In a world where the business landscape often favors the familiar, Rosheen Ngorima dared to be different. From Zimbabwean roots to becoming a champion for African women entrepreneurs in the Middle East, Rosheen’s journey is not just about success—it’s about creating space where none existed. It’s about redefining what it means to be a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated world. And as the founder of Female Founders Initiative Global, her vision is now transforming businesses and lives across Africa and the Middle East.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, Rosheen’s foundation was built on the values of strong family bonds and resilience.
“I had a wonderful upbringing surrounded by strong family values, which played a significant role in shaping my resilience,” she shares.
These early experiences formed the basis for her belief in the power of community, something that would later define her entrepreneurial journey.
Her academic journey took her to the University of Venda in South Africa, where she earned a degree in accounting. “My education was pivotal in guiding me toward a career in finance, and it gave me the foundation to think critically and solve problems,” she recalls.
After graduation, she moved to Dubai, beginning her career as an accountant. But Rosheen’s entrepreneurial spirit was always bubbling under the surface.
It was during her time in Dubai, pregnant and navigating a male-dominated industry, that Rosheen realized there was a glaring gap in the business world: the lack of representation of African women. “I realized there was a significant gap in the representation of African women in the Middle East,” she says. This epiphany ignited her passion for empowering African women, eventually leading to the creation of the Female Founders Initiative Global (FFI-Global).
The Birth of Female Founders Initiative Global
Rosheen’s motivation behind starting her company was deeply personal. She wanted to create a platform where African women could come together, support each other, and build sustainable businesses.
“I wanted to create a platform where African women could come together to empower each other, collaborate, and build sustainable businesses,” she explains.
FFI-Global provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and support for women entrepreneurs, focusing on helping them navigate the often harsh challenges of starting and growing a business in regions where they may face barriers due to their gender or origin.
“We are headquartered in Dubai, and we are expanding our reach to other parts of the Middle East and Africa,” Rosheen adds. Despite being a relatively small team, the initiative is growing rapidly and bringing women together to collaborate on a global scale. FFI-Global offers a wide array of services, including business mentorship, connecting entrepreneurs with investors, and creating a platform for women to share experiences and insights. Through their programs, FFI-Global helps female entrepreneurs access business advice, networks, and resources that were once out of reach.
FFI-Global has already made a significant impact, helping women entrepreneurs across Africa and the Middle East start and grow businesses, create jobs, and increase their influence in their respective industries. “Our mission is to elevate Female Founders as significant contributors, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage,” Rosheen adds.
Perseverance in the Face of Barriers
Like any entrepreneur, Rosheen has faced her share of challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of support systems for African women in the Middle East. “There were also cultural and societal barriers that I had to navigate, especially as a pregnant woman wanting to make an impact in a male-dominated industry,” she recalls. “Building Female Founders Initiative Global while managing a career and family was not easy.” But Rosheen remained undeterred.
“The key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and staying true to my vision,” she says. She learned that collaboration is key to overcoming these barriers. By aligning with like-minded individuals and organizations, she has been able to create a platform where women can lift each other up.
Impact and Success Stories
Looking back, Rosheen is proud of the success stories she’s helped create. One of the most notable achievements has been the launch of a mentorship program through FFI-Global. “We’ve been able to empower women entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East to start and grow businesses that create jobs and positively impact their communities,” she proudly states.
Additionally, FFI-Global’s digital platform, which connects African women entrepreneurs with international investors, has facilitated cross-border partnerships and investment opportunities. “Seeing the transformation in these women’s businesses and confidence has been incredibly rewarding,” Rosheen adds.
Rosheen’s dedication and impact have been recognized globally. She is a Forbes Business Council Member. Over the years, she has received several prestigious awards for her work in business and entrepreneurship. In 2020, she was honored as the Business Finance Leader of the Year at the She Awards in Dubai, followed by the recognition of her company in 2021 with the Best Full-Service Bookkeeping & VAT Services Company award by UAE MEA Markets.
Rosheen’s influence extends beyond the corporate world, as she was also awarded Best Brand of the Year by Women World Wide Dubai in 2020. Her commitment to empowering women has earned her a place among the Top 50 Women in Management in Africa in 2022. Most recently, in 2023, she was named Professional Service Provider of the Year by Entrepreneur Middle East in collaboration with Mastercard, and recognized as one of the 60 exceptional African women at the Pan African Women Summit organized by the African Union.
These awards are a testament to the far-reaching impact of her leadership and her commitment to breaking down barriers for African women in business.
Advancing Gender Equality
In addition to her work at FFI-Global, Rosheen is deeply passionate about improving gender equality in leadership roles across various sectors. “I am involved in a number of initiatives aimed at improving gender equality in the workplace, particularly in sectors where women are traditionally underrepresented, such as finance and technology,” she shares.
She is also an advocate for mental health awareness for entrepreneurs, acknowledging that the stress of running a business can often take a toll on one’s well-being. “I also work closely with various organizations to promote mental health awareness for entrepreneurs,” she adds.
For aspiring entrepreneurs with limited resources, Rosheen’s advice is clear: “Start by identifying a unique gap or opportunity in the market and focus on solving a problem that matters to your community.” She believes that success doesn’t come from having abundant resources, but rather from being resourceful and adaptable. “Leverage your network, seek mentorship, and be open to collaboration,” she says. “And remember, growth takes time—perseverance is key.”
The Future: Embracing Innovation
Looking ahead, Rosheen is excited about the potential of digital platforms and the rise of virtual events and webinars that facilitate cross-border networking and collaboration. “The rise of virtual events, webinars, and online communities has made it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with one another,” she notes.
She is currently working on a global virtual summit for women entrepreneurs, bringing together speakers and entrepreneurs from various industries to share insights and strategies for success. “It’s an initiative I’m truly excited about, as it will be a great opportunity for women to collaborate and learn from each other.”
Reflecting on her journey, Rosheen concludes with the most significant lesson she has learned: “Success is not just about financial achievements, but also about the impact you make on others.” She emphasizes that true leadership is about empowerment—lifting others as you rise. “Building relationships, maintaining integrity, and always staying true to my values have been the cornerstones of my entrepreneurial journey,” she says.
Rosheen Ngorima’s work with Female Founders Initiative Global is more than a business—it’s a movement. A movement that echoes across borders, cultures, and industries, sparking change and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs who were once left behind. Her journey has not only opened doors for others but has created a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come. With each new connection made, each new business launched, and each woman empowered, Rosheen’s vision becomes more than just a dream—it becomes a reality. And in that reality, every woman who dares to dream big becomes a part of something much larger than herself.
