A new series called The African Legacy Project starts on FOX Life next week and it looks as if it's going to offer cool insights and inspirations for entrepreneurs.
It premieres on Wednesday, 26 July at 19h55 and it's a 10-episode series featuring the stories of successful entrepreneurs from four African countries: Cote D’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Naija and South Africa.
As you may know, Shark Tank is one of my all time fave shows so I'm especially tickled to see that South African Sharks Gil Oved and Romeo Kumalo are being featured.
Here's an overview of what to expect from the official episode descriptions... the order of eps might change apparently:
Swaady Martin, Cote D’Ivoire (26 July)
Episode 1
Widely known as Africa’S Queen of Luxury, founder and CEO of the Swaady Group, Swaady Martin shares her journey on how she has built world-class African products, distributed globally.
The Swaady group manufactures high end luxury teas, candles, accessories, jams and honeys. The group is made up of two brands Yswara and Akrafo. In just over four years, Swaady Martin has her products distributed in over 17 countries such as Dubai, Beirut, UK, Ghana and Nigeria to name a few.
Yswara is listed in some of the world’s most prestigious retailers and hotels such as Selfridges, Harrods, Four Seasons, Saxon and many more. In this episode she shares her journey, her story and also shares on a unique business philosophy she’s coined ‘Luxe Ubuntu.’
Joseph Hundah, Zimbabwe (2 August)
Episode 2
Joseph Hundah, President and CEO of Econet Media, is a media executive who has gained a reputation as one of the greatest media executives on the continent. Joseph has led major broadcasters across the continent.
At the age of 26, he was appointed GM of South African public broadcaster SABC, he then moved on to become CFO of SuperSport and led M-Net Africa and Multichoice in Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria.
Joe shares his experiences of the ever dynamic and changing media industry and gives insights on how to create great content and build world class African media houses.
Dr Judy Dlamini, South Africa (9 August)
Episode 3
Known as one of the wealthiest women in South Africa, Dr Judy Dlamini is a qualified medical doctor and the Chairman of Mbekani Group.
Having grown up in Westville, KZN, Judy grew up in pre-democratic South Africa and was subjected to harsh laws under the apartheid regime. She grew up in a loving home, but lost her father at a young age.
Experiencing many challenges, her mother put her through school and she qualified as a medical doctor. After qualifying, she opened up her own practice and simultaneously set up and ran a bakery next door to her practice.
Attributing her success to lots of hard work, focus, education and luck - today Dr Judy is the 100% owner of Luminance Department Store, Executive Chairman of Mbekani Group, Co-founder of Future Nation Schools, sits on several boards and is a published author. She shares her story and her legacy.
Oke Maduewesi, Nigeria (16 August)
Episode 4
CEO, Zaron Group of Companies Industry Beauty.
Oke Maduewesi is Chief Executive Officer of the Zaron group of companies, comprising Zaron International Limited, Zaron Cosmetics Limited and Zaron Hair International Limited, who are manufacturers, distributors and marketers of beauty care products under the Zaron brand.
Through vision, perseverance and hard work, she has been able to build the Zaron brand into one of the strongest and fastest growing cosmetic brand in Africa, with distribution in over seven African countries
Gil Oved, South Africa (23 August)
Episode 5
Gil Oved is the Co-CEO of The Creative Counsel, Africa’s largest Marketing and Sales solutions company.
At the age of 19, Gil started his first business - a television production company named Jewazi. After three years, Gil left production and started another business with friend Ran Neur. After two years of hard work, the business never got off the ground.
After two failed businesses, Gil - never being one to give up - he and his business partner started their next venture The Creative Counsel, not knowing that this would lead to their greatest success. They recently sold the business for R1 Billion. Gil shares his journey and his legacy.
Renchia Drogans, South Africa (30 August)
Episode 6
Founder and CEO, Africology.
Industry Spa & Beauty Africology is a leading natural, eco-friendly, holistic spa and skincare company in South Africa, with its success spanning across international borders (US, Europe & Tanzania).
Yasmin and Afua, Nigeria (6 September)
Episode 7
Duo Yasmin and Afua are co-founders of She Leads Africa, a global social enterprise engaging young ambitious African women.
She Leads Africa organizes ”Shehives” across the globe where young women, who are looking to break through and get real results in their businesses and careers, can connect with experts.
To date, they have a community of 90,000 millennial African women, have trained over 400 women, organised $50,000 in funding to African female entrepreneurs and facilitated investments of $1.2m to these entrepreneurs.
They have presence in Ghana, Nigeria, New York, London, South Africa and Canada.
Romeo Kumalo, South Africa (13 September)
Episode 8
CEO, Washariki Holdings
Romeo Kumalo’s name is synonymous with the Media and the Telecommunications industry on the African continent.
Having achieved great success in the media and broadcasting industry, Romeo transitioned into the Information, Communications and Telecoms sector as a highly successful CEO of Vodacom/Vodafone International, where he held positions accountable for commercial development and managing the cellular giant’s interest in African markets.
Romeo is currently the CEO and co-founder of Washirika Holdings, a pan-African investment holding and private equity company with investments that span the property development and ICT sectors.
Candice Thurston, South Africa (20 September)
Episode 9
Founder & Managing Director Candi n Co.
Candice Thurston is the Founder and Managing Director of Candi and Co. South Africa’s first franchised ethnic hair salon that delivers world class hair-care services and products that are accessible, affordable and authentically beautiful.
With seven stores and growing rapidly, Candice sold the brand to Sorbet group of companies and remains active in the business as Managing Director.
Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Nigeria (27 September)
Episode 10
Hakeem Belo-Osagie is one of Nigeria and Africa’s most prolific businessmen and philanthropists. In his early 30s he became Chairman of UBA and turned the bank around from near bankruptcy. He started Nigeria’s first securities exchange boutique and later moved onto Telecomms.
He is also a philanthropist, a champion for education and sits on the Harvard Advisory board, Yale University Council and New York University global council.
His net worth is estimated at $700 million.