Startup Story
South Africa needs vibrant, bright young women with ideas and entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential to transform the economic landscape of the country and bring with it a wealth of opportunities. Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech is one such pioneering woman entrepreneur. She believes in building African female leadership through industry platforms and hubs to produce more female leaders.
LoA met the inspirational Nosisa recently to find out more.
Tell us about yourself
I am from the small town of Empangeni in KwaZulu Natal. As an entrepreneur, I am on a mission to mobilize the tech scene in South Africa. I am the founder of a tech startup called AfriZulu Tech. I am also a graduate of Durban University of Technology with a Diploma in ICT majoring in Business Analysis, and I am currently studying my Advanced Diploma in Computer Science at Tshwane University of Technology. I bring my experience in the public and private sector, combined with my IT career to my current business. I am a great believer that the future of South Africa is dependent on the growth of SMMEs/small businesses which is why AfriZulu Tech is an organization I am passionate about. I launched with the future of African entrepreneurs in mind.
“I am a great believer that the future of South Africa is dependent on the growth of SMMEs/small businesses which is why AfriZulu Tech is an organization I am passionate about.”
“I launched with the future of African entrepreneurs in mind.”
What does your company do?
We conceptualize, design and develop custom tech solutions for the entrepreneurs’ needs. We develop websites, web applications and mobile applications to support operations during Covid-19 and sustainability post pandemic. We help SMMEs to increase revenue, save time and enhance their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market-space.
What inspired you to start your company?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many South Africans have lost jobs - approximately three million people lost their jobs over the lockdown period, raising the youth unemployment rate to 59 percent in 2020. This has triggered an entrepreneurial spirit in our country. Due to the regulations set by many countries, including South Africa, these businesses need to digitalize their functions. The digital businesses will also give South Africans the opportunity to compete in the global market. Digitization and automation could result in a net gain of up to 1.2 million jobs in South Africa by 2030.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The in-depth expertise within Afrizulu Tech helps us meet and deliver customer needs, and discover solutions using our technologies for the dynamic and diverse industries we work with in Africa. We are a solution based company that helps uplift local community businesses into improved business processes and financials.
“We help SMMEs to increase revenue, save time and enhance their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market-space.”
“Our mission to empower and employ African graduates many of which are creative thinkers and digital thinkers to reduce the number of unemployed youths.”
Tell us a little about your team
She is 24 years old and holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science Graduate at Wits University of South Africa, currently completing her Honours in Actuarial Science and accepted for a Masters in Actuarial Science at Harvard University 2021. Raised in Esikhawini, KwaZulu Natal, S’phelele Ndlela is our Chief Administrative Officer and Junior Developer. The 25 year old is a Durban University of Technology final year Student, completing her Diploma in Application Development.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I come from a background of entrepreneurship in my family. My father runs his own farm and my mother runs a salon. However, both parents have an alternative occupation as Pastors. Having being a part of a family that leads a church I was able to be a part of many ministry leadership roles that shaped the way I understand leadership and discipline in doing things for the greater good of our communities. I now know the leadership is about serving people and not bossing them. I learnt you need people to build something great. These skills I carry into my entrepreneurial journey.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Afrizulu Tech is a future industry leader in technology in Africa. Our vision is national and global expansion to other African countries and create hubs of opportunities for innovators. Our mission to empower and employ African graduates many of which are creative thinkers and digital thinkers to reduce the number of unemployed youths.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I find joy in seeing a finished product take off. I love to see the vision of a project being fulfilled. I enjoy being able to be a part of the world of opportunities for gifted, creative and digital young South Africans.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
I encourage all women to start with the skill that they have. Fill a gap. No one else thinks the way you do as an individual. We have such a unique perspective and that perspective can be your way of bringing form change and transformation to your country. Your ideas and vision can take you to the world, just trust the process.
Contact or follow
WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL info@afrizulutech.com
Why LoA loves it….
Seeing dynamic young women entrepreneurs emerging on the tech scene is hugely encouraging for Africa’s growth as a continent of innovation in business. Nosisa is one of those who represent a future that thinks differently, that knows the importance of entrepreneurship to the economy, and can create the technology solutions to drive that growth. She is definitely an entrepreneur to keep on your radar over the coming years. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa