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Jul 29, 2014

Njeri Rionge - It takes courage to become a serial entrepreneur

Jul 29, 2014

It takes courage to become a serial entrepreneur – Njeri Rionge

This article first appeared in Afrimind.org, written by Sakina Badamasuiy and posted on 19 March, 2013

Jul 29, 2014

Jul 28, 2014

Njeri Rionge on rolling out the web to Kenya's poor

Jul 28, 2014

Njeri Rionge featured on BBC Network Africa programme on 14 May 2012

For internet entrepreneur Njeri Rionge, Africa represents the next economic frontier. She say strong indigenous, African-owned companies are needed to take advantage of the boom times ahead.

Jul 28, 2014

Njeri Rionge the high school yoghurt vendor who rose to be one of Africa's leading women techpreneurs

Jul 28, 2014

The Star newspaper in Kenya featured this fascinating interview with Njeri Rionge on Monday July 28, 2014.

'High school milk vendor realises entrepreneurial dream'

From a young lady selling flavoured milk to high school students, Njeri Rionge rose to build a multi-billion business empire.

Jul 28, 2014

Entrepreneur Advice

Learn from Njeri's entrepreneur playbook

You must take responsibility for all aspects of your business....

“When you’re in business you are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly, pay attention at all times and take responsibility for all that you and your organization does throughout its tenure.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online that has since been transformed into Wananchi Group Holdings – one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Today, she describes herself as a global citizen doing business with internationally trained experts from Africa and the African diaspora. Njeri leverages global abilities with local needs and offers 'glocal' expertise to champion African business opportunity.

You need grit and determination to succeed....

“Every single entrepreneur must have a backbone, if you don’t have the backbone and capacity to sustain and to be agile enough to organize your ideas and your business growth, then you’re probably not made up for business or entrepreneurship.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Get the right people and experts around you....

“You need to have the right people around you – you can’t do everything yourself. A lot of entrepreneurs think they need to be good at every aspect of the business but this is not the case.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. This serial entrepreneur founded numerous companies including co-founding the internet service provider Wananchi Online, one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Today she splits her time between strategy consulting, speaking engagements, and investment work, either personally or through one of her portfolio businesses. Her focus is on working with SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow indigenous businesses that can be scaled across Africa.

What are the top reasons why you have been successful in business?....

“For me it is discipline, consistency, passion and excitement about growth.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent.She co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online that has since been transformed into Wananchi Group Holdings – one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Last year the company raised US$57.5 million in growth capital from a group of international investors.

Trust your gut instincts....

"Ladies, it’s like learning to ride a bike or driving a car. You need only to believe in yourself, trust your gut feeling and develop a clear plan or strategy, keep it simple and implement that plan step by step with courage, conviction and love above all. Ultimately be open minded and flexible to change course when needed and listen to your customers."

- Njeri Rionge is one of Kenya’s most successful and revered serial entrepreneurs. She co-founded Wananchi Online, a leading Internet service provider which has gone on to become East Africa’s leading cable, broadband and IP (Internet-based) phone company.

Videos

Essential videos featuring Njeri

Video: Njeri Rionge on empowering daring entrepreneurialism in Africa

Source: Cadillac Dare Greatly Series | Published on February 22, 2015

Njeri Rionge was a hairdresser with an entrepreneurial streak. She dared to trust her instincts and in doing so helped bring low cost internet to East Africa, and built its biggest internet service provider. In the video below Njeri is featured in Cadillac's 'We Dare Greatly' series - celebrating daring changemakers, whose passion and vision have reshaped their industries, our lives and our future. She discusses what it means to #DareGreatly and how to empower daring entrepreneurialism in Africa.

Video: Njeri Rionge talks about going from humble beginnings as a hairdresser to becoming one of Africa's leading techpreneurs

Video published on April 9, 2012

Njeri Rionge talks about how she we went from humble beginnings as a hairdresser to co-founding a leading Internet Service Provider, Wananchi Online. This celebrated Kenyan serial entrepreneur talks about how she grew this startup to become East Africa's leading cable, broadband and internet-based phone company. She also talks about how she's moved on to found new ventures such as Ingnite Consulting. All said and done, Njeri says she has just got started and is looking to scale even more heights as a successful woman entrepreneur. A true inspiration for all African women wanting to make their way in business.

Speech by Njeri Rionge at the MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference September 2013

Njeri Riong addresses the 2013 MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference

Source: MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference

The MIT Africa Innovate Conference is an intimate showcase of the latest ideas and innovations in entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, energy and education. In addition to our panels, our esteemed Keynotes reflect on how they have made their contribution to the continents development.

Video: Njeri Rionge featured on 'Road to Success' TV programme

Video published on January 11, 2012

Njeri Rionge discusses how she set about finding a niche for her business ventures and has followed her passion for creating new ventures. She shares the inspiring story of how she set about becoming one of Kenya's most celebrated serial entrepreneurs. She talks about how she has actualised her entrepreneurial dreams and visions through hard work, planning and focus. This female rule-breaker has bravely succeeded in breaking through the glass ceiling typically associated with the tech industry in Africa. She is a true Lioness of African business!

Video: Njeri Rionge featured on NTV Kenya's 'Money Matters' programme

Source: NTV Kenya's 'Money Matters' programme, Video uploaded on Sep 9, 2011

Njeri Rionge is a legend in Kenyan business circles, having co-founded Wananchi Online at a time when few women were in technology. She went on to hold a series of high-profile corporate jobs before quitting to start her own businesses. She describes herself as a serial entrepreneur, business coach and speaker.

Quotes

Be inspired by Njeri's words

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

“Taking an idea that’s on paper or in your head and moving it forward into real, tangible action is the true spirit of entrepreneurship.”

- Njeri Rionge serial entrepreneur (Kenya/Canada)

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

“Entrepreneurship is what is going to build Africa. Integrity is also going to build Africa.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

"Success for me is defined by increased value – not simply financial rewards. I think it is important to focus on the growth of African businesses and leaving a legacy rather than just trading in the moment for short term financial gain."

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online that has since been transformed into Wananchi Group Holdings – one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Last year the company raised US$57.5 million in growth capital from a group of international investors.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

“I touched many things before I touched the thing that turned into gold.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

"Africa is the next economic frontier. There is a huge opportunity ahead for family business and for existing businesses that have been around a long time. Let’s create a work culture; let’s have integrity in our processes; let’s be passionate about doing it right the first time; and Africa will enjoy the fruits of our labour."

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

“In my experience women and men suffer the same experience; the only difference is that women have more responsibilities. As a player in the business world, you are still expected to be a mother, wife and homemaker. That increases the number of things you are responsible for. Men in our African culture, all they do is business and everything else at home is taken care of.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. This serial entrepreneur founded numerous companies including co-founding the internet service provider Wananchi Online, one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Today she splits her time between strategy consulting, speaking engagements, and investment work, either personally or through one of her portfolio businesses. Her focus is on working with SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow indigenous businesses that can be scaled across Africa.

Social Impact

Learn about Njeri's positive impact on society

Social Impact: Njeri Rionge sets up ‘Innovation & Business Award’ to inspire budding young Kenyan entrepreneurs

Njeri Rionge has established a special awards programme and summit for Kenya’s budding entrepreneurs - the Ignite Scaling Your Business Upwards. The new Awards and Summit offer local SMEs and upcoming entrepreneurs the opportunity to network with their peers and industry leaders, and to learn how to expand and grow their companies. The Ignite Scaling Your Business Upwards Summit will be held on 18-19 September 2012 at The Junction Mall, Nairobi.

Awards & Accolades

Njeri's recent awards and honours include:

2011 - Njeri is listed in the Forbes List of Africa’s Most Successful Women
2009 - Njeri is inducted into the ICT Hall of Fame by the Computer Society of Kenya
2009 - Njeri is a World Technology Forum Nominee

NJERI RIONGE

East Africa's celebrated serial entrepreneur

Founder of Wananchi Online, Wananchi Group Holdings, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc

Country: Kenya

Sector: ICT, Business Consulting

Follow Njeri:

Njeri's Startup Story

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

Featured

Entrepreneur Advice

“When you’re in business you are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly, pay attention at all times and take responsibility for all that you and your organization does throughout its tenure.”

“Every single entrepreneur must have a backbone, if you don’t have the backbone and capacity to sustain and to be agile enough to organize your ideas and your business growth, then you’re probably not made up for business or entrepreneurship.”

“You need to have the right people around you – you can’t do everything yourself. A lot of entrepreneurs think they need to be good at every aspect of the business but this is not the case.”

“For me it is discipline, consistency, passion and excitement about growth.”

Videos

Quotes

“Taking an idea that’s on paper or in your head and moving it forward into real, tangible action is the true spirit of entrepreneurship.”

“Entrepreneurship is what is going to build Africa. Integrity is also going to build Africa.”

"Success for me is defined by increased value – not simply financial rewards. I think it is important to focus on the growth of African businesses and leaving a legacy rather than just trading in the moment for short term financial gain."

“I touched many things before I touched the thing that turned into gold.”

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

Social Impact

Awards & Accolades

Njeri Rionge, founder of Wananchi Online - one of Kenya’s most celebrated serial entrepreneurs

NJERI RIONGE

East Africa's celebrated serial entrepreneur

Founder of Wananchi Online, Wananchi Group Holdings, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc

Country: Kenya

Sector: ICT, Business Consulting

Follow Njeri:

Njeri's Startup Story

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

Featured

Entrepreneur Advice

“When you’re in business you are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly, pay attention at all times and take responsibility for all that you and your organization does throughout its tenure.”

“Every single entrepreneur must have a backbone, if you don’t have the backbone and capacity to sustain and to be agile enough to organize your ideas and your business growth, then you’re probably not made up for business or entrepreneurship.”

“You need to have the right people around you – you can’t do everything yourself. A lot of entrepreneurs think they need to be good at every aspect of the business but this is not the case.”

“For me it is discipline, consistency, passion and excitement about growth.”

Videos

Quotes

“Taking an idea that’s on paper or in your head and moving it forward into real, tangible action is the true spirit of entrepreneurship.”

“Entrepreneurship is what is going to build Africa. Integrity is also going to build Africa.”

"Success for me is defined by increased value – not simply financial rewards. I think it is important to focus on the growth of African businesses and leaving a legacy rather than just trading in the moment for short term financial gain."

“I touched many things before I touched the thing that turned into gold.”

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

Social Impact

Awards & Accolades