In this episode, I’m joined by Alisa Sydow (Professor of Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School) to unpack what women founders are really navigating in Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem beyond the usual “barriers list.” We discuss: Why purpose is powerful—but can also limit growth if it makes founders neglect commercial fundamentals. The overlooked role of founder identity (and why some women subconsciously place business last). The gap between policy and lived reality in finance access (including stories shared by founders in 2025). A practical, grounded view of product uniqueness, market fit, and why the local market is often underestimated. Why “trendy” international calls for proposals can distort markets and push founders toward the wrong models. If you mentor founders, invest, design entrepreneurship programs—or you are building yourself this is an episode to bookmark.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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