In the vibrant landscape of African entrepreneurship, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Tsepo Ntshona, a dedicated entrepreneur, CEO of Africa Business Excellence (Africabx) and passionate advocate for leadership development across the continent.
His journey from a humble upbringing to a prominent figure shaping Africa’s business future offers invaluable insights into resilience, purpose, and innovative leadership.
A Foundation of Values and Inspiration
Born and raised in the small Eastern Cape town of Alice, Tsepo’s early years were deeply rooted in a nurturing environment. Alice’s historical significance, particularly as the alma mater of Nelson Mandela and other African luminaries through the University of Fort Hare, imbued him with a sense of legacy and purpose.
“I was born and raised in a small town called Alice, officially known as eDikeni,” Tsepo recounts. “It’s a place that has produced many leaders, and I believe that environment played a role in shaping my aspirations.”
His upbringing was characterized by the guidance of strong women. Acts of humility, perseverance and unwavering faith by his grandmother, mother and siblings laid the groundwork for Tsepo’s personal and spiritual development. Attending a Christian boarding school from childhood through adolescence further reinforced his core values, emphasizing discipline, faith, and community service.
“Through my family and education, I learned about ethics, humility, and the importance of a strong value system,” Tsepo reflects. “Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey.”
From Curiosity to Self-Discovery
Tsepo’s passion for learning persisted beyond school, especially his interest in reading biographies of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide. This self-driven study ignited a fascination with how organizations are built, managed, and scaled.
His ascent in leadership roles during his working career was rapid, but it was in entrepreneurship that he found his true calling.
“I quickly realized that theory and practice are worlds apart. Entrepreneurship demands unlearning, relearning, and resilience in the face of setbacks,” he says.
His journey was punctuated by failures and iterative experimentation, each experience honing his ability to craft sustainable business models.
The Birth of Africa Business Excellence
Before founding Africabx, Tsepo launched a business management services network aimed at supporting SMEs across Africa. This initiative revealed a glaring gap: many SME leaders lacked critical skills in leadership, governance, compliance and financial management.
“I observed that most small businesses struggled not because of a lack of ambition, but because they lacked the right governance and leadership capabilities,” he explains. It was this insight that inspired him to establish a comprehensive ecosystem of learning and support tailored to these needs.
Founded in the Johannesburg area of South Africa, Africabx operates with a team of twenty dedicated staff members and strategic partners across the continent. Its core offerings include leadership and governance training through a Learning Centre, complemented by boutique professional services in management, governance and transactional advisory.
“Our mission is to inform, educate, and empower. We want to uplift African businesses by strengthening their leadership capacity,” Tsepo emphasizes.
Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Landscape
Since the inception of Africabx, the business environment in Africa has undergone significant transformation, driven by disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. Tshepo recognizes that staying ahead requires agility and continuous learning.
“The pace of technological change, especially AI, has revolutionized how we operate and serve clients,” he notes. To adapt, Africabx emphasizes innovation, market trend analysis, and leveraging technology to deliver more effective solutions.
Tsepo underscores the importance of core values in guiding strategy: “Our commitment to enhancing leadership and governance standards keeps us focused. We constantly seek innovative ways to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”
Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
Every entrepreneur faces obstacles and Tsepo’s journey is not an exception. Among the most profound challenges he mentions is maintaining mental health and resilience in the face of setbacks.
“It is not the failures that are hardest, but how you respond to them,” he shares. Over time, Tsepo learned the vital importance of developing mental fortitude and emotional intelligence. These qualities have enabled him to persevere and maintain clarity of purpose.
“Building mental resilience has been my greatest lesson. It helps me stay committed to our mission, regardless of the hurdles,” Tsepo said.
From Legacy Building to Leadership Development
One of Tsepo’s most notable successes involves transforming a family-owned business nearing retirement into a thriving enterprise with a future legacy. The company, which had been operating for 30 years, faced a common dilemma of selling or passing the business to the next generation.
Through strategic intervention, Tsepo and his team shifted the focus from a quick sale to legacy building and succession planning. They established a governance framework that facilitated smooth leadership transition, expanded market reach into five African countries and quadrupled the business’s net profit after tax.
“This project reminded me of the importance of purpose beyond profit. Helping a business thrive for generations is incredibly fulfilling,” Tsepo says.
Beyond his corporate work, Tsepo actively participates in community and faith-based initiatives. He is involved in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his church and has recently been approached to serve on the board of a non-profit organization dedicated to developing young African leaders.
The Potential of AI and Future Projects
Looking ahead, Tsepo is excited about the integration of AI into governance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) outcomes. He foresees AI-powered tools transforming how boards engage with management and how organizations approach sustainability.
“AI presents both opportunities and risks. Organizations must develop robust AI Governance Frameworks to harness its power responsibly,” says Tsepo.
Tsepo is in the process of preparing for the launch of Africabx new division, Africabx Lady Empire, which is focused on empowering women leaders through media platforms, podcasts, radio shows, and networking events. The initiative also aims to foster a new generation of women driving change across Africa.
“Women’s leadership is vital for Africa’s development. We want to create spaces where women can share, learn, and lead confidently,” Tsepo affirms.
