5 business ideas for diaspora moving back to Africa, a success story of a Tanzanian, Mercy Kitomari

Millions of Africans have moved to Europe and US since the turn of the century  willingly or unwillingly for various reasons. Africa has one of the largest diaspora populations in the world, with over 20 million migrants from the continent living and working in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Some of the African diaspora entrepreneurs  have curved out a successful career and life for themselves in foreign lands while others are struggling to create a meaningful  life.

Apart from that there are conducive environment of doing business in diaspora comparing to many African countries, some  successful entrepreneurs decide to come and invest back to their homelands because of patriotism of coming back and create solutions to challenges Africa faces.

Tabonga Muchuchubi, Founder of Xavier Africa, a bespoke  software development in helping organisation eliminate operational and structural inefficiencies, says that achieving any level of of success as an entrepreneur, one has to get involved in an ecosystem that is centered around  how to start, where to get help and what to be aware of.

Built in Africa, a podcast that puts the spotlight in African startup, urges diaspora who want to invest in Africa, not to think one should be a  millionaire to do something in Africa, but what matters is an idea you have as there are right people to connect with.

Interesting initiatives to watch include The new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Diaspora Investment in Agriculture (DIA),the African Union’s African Diaspora Investment Fund, and Kenya’s African Diaspora Asset Managers (ADAM), Pangea Trust (Kenya) etc.

Mercy Kitomari a Tanzanian successful  entrepreneur who decided to move back to Africa (Tanzania), speaking this week to her over the phone, about what makes some successful in doing business and why she decided to move from diaspora where  there's thought to have better opportunities, said that there are combination of things to see a right opportunity in doing business, among them, an idea of what to do, a desire of execution/commitment, and capital.

That you have to commit yourself  to do things of your dream.

Since I was young, as we kept cows at home, I used to sell frozen milk with sugar, so I grew up knowing how to do business with a passion.

"When I was abroad, I remember there  was a good chance of doing business at home as there are fruits, milk etc., and also knowing home is home, I decided to come and I lam not lamenting", said Kitomari.

What are 5 Business ideas for Diasporas moving back to Africa?

According to Africa Business Jumpstart, 5 business ideas are

1.Build a company of manufacture raw products from Africa

2.Becomes an African import-export trader

3.Start an African business online

4. Provide Africa Business service abroad

5. Run Africa Business conferences or trade shows .

Some of these businesses  have been happening in years, but Africans didn't  participate, if they did their efforts were so mean.

According to Activator Hq, there are 100  Business ideas for 2024, but the most lucrative opportunities are

1.Specialist healthcare for medical tourists

2.LPG as substitute fuel for cooking, transport and export

3. Innovative real estate investment model  (Bungalow homes sold under the rent- top-down model)

4.High value cassava derivatives

5.Digital skills training and outsourcing

It is said your potential for success is strengthened by the community you build in, and that the idea must be coming from within if you, as this success story of a successful Tanzanian entrepreneurs Mercy Kitomari counts.

‍The Inspiring Journey of Nelwa’s Gelato Founder

In the heart of Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian entrepreneur Mercy Kitomari is making waves in the ice cream industry with her company, Nelwa's Gelato.

A potent combination of passion for ice cream, chocolate, and wildlife conservation has propelled Kitomari into the spotlight, earning her acclaim as one of Tanzania's most genuine and inspiring personalities.

Born in Lesotho, Kitomari' s journey led her to Arusha for her early education before pursuing higher studies in the United Kingdom. It was there that the seeds of her ice cream company were planted.

Upon returning to Tanzania and working in finance, Nelwa's Gelato took shape as a side venture, leveraging the power of social media and existing networks to take orders on weekdays and make deliveries on weekends.

The turning point for Nelwa's Gelato came with a break through deal to supply Southern Sun Hotel, exceeding production capabilities at the time.

Today, the company stands tall as a household name in Tanzania's ice cream industry, competing successfully against major local and international brands.

Mercy Kitomari's story has garnered attention both locally, with features in the Ndovu Spotlight Studio series, and internationally through the BBC's African Dream series, solidifying her status as a Tanzanian entrepreneur to watch.

However, amidst media features and critical acclaim, Kitomari remains humble and authentic, greeting everyone with a warm and sincere smile.

Her company, Nelwa's Gelato, goes beyond just ice cream production – it actively supports local small-scale fruit farmers and contributes to wildlife conservation efforts across Tanzania.

Kitomari's commitment to preserving Tanzania's natural resources shines through her diligent efforts to support wildlife conservation.

Her passion comes alive when she speaks about the majestic elephants against the African sunset, showcasing not only her entrepreneurial spirit but also her dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.

Nelwa's Gelato is not just an ice cream brand; it's a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and a genuine love for both flavors and the planet.

Mercy Kitomari's journey is an inspiration, a tale of entrepreneurship fueled by passion, kindness, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Mercy Kitomari's entrepreneurial spirit is fueled not just by financial success but by a genuine desire to create a meaningful difference. As she continues to lead Nelwa's Gelato to new heights, she inspires others to embark on entrepreneurial journeys driven by purpose, kindness, and a commitment to leaving a positive legacy.

In a world where business success is often measured solely by financial gains, Kitomari's story stands as a beacon, illustrating that true entrepreneurship goes hand in hand with a sense of responsibility and a passion for making the world a better place. Nelwa's Gelato isn't just an ice cream brand; it's a symbol of the profound impact an entrepreneur can have when fueled by a vision that extends beyond the bottom line.