In today’s world, entrepreneurship has become a way of life. It is no longer just a means of earning a living, but it is also a means of creating job opportunities for others. Young entrepreneurs have shown that age is not a barrier to achieving success in business. In Africa, there is an increasing number of young CEOs who are making waves in their respective fields, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy. Today, our spotlight is on Nunu Ntshingila, a South African businesswoman who has risen to become one of the most influential women in the technology industry in Africa.
Nunu Ntshingila, was born and raised in South Africa, she started her career as a teacher before pivoting into the advertising industry. She went on to work for several top advertising agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather and FCB, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected advertising executives in the country. Nunu developed a keen understanding of how to connect with consumers and build strong brands. She also developed a passion for digital marketing and the potential it held for businesses in Africa
Ntshingila’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2015, she was appointed as the Head of Facebook Africa, a newly created position that would see her oversee the social media giant’s operations across the continent. It was a massive challenge, but Ntshingila was up for it. She was tasked with growing Facebook’s user base and advertising revenue on the continent. Nunu took on this challenge with zeal, leveraging her years of experience in advertising and marketing to develop a winning strategy for Facebook in Africa.
FACEBOOK AFRICA
Under her leadership, Facebook has seen tremendous growth in Africa. Ntshingila has been instrumental in helping Facebook tap into this massive market, by launching initiatives such as the Free Basics program, which provides free access to basic internet services in developing countries. The company has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting digital skills development and entrepreneurship on the continent. One of these initiatives is the Facebook Community Accelerator, which provides training, mentorship, and funding to community leaders and entrepreneurs across Africa.
Nunu’s leadership has also helped Facebook Africa to grow its user base on the continent. In 2020, Facebook reported that it had over 170 million monthly active users in Africa, up from 100 million in 2015 when Nunu first took on the role of CEO. Today, the platform has over 200 million active users in the region, with more than half accessing it through their mobile devices.
Active Users at The Time Nunu Took Over
Despite the many challenges faced by businesses operating in Africa, Nunu has remained resilient and focused on the long-term vision for Facebook Africa. She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a business that is not only successful but also has a positive impact on the lives of Africans.
Nunu’s success as a young African CEO is a testament to the potential that exists on the continent. Despite the many challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Africa, Nunu has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a clear vision, it is possible to rise to the top of one of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies.
Ntshingila’s consideration as African Leadership Magazine Person of the week is not just limited to her success at Facebook. She has also been a champion for women’s empowerment and education in Africa, serving as a board member for several organizations dedicated to these causes. In 2016, she was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business”.
Ntshingila’s rise to the top serves is an inspiration to young people across Africa, who may feel that their dreams are out of reach. Her story is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible. Just like she ones has said, “I believe that anything is achievable if you have the passion and the drive to make it happen.”
Nunu Ntshingila is a shining example of a young African CEO. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, vision, and resilience in the face of adversity, and is an inspiration to young Africans. Her success in the marketing and advertising industry, as well as her dedication to women’s empowerment and education, make her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. We can only expect to see more great things from her in the years to come.
All these made Nunu Ntshingila The African Leadership Magazine the Person of the Week.
Source: Unknown
Nunu Ntshingila is ALM YOUNG AFRICAN OF THE WEEK
