Reflections from corporate trailblazers

Atteeya Sumar- Country Director, Aga Khan Foundation Tanzania

The most significant highlight in 2023, professionally, was assuming the role of Country Director for the Aga Khan Foundation in Tanzania.

My leadership endeavours are dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales, striving to enhance the lives of the most marginalised and vulnerable populations.

The Aga Khan Foundation provides me with the opportunity to effect meaningful change in areas that are not only deeply meaningful to me but also crucial for the survival and progress of humankind.

Upon reflection on the year's achievements, I recognised that one of the key takeaways for the year would be the profound impact of my efforts in fostering fruitful relationships.

Whether through collaborative projects, insightful mentorship, or shared opportunities, the investment in authentic relationships paid off as a supportive community emerged, contributing significantly to realising my goals and aspirations.

The essence of networking lies in cultivating relationships based on genuine interest, active listening, and a willingness to contribute. It's important to approach networking with authenticity, focusing on quality over quantity.

Looking back, 2023 taught me a crucial lesson. Individuals and leaders who understood and embraced the importance of adaptability, innovation, and resilience, both personally and professionally, stood out significantly from the rest.

On a personal level, the ability to pivot, innovate, and embrace change became paramount for coping with unforeseen circumstances.

Professionally, the dynamic landscape reinforced the importance of adaptability and resilience in staying relevant and effective.

Embracing innovation allowed me to navigate disruptions, identify new opportunities, and remain agile in the face of evolving trends.

As we step into 2024, I am excited about the implementation of new impactful projects at the Aga Khan Foundation.

Our focus will span critical areas such as climate education, green growth, climate resilience, and gender, recognising their immense significance in today's world.

These projects reflect the urgency of our times, and I am confident that their successful implementation will contribute significantly to the well-being and resilience of Tanzania in the face of contemporary challenges.

I also intend to continue embracing uncharted territories, both professionally and personally, to fuel continuous growth and learning and cultivate partnerships with industry leaders, fellow professionals, and innovators to create synergies that drive meaningful impact.

My commitment to inspiring young women and girls remains unwavering. I aim to encourage and empower them to confidently occupy the space they deserve in this world, embrace their unique strengths, and live up to their full potential.

I am dedicated to fostering a mindset where young women and girls not only envision their dreams but also step into leadership roles with the belief that their voices are essential and their contributions invaluable.

Together, we will continue to break barriers and shape a future where every young woman feels empowered to lead and thrive.

Miranda Naiman- Founder and Managing Partner, Empower

Reflecting on 2023, I find myself contemplating the delicate balance between personal achievements and the broader global context.

It was undeniably a tough humanitarian year, marked by loss and pain for many, which in turn made it a challenging one for the economy.

Yet, amidst these challenges, I can personally chart growth, learning, and a resilient push towards betterment, characterised by three takeaways:

Resilience in the face of uncertainty

I am grateful to have made it through the year, along with my family, in good health and with the ability to deliver #ServiceExcellence at Empower while simultaneously serving my community.

Despite the tough economic backdrop, at Empower, we continued to focus on growth and process improvement. These external factors significantly influence our strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

On a personal level, I have embraced change, relishing the opportunity to solve bigger problems and navigate boardroom dynamics. Growth hurts, but it is a necessary part of life.

I adapted to these changes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to my core values and long-term vision.

The power of community and collaboration

Collaboration is the new competition. In 2023, at Empower, we embarked on a journey of internal transformation.

With rapid growth came the need to realign our team, leading to some departures, but also the opportunity to sculpt the ideal structure and team for our future.

These changes, tough as they were, proved positive, fostering a culture of quick, adaptive decision-making and collaborative innovation.

As we approach our 15th birthday, we find ourselves in a period of renewal, more united and stronger, ready to innovate and grow as we celebrate our past and look to the future.

Bonus win: Our 21st century skills programme Generation Empower (GenEm) successfully catapulted into its 4th year, traversing the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, and St Augustine University and impacting 6761 young people.

The importance of mental health and well-being

I am proud to share that I started to work out in 2023 (a must for any self-respecting 40-year-old). In my experience so far, a healthier body directly leads to clarity of mind.

My personal commitment to continuous learning also bore fruit, earning recognition from industry peers for leadership in our field.

These achievements are not merely personal triumphs but are reflective of the collective spirit and determination that define our work at Empower as we continue to unite, excite, and nurture people for collective growth.

Maintaining a sense of humour and taking time to connect with nature, dance, and laugh were all saving graces in 2023. In sum, 2023 was a year of overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and personal growth.

As I look to 2024, I'm filled with optimism and aim to continue mentoring the next generation of leaders, passing on the lessons and values that have significantly shaped my journey. Suffice to say, I am ready for this next chapter.

Asha Abinallah- Founder and CEO, Tech & Media Convergency

In 2023, Tech & Media Convergency demonstrated our vision of enhancing and promoting technological adaptation by creating a Compliance System Audit (CSA), which has been endorsed by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology.

It is the only tool globally that can measure the digital health of an organisation with 99% accuracy.

Shortly after its launch, the CSA was recognised by the United Nations agency for ICT, the International Telecommunication Union, as one of the top 10 finalists for the SDG Digital Gamechangers 2023 Award, a global competition that attracted 450 applicants from around the world.

Only Tanzania and Nigeria were on the short list. On the same note, we have received two “African Fintech & AI Awards 2023” in the categories of Best ReguTech Solution and ReguTech Solution of the Year.

We believe everyone should have access to the internet. And when they do, it should be secure and a safe space to venture into. I have been talking about online gender-based violence for the last six years.

It is a win since we now have a lot of people talking about it compared to a few years back. All opportunities and amplifiers for growth and careers are online.

Staying off the internet because it is toxic is something we are passionately and aggressively working on to improve.

We have made impressive strides, although there is still a long way to go. And I am happy that we have very strong partners supporting the agenda within the region and globally.

Takeaways

I have had a change of mindset. I used to be a bit naive. I am seeing things from a slightly different perspective, concentrating more on their true nature than their appearance.

This has changed a lot of aspects of my work. It has segmented the foundation of strength and determination and strongly affirms my belief that learning is a never-ending quest.

Holding a privileged position as a woman in leadership within a specific field doesn't guarantee a smooth journey.

There are rough patches. In those moments, it's essential to roll up your sleeves, buckle up, and persevere—whether it means starting afresh or finding new ways to make it work.

The key to making a real difference in your community is grasping the current situation, understanding the context, and realising that to be sustainable, being innovative is not a choice—it's a necessity.

Achieving this requires avoiding rigidity and embracing adaptability.

If you find yourself in the fortunate position of having one-on-one, relaxed, informal meetings with other women leaders—whether over a launch, coffee, or brunch—embrace these moments.

I've gained invaluable insights from these moments, each a leader in her own domain.

Whether they started before me or work in a similar field, the genuine exchange over a cup of coffee has been a source of profound learning and wealth for my work.

No matter what, always spare time for your family, nurture that bond, and create lasting memories.

Outlook for 2024

For me, 2024 has a certain feel to it already. It has a positive vibe—not just because it's a new year, but because the tests from 2023 got me well prepared for what's lying ahead.

I believe success and making a difference come from hard work, not just luck.

Now, more determined than ever, I have stepped into 2024 with a hunger and commitment to intentional social impact that touches the community and makes lasting positive changes for my country.

Bernice Fernandes- Entrepreneur, Speaker and Business Advisor

Reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2023, Bernice shares insights into the transformative journey and unveils exciting plans for the upcoming year.

The year 2023 witnessed the launch of the Accelerate Women’s Economic Programme, a visionary initiative that began with the inaugural Accelerate Women’s Executive Breakfast.

Bernice embarked on a mission to empower women entrepreneurs and executive leaders, not just through conventional means but through a comprehensive approach.

This involved strategic investments, bespoke branding, and precise positioning, all aimed at propelling women and their businesses towards sustained growth.

The programme's success was further underscored by impactful training sessions, masterclasses, and personalised coaching.

The Women’s Development programme delivered several events for mothers who are entrepreneurs to assist them in their multifaceted roles, along with coaching circles and masterclasses both virtually and physically.

Accelerate Business Group served and impacted over 10,000 people through human capital training, consulting services, and pro bono work this past 2023 through a hybrid model, and looks forward to a greater outreach in 2024 through the use of technology and virtual expansion.

Celebration echoed through the entrepreneurial corridors as Bernice clinched two prestigious awards: the Women in Management Africa Top 50 and the Young Women Entrepreneur Top 50 for Tanzania in 2023.

The accolades not only recognise Bernice's outstanding contributions but also serve as a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation.

Lessons learnt

Recognising that the entrepreneurial journey is a blend of victories and challenges, Bernice emphasises the importance of resilience.

With a keen eye for hindsight, every win and obstacle has become a stepping stone towards becoming a stronger business leader.

Bernice champions the ethos of never giving up, pushing through with purpose, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Outlook for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, Accelerate Business Group is poised for an even greater impact.

The focus includes expanding training initiatives and advisory programmes to accelerate the careers and business growth of companies and professionals.

Investing in people and training programmes will accelerate companies' efforts to grow their revenues. Accelerate looks forward to training and consulting more companies in 2024.

A pivotal moment awaits with the launch of a transformative programme at the Second Annual Accelerate Women’s Executive Breakfast, themed "Ignite the Fire," on March 9th, 2024.

The emphasis is on empowering women leaders to innovate, drive change, and remain relevant in the ever-evolving economy.

The first year began with shattering the glass ceilings and obstacles that women face in business.

The next chapter is to ignite the fire once women have reached the top and are in their positions. New mentorship programmes will be launched during the executive conference.

Beyond the city limits of Dar es Salaam, Accelerate aims to reach the unreached, extending the ripple effect of empowerment and economic development.

Bernice envisions strategic partnerships with entities committed to gender economic development, leveraging the wealth of expertise in business advisory and human capital management.

Accelerate’s Corporate Social Responsibility is focused on reaching the unreached communities through education and looks forward to partnerships this year.

On a personal note, Bernice shares aspirations for a healthier lifestyle, effective time management, spiritual growth, and inner peace.

As the entrepreneurial community eagerly anticipates the unfolding chapters of Bernice's journey, one thing is clear: 2024 promises to be a year of visionary leadership, impactful initiatives, and transformative change.

Execution over excuses is the drive for this year. Where we spend our time will determine the progression and results of the year ahead.

Jacqueline Woiso- Managing Director, MultiChoice Tanzania

MultiChoice stands as a beacon of success in Africa, showcasing a remarkable journey over more than 25 years of operations in Tanzania.

Throughout this period, Tanzanian filmmakers and production houses have harnessed the vast opportunities provided by Multichoice across Africa, contributing to the flourishing local creative industry.

Collaborating with our group entities, including M-Net, SuperSport, and Showmax, we've played a pivotal role in creating jobs and producing compelling content, recognising that our success is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of our partners, communities, and country.

Our commitment extends to furthering investments in the local creative sector, our employees, and the community at large.

The year 2023 marked an exceptional period for us as we successfully cultivated a performance-driven culture across the business, leading to the achievement of our objectives.

This success is underscored by various milestones reached, including:

Contribution to the Tanzanian creative industry

Embracing our role as a steadfast supporter of pan-African TV content, MultiChoice has demonstrated extensive experience and a commendable track record of investment and training in the development of local film and television.

Our commitment extends to ensuring the screening of high-quality local content, with a focus on acquiring and producing content that adheres to world-class standards.

This endeavour has provided a platform for the authentic narration of African stories, resonating with our vision of becoming Africa's most loved storyteller.

The tangible rewards of these efforts are evident in the flourishing local film industry, with thousands of producers and actors benefiting directly by showcasing their work and earning a livelihood.

Through dedicated channels such as Maisha Magic Bongo and Maisha Magic Poa, we have successfully promoted and received acclaim for local productions, with shows like Jua Kali, Huba, Chanda, Watubaki Comedy and Dhohar becoming household names.

We have also scooped a number of accolades from various local and international film festivals, including the SDG Goal 8 award at the 2023 Business SDG Awards by the UN Global Compact Local Chapter, where we emerged as the overall winner.

This recognition underscores our impact on creating decent work and fostering economic growth, primarily through investments in local content.

Our commitment to the local industry is exemplified by initiatives such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory, which emphasises our dedication to enhancing the skills of emerging creatives.

Digitalisation

MultiChoice Tanzania prioritises cutting-edge technology. During the year, we successfully embraced digitalisation across our payment channels, including the My DStv App, WhatsApp, DStv Website, and USSD.

This transition has shifted customers from the traditional method of visiting our physical locations to utilising online self-service features, enabling them to make payments, check balances, and access technical solutions at their convenience.

This advancement allows us to cater to a diverse customer base, considering the variety of devices they use, thereby serving a broad range of customers nationwide.

Furthermore, our DStv users have the option to experience DStv on the move using DStv Stream.

Human capital development

Additionally, we dedicated efforts to improving our overall work environment. Our recent move to a new location was strategically chosen to promote collaboration and synergy among our teams.

This new facility not only fosters a positive atmosphere for our staff but also offers modern amenities, contributing to an enriched working experience.

Notably, we have incorporated facilities such as nursing rooms to support female staff returning from maternity leave.

We also observed a notable positive spirit among our staff across the entire organisation, as evidenced by initiatives recognising team efforts.

These achievements highlight our dedication to nurturing a vibrant and prosperous organisational culture, where accomplishments are acknowledged and ongoing learning and development are essential components of our success.

Outlook plans for 2024

MultiChoice Tanzania is ready to sustain its impact by maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic technological landscape and adapting to evolving customer demands throughout 2024.

Our commitment lies in fostering a customer-centric culture, advancing technologically, through leveraging our unique platform, scale, and distribution to build a broader ecosystem of consumer services that are underpinned by scalable technology, and giving priority to the engagement and development of our employees.

Furthermore, this year specifically, we've significantly invested in customising our content for localisation, guaranteeing its strong resonance with our local audience.