Startup Story
With over 20 years of experience in accounting and project management, Enid Katorobo Bashengezi is the founder of EKB Consultants in South Africa. She is a seasoned professional specializing in leadership development, fiduciary assurance, and financial management across sectors, including decentralized systems. She is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Information Technology (MSc IT), alongside certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Personal Leadership Effectiveness Coach and Consultant.
Enid’s career spans ten countries, including the USA, South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Mozambique. I excel in leadership, financial risk management, and audit reviews for international banks and NGOs, ensuring regulatory compliance. As Lead Consultant at EKB Consultants LLC, I provide tailored business leadership advisory, project management, and coaching to SMEs and individuals. My past roles at WaterAid, the World Bank and ABSA Bank have showcased my prowess in driving financial improvements and leading innovative initiatives.
LoA spoke to founder Enid Katorobo Bashengezi about her entrepreneurial journey, her extensive experience in financial management, and her vision for her business in the future.
What does your company do?
EKB Consultants provides expert financial management and project advisory services to clients in both the private and public sectors. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in delivering high-quality, innovative solutions, clients benefit from our deep expertise in financial analysis, risk management, fiduciary assurance, and project leadership, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and enhancing operational efficiency. We are committed to developing talent, fostering strong client relationships, and driving sustainable growth and success for your organization.
“EKB Consultants provides expert financial management and project advisory services to clients in both the private and public sectors. We are committed to developing talent, fostering strong client relationships, and driving sustainable growth and success for your organization.”
What inspired you to start your company?
As a young girl growing up, I dreamt that I could make a difference in the way the people around me lived. In spite of the cheerful and colorful atmosphere in Africa, poverty and hopelessness seemed to thrive. Businesses and governments were failing in their promises to their stakeholders, and in my quest for answers, I applied myself to exploring business studies and leadership. I believe that each of us can make a difference if we commit to doing the best at the vocations, we have chosen by bringing our ‘best selves’ to work every day and contributing to causes that are bigger than our individual reach.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
At EKB Consultants, what sets our products and services apart is our practical experience and our ability to leverage a network of consultants with specialized skills. This unique combination allows us to tailor solutions precisely to our clients' needs. Our extensive hands-on expertise ensures that we understand the challenges and opportunities within various industries, enabling us to provide insightful, effective strategies. By tapping into our broad network of seasoned professionals, we offer comprehensive, customized solutions that drive success and deliver measurable results for our clients.
Tell us a little about your team:
Our team at EKB Consultants is comprised of dedicated professionals who serve as associate consultants. Each member is handpicked for their attention to detail, extensive experience in African contexts, and a shared passion for developing others. This carefully selected team brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that we provide exceptional service and support to our clients.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I have always been involved in some business from a young age. I got this ‘itch’ from my parents. Although they were employed, my mother and father always explored income-generating ideas. My mother farmed and sold matooke (green banana plantain); she tried her hand at making soap in our garage and had a small shop in our neighborhood. My father thought of selling jewelry at some point and built online businesses long before we understood that this was possible. My aunt sold drinks and snacks to our neighbors. In Uganda, I ran a swimming company and a business consultancy, both of which gave me valuable insights into managing and growing businesses. I dabbled in the coffee business in South Africa in my free time, though that venture was a sure failure. However, it provided me with essential lessons and resilience. I have registered two businesses in the USA and continue to coach in various subjects. My journey, marked by successes and failures, has shaped my approach to business and deepened my commitment to helping others achieve their goals.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans and aspirations for my company involve significant growth and establishing a lasting legacy for my dependents. I aim to expand our services, reach a broader client base, and continually innovate to meet our clients' evolving needs. By doing so, I aim to build a resilient and impactful business that provides exceptional value and creates lasting opportunities and benefits for future generations.
“I believe that each of us can make a difference if we commit to doing the best at the vocations, we have chosen by bringing our ‘best selves’ to work every day and contributing to causes that are bigger than our individual reach.”
“As an entrepreneur, what gives me the most satisfaction is contributing to enhancing the dreams of other business owners. Seeing their visions come to life and supporting them in achieving their goals brings immense fulfilment.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, what gives me the most satisfaction is contributing to enhancing the dreams of other business owners. Seeing their visions come to life and supporting them in achieving their goals brings immense fulfilment. Additionally, the independence and freedom to make course corrections as soon as I identify that something is not working is invaluable. It allows me to adapt quickly, learn from challenges, and continuously improve our approach, ensuring we stay agile and effective in meeting our objectives.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start up is to start with what you have in your hands. Identify a product or service that you can deliver with minimal capital costs and begin there. Focus on progressively realizing your dream step by step.
Expect setbacks—they are guaranteed on a daily basis—but don't let them discourage you. Instead, keep your focus on the client and delivering results. Truly listen to their needs and tailor your approach accordingly.
Amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship, it's crucial to find moments of joy and connection. Take time daily to cuddle with your loved ones and celebrate the little moments in life—whether with a piece of chocolate or a glass of your favorite drink. And remember, take it one day at a time while planning for a lifetime beyond yourself.
Find out more:
Email: ekb@ekbconsultants.com
Website: http://ledcoaching.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554574551835
Twitter: https://x.com/ekbconsultants
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ekatorobo/
Why LoA loves it…
Many women entrepreneurs who find success in business have harnessed the power of their own personal skills, experience and industry knowledge, to tap into a gap in the marketplace. For Enid Katorobo Bashengezi, that means harnessing her extensive experience in the financial management and project advisory sector, using her considerable knowledge to provide her clients with advice that matters. This is a niche specialist advisory growth business to watch over the coming years. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa