Anele Mkuzo – Founder, Managing Director: African Entrepreneurship Initiative

Aug 21, 2024

Please tell us your name, where your business is located and what is it that you do?

Anele Mkuzo – Founder & Managing Director. African Entrepreneurship Initiative, South Africa.

Tell us about how you got started.

I have been very privileged to have some of the opportunities I’ve had in my life. Whether it is my education, the companies I've worked for and the access I have because of those opportunities. Unfortunately, the average young person in South Africa doesn’t have the same opportunities, and that is not right. I knew I wanted to ensure I change that narrative by utilising education and entrepreneurship. It is my responsibility as a young person to plough back what I’ve learnt and continue learning every day.

What makes your company unique?

African Entrepreneurship Initiative (AEi) is a consulting and entrepreneurship education training company with a focus on the youth within the African continent. Entrepreneurship has been recognised as the most important tool to eradicate poverty and inequality. But with the current statistics on the failure of start-up entrepreneurs in the continent, AEi has created a unique solution that ensures inclusivity and allows the youth; potential and existing entrepreneurs to access financial literacy and entrepreneurship education. Our solution encompasses the ability to execute our training and education in different African languages by multilingual experts. This ensures that language is not a barrier to access to information and skills. Our solutions look at the holistic value chain of entrepreneurship development and education.  

No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?

New business development is always difficult and identifying corporates and government that are passionate about our vision. We don't just want to consult and deliver training as a tick box exercise; we want to create sustainable and thriving enterprises in the continent. Create programmes that change lives and communities. Our business model stems on the beneficiaries not paying for our services and the investment coming from the corporates and government institutions we partner with. It's a challenge at times convincing potential investors of our passion and what value it will have on their long term strategy and create greater good for our continent.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

Seeing entrepreneurs that I have worked with get the opportunity to realise their ideas and have ‘AHA’ moments about what was missing. There are so many talented young people with amazing ideas but they just need the right supportive platforms that will help them get there. I get to do that everyday, and that’s my success.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

In 2022 we built a pilot for a game that was intended to assist in providing entrepreneurship education in a fun and innovative way. We’re hoping to use such models to scale skills and knowledge into marginalised parts of the continent.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

Firstly, start…Once you’ve started be a sponge for information, be curious and do as much as you can to learn more. Also don’t marry your first idea, if you see that it isn’t viable move on to something else.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

I don’t think there’s a perfect combination of the two. But what works for me is taking time out every now and then to recharge. If I don’t prioritise my health, then I’m not as productive as I could be.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

I always believe that, “this too shall pass”. I try by all means not to dwell on the things that are beyond my control. 

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

I think any platform that allows me to network with other entrepreneurs in the continent, learn about their stories and journeys.