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Resilience – The Journey of a Determined Entrepreneur Alexander Odhiambo’s Path to Success in Africa’s Business Heroes Competition

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10 months ago

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Its mission is to spotlight and grow local talent who are creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond and to inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 9, 2025/APO Group/ —

In entrepreneurship, resilience usually makes the difference between winning and losing. Alexander Odhiambo, who co-founded and leads Solutech Limited, exemplifies this spirit. His experience in the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize competition shows the resolve that drives successful business owners. Alexander tried twice to reach the Top 10 group. His persistence finally paid off when he claimed the 2nd Runner-Up spot in the 2024 Grand Finale, winning US$150,000.

ABH is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa to support entrepreneurs. Its mission is to spotlight and grow local talent who are creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond and to inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship. Over ten years, the program will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training programs and broader support for the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lessons from Alexander’s ABH Journey

Alexander’s ABH journey teaches us about not giving up. Many business owners might quit after one failure, but he saw each experience as a chance to learn. His initial attempts got him to the Top 50 and then the Top 20, but he didn’t let these stops hold him back. Instead, he improved his business plan and how he spoke about it, and he became a much stronger and more determined leader. He delivered motivational talks in Kigali, Rwanda, and later in Cairo, Egypt. He took every “no” as a lesson, trying again each year with new energy and determination. When he stood on the big stage at the 2024 ABH finale, it proved he was right – not just about his business but about believing in keeping at it and always getting better.

Commenting on his achievement, Alexander says, “Resilience is not just about trying again – it’s about learning, adapting and growing stronger with every challenge. My journey with ABH has proven that perseverance and continuous improvement are the true keys to success.”

A Career Built on Resilience

My journey with ABH has proven that perseverance and continuous improvement are the true keys to success

Alexander’s resilience didn’t start with ABH. His entrepreneurial path began years earlier with several ventures that put his ability to handle challenges to the test. As a new university graduate, he tried out different business ideas, and each experience shaped his view on what it takes to succeed. To him, resilience isn’t about trying again; it’s about adapting, learning, and seeing failures as stepping stones instead of setbacks. His take on failure is straightforward: Every mistake teaches you something, and every challenge gives you a chance to grow. This outlook has helped him turn challenges into opportunities for growth, shaping him into the business leader he is today.

Solutech Limited: Growing Through Determination

At the core of Alexander’s journey is Solutech Limited, a company he co-founded with the dream of transforming enterprise software solutions in Africa. Back in 2014, the rapid growth of Kenyan manufacturers and distributors highlighted some serious challenges – like a lack of field visibility, operational hiccups and poor decision-making.

These issues meant that many companies were struggling to grow, often seeing little to no progress, and facing low employee productivity. Recognising this gap in the market, the founders of Solutech – Alexander Odhiambo, Mutie Mule, Rayyidh Bayusuf and Jinal Savla – set out to make a difference. They formed an all-in-one SFA software, known as Solutech SAT, designed to support small, medium and large manufacturing and distribution companies, as well as sales and marketing agencies across Africa.

Resilience has been a key ingredient in the company’s success story. From building partnerships to scaling operations and fine-tuning its product offerings, perseverance has finally paid off. The US$150,000 prize from ABH will elevate Solutech into its next growth phase, enabling the company to broaden its reach, upgrade its technology and further strengthen its position in the market.

Alexander’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Looking back on his journey, Alexander shares some valuable insights for fellow entrepreneurs: Firstly, perseverance is essential. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as chances to learn and grow. Secondly, every experience is a learning opportunity. Whether you face a failed pitch or a business deal that didn’t go your way, there’s always something valuable to take away from it. Also, make the most of platforms like ABH. They aren’t about securing funding; they also provide helpful networking opportunities, mentorship and exposure that can help take your business to new heights. Build a solid team, because no entrepreneur achieves success in isolation. Having the right people around you can make a world of difference. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. The right connections can unlock doors that sheer persistence might not be able to.

2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open

African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at  AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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