NextBillion - A WDI Publication

The recent Sankalp Africa Summit 2026, which NextBillion covered as a media partner, featured an “Enterprise Showcase” where up-and-coming African businesses shared information about their work and missions.

We interviewed a number of these entrepreneurs and company representatives, asking each of them three questions:

• What are the main challenges you’re facing in running your business?
• What kind of support would help you overcome these challenges?
• What’s one thing you wish funders understood about your business needs?

Their responses reveal some of the innovative approaches and key issues that are emerging in Africa’s vibrant ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises. We’ve embedded these video interviews below.

Asnath Gateri at AceleAfrica

Wanja Nyaga at Chanay Agriprocessors

Wanja Nyaga, Founder of Chanay Agriprocessors Limited, shares her experiences pursuing Chanay’s mission to reduce post-harvest losses in agriculture by processing high-quality jams, chutneys and sauces from locally grown produce.

Edgar Edmund Tarimo at Green Venture Tanzania

Marksteve Wangui at Libera Empire

Marksteve Wangui, Director of Partnerships and COO at Libera Empire, discusses the company’s mission of providing passengers in Kenya with reliable, comfortable transport, while empowering bus owners through fleet management and revenue sharing.

Barbra Gaitano at ZanaAfrica

Barbra Gaitano at ZanaAfrica discusses the company’s work equipping adolescent girls in Kenya with menstrual products and other tools they need to safely navigate puberty and unlock their full potential.

James Militzer is the managing editor of NextBillion.