Desiree is passionate about breaking boundaries and inspiring women founders to re-discover and write a new narrative for Africa. Her work is synonymous with advocating for innovation, emerging technologies, and start-up ecosystems that foster collaboration and sustainable relationships among women in the tech sector.

In this episode, we look deeper into the state of women-led entrepreneurship in Africa with Desiree Joule-Adam, Director of External Affairs at the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative.

What to look forward to in this episode:

• Why are you passionate about women-led entrepreneurship in Africa? What about your background and history influenced your career trajectory to reach this point? [3:40]
• You’ve worked in various sectors, ranging from media and telco to education and industry. Which experiences have proven to be the most valuable to you in your work today? [8:04]
• What are the typical challenges women entrepreneurs face when trying to build businesses on the African continent? [11:50]
• Do you think the continent has moved the needle to address the challenges women face in the startup ecosystem? [17:07]
• What role does activism play in creating an enabling environment for women-led startups? [19:20]
• What are the differences in what women-led entrepreneurs are building across the African continent? [23:45]
• What is your opinion on bridging the gap between the economic necessity for women-led entrepreneurship and “self-actualization/social status/hierarchy?" [28:55]
• How important is mental health and well-being support for women founders? [33:32]
• What is some of the best advice you've received from a woman industry peer in your entrepreneurial journey? [41:00]
• What makes you optimistic about women-led entrepreneurship on the African continent? [49:53]

CONNECT VIA SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Connect with Desiree Joule-Adam on Twitter and Linkedin.
• Connect with Hope Dithlakanyane on Twitter and Linkedin.

Tell us...

• What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode?
• What topic would you like us to feature on a future podcast?

Let us know via the hashtag: #AfricanPreseed

USEFUL RESOURCES:

• ARTICLE: Ten women running multimillion-dollar businesses in Nigeria by Ishioma Emi (Ventures Africa).
• ARTICLE: A peek into the future of African VC by Tayo Akinyemi (The Trajectory: Africa).
• ARTICLE: A $3.2 Trillion Market Opportunity for Women-focused Fintechs by Aishwarya Patka (Medium).