African Voices Changemakers of the Cable News Network (CNN), will this weekend spotlight two Africans that have distinguished themselves on the continent as entrepreneurs in their communities.
Togolese-American Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Ivorian, Axel-Emmanuel Gbaou will share their journey and impact in business and social impact.
This unique episode features two outstanding Africans who serve as inspiration to different people in their countries and across the continent.
On her part, Olowo-n’djo Tchala was one of the founders of Alaffia Beauty Company and is the current Chief Executive Officer of the business, with an estimated turnover of $50 million.
Her work as a social entrepreneur, has seen her promote the economic empowerment of women in Africa using her organization.
She has received numerous awards including Award for Corporate Excellence from the US State Secretary, under the “Women’s economic empowerment” category in 2018 and joined the consultative committee on African trade same year. Alaffia uses local shea butter, coconut oil and other local beauty ingredients to make personal care brands.
Axel-Emmanuel Gbaou, holds a Master’s degree in Public Law and Political Science and another in Taxation but became an apprentice with an Abidjan-based Ivorian chocolatier after which he gained vast knowledge on the possibility of turning cocoa into a variety of delicacies.
He subsequently quit his secure job as a banker to become a professional chocolate maker and, from his mother’s kitchen, Gbaou became Champion of Côte d’Ivoire, Vice-Champion of Africa and Super Laureate of the Alassane Ouattara Prize for Young Entrepreneurs.
He has since become a large-scale chocolatier who is very passionate about the handling and processing of cocoa beans into delicacies and chocolates.
The programme comes up on DSTV CNN Channel 401 on Saturday at 9.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. Repeat broadcasts will be aired on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 7.30 p.m. and on Monday at 12.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m.