on expanding across borders with the vision of building the “African DHL.”Afshon s
Cassandra Mtine on Digital Farming Solutions and Scaling Impact in Zambia | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 17
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Cassandra Mtine, CEO of AgriPredict, a Zambian agri-tech company helping farmers make informed decisions through real-time weather alerts, pest detection tools, and market insights.Cassandra shares how AgriPredict evolved from a hackathon idea into a platform that supports thousands of farmers across Zambia and beyond. We discuss the challenges
Zanga is Redefining Talent Development for High-Context Cultures | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 16
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we speak with Nankhonde Kasonde van den Broek, founder of Zanga African Metrics, a Zambian leadership consultancy on a bold mission: to challenge global frameworks and redefine how success is measured in Africa. Through locally rooted data and culturally contextual tools, Zanga is creating an African-born performance index that better reflects the values, beh
Investing in Liberia’s Startup Ecosystem with Owen Harmon | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 15
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Owen Harmon, co-founder of Gemini Capital Partners in Liberia. As an early-stage investor focused on local entrepreneurs, Owen shares what makes Liberia’s startup ecosystem unique and what it truly takes to back founders in one of Africa’s most underserved markets.We explore how Gemini Capital Partners is addressing the funding gap for Liberian
Reinventing the construction supply chain with Bosso and Chisepo Chirwa | Beyond the Pivot Ep. 14
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Chisepo Chirwa, CEO and co-founder of BOSSO, a Zambian construction-tech startup that’s reinventing how building materials are sourced and delivered. Launched in 2022, Bosso is building a digital platform that connects hardware suppliers, contractors, and homebuilders, making construction more affordable, transparent, and efficient.Chisepo sh
Transforming Sierra Leone’s Ecosystem with Francis Stevens George | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 13
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we speak with Francis Stevens George, a leading voice in Sierra Leone’s entrepreneurial development. As a founder, educator, and ecosystem builder, Francis has spent years empowering young people and pushing for a more practical, mindset-driven approach to business in Sierra Leone.He shares honest reflections on the gaps in donor-driven programs, the importance
How Vwanganji Bowa Turned Loss into Fintech Innovation | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 12
🚀 In this powerful episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Vwanganji Bowa, the inspiring founder and CEO of Mighty Finance, a Zambian fintech company making credit accessible to underserved communities.Vwanganji shares her remarkable journey from losing her home after a failed first venture to building a thriving digital lending business that now supports thousands of SMEs in Zambia and is e
How Norrsken East Africa is Fueling Impact Startups | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 11
🚀 In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore how Rwanda is becoming a powerhouse for African startups with the support of Norrsken East Africa. Our guest, Elie Habimana, Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, shares insights into how Rwanda’s startup ecosystem is evolving, how entrepreneurs can access funding, and why regional integration is key for business growth in Africa.💡 What You’ll
How Petra Rees Built Startups & Became an African VC | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 10
🚀 In this milestone 10th episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Petra Rees, a Czech entrepreneur-turned-VC based in South Africa. From launching startups to exiting businesses in South Africa, Petra shares her incredible journey of adaptation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital in Africa.🔍 With experience in 3D printing, manufacturing, and impact investing, Petra explains why Africa pres
Haïle Amegashie on Investing in African Startups as a Former Founder | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 9
In this exciting episode of Beyond the Pivot, we sit down with Haïle Amegashie, an investor at Breega, a $75 million venture capital fund focused on early-stage startups in Africa. With experience as an entrepreneur-turned-VC, Haïle shares his journey from building startups to investing in the next generation of African founders.Breega is not just a funding partner—their Scaling Squad provides ope
Tomi "TD" Davies shares his framework to invest in African Startups | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 8
Tomi "TD" Davies is self-describer gastro-terorrist and well known angel investor that has decades long of experience successfully building angel investment networks across the continent, forming and presiding over African Business Angel Network, forming Catalytic Fund and influential programs such as Mentor Pitch in Nigeria and in Zambia.TD is also author of 4 books that are a guidance
Duniya Healthcare's Mission to Revolutionize Medical Delivery | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 7
Discover how Mwansa Chalo, co-founder and CEO of Duniya Healthcare, is transforming medicine logistics in Zambia and beyond. In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we explore Mwansa’s journey into healthcare, how Duniya went from MVP to scaling, and their mission to save thousands of lives through timely medicine delivery.We also discuss their partnership with The Churches Health Association of Zamb
Startup Trends and Events Shaping Africa in 2025 | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 6
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we look back on 2024 and step forward into 2025 with a focus on the dynamic world of African startup investments. Together with Kabwela Mulapande, we unpack 5 major news stories from November and December that shaped the ecosystem, highlighting the incredible growth and innovation seen across the continent this year.We also spotlight 3 unmissable events in 2025
How Lupiya and Muchu Kaingu Are Bridging Africa’s Financial Gap | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 5
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we’re joined by Muchu Kaingu, the co-founder and CEO of Lupiya, a trailblazing Zambian fintech platform committed to empowering underserved communities through financial inclusion. Lupiya leverages technology to provide accessible and sustainable financial services, with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and SMEs.Muchu shares his journey of turni
How to Navigate Startup Capital in Africa | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 4
Accessing finances for startups, especially in the idea stage and pre-seed round, is challenging everywhere. However, in Africa, and particularly in countries like Zambia, it can be even more complex.
The local investment network is still in its nascent stage, requiring navigation through a spectrum of options. These range from small angel investment networks and loan sharks to internationally bas
Inspiring Startup Success Stories from Zambia | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 3
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we dive into the inspiring world of Zambian startups, highlighting the stories of trailblazing entrepreneurs and their journeys to success. From gemstone innovators like Eleora Gems to agri-tech solutions like AgriPredict and financial disruptors like Lupiya, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in Zambia’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Kabwela sha
Debunking Myths About African Entrepreneurs | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 2
In this episode of Beyond the Pivot, we're tackling a crucial topic: the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that have plagued African entrepreneurship for far too long. African entrepreneurs are often met with unfounded biases, especially the stereotype that their ventures lack legitimacy. We dive into why this perception exists, the real impact it has on investment opportunities, and how
Unlocking Zambia’s Hidden Startup Potential | Beyond the Pivot Podcast Ep. 1
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of Zambia's emerging startup ecosystem, exploring what makes this region ripe for innovation and growth. We’ll introduce you to the unique needs and advantages Zambia offers, alongside programs that are gaining traction and shaping the future for entrepreneurs. Discover how banks, telecom, and e-commerce are intertwining to create new opportuniti
