I’ve always had a business mind. I loved money—not for its own sake, but for the possibilities it opened up. Growing up, I worked alongside my siblings and parents, selling ice lollies and farming vegetables to sell on weekends and during school holidays. That’s where I first learned the basics of starting something from scratch and making a profit.
But like many people, I eventually shelved those early entrepreneurial lessons and followed the “expected” path: go to school, get a job, build a career.
And I did. For almost 17 years, I thrived in the corporate world.
When Life Forces a New Beginning
Then 2020 happened.
The pandemic cost me my job in customer support — the one steady income I relied on. I turned to my side hustle of making savory snacks and catering for events, but soon after, government restrictions shut that down too. My income evaporated almost overnight.
As if that wasn’t enough, life threw in another blow: I was diagnosed with stage two colon cancer. At first, I thought the weight loss was just stress from financial pressure, but the truth was far more alarming.
In the middle of all of this — job loss, financial uncertainty, illness — I found myself mindlessly scrolling through social media when an ad popped up:
“Would you like to start a business but you don’t know how?”
My skeptical Kenyan mind immediately assumed it was a scam. But clicking that ad turned out to be the miracle I didn’t know I needed.
Finding Africa 2100 — and Finding My Footing Again
That ad led me to Africa 2100.
Even though I joined with hesitation and a lot of self-doubt, what I discovered was a level of support, clarity, and encouragement I had never experienced before. My simple idea — to make energy more accessible across Sub-Saharan Africa — suddenly had room to breathe.
It all began with a two-day training program that introduced me to a community of brilliant minds with inspiring ideas. I absolutely loved the masterclasses. Being able to learn directly from seasoned professionals — and ask questions that I once feared were “stupid” — was invaluable.
Not once did I feel foolish. Not once did I feel alone.
Africa 2100 gave me access to people who genuinely cared, who listened, who guided, and who helped transform my small idea into a real business with real potential to change lives. This community became my anchor, my sounding board, and my launchpad.
A Venture with Purpose — and a Future with Possibilities
Today, I’m building a venture that is on the cusp of becoming a success story — with plans to take our solar energy solutions continental and beyond.
Thinking back to where I started — from childhood hustles, to corporate life, to devastating setbacks, to rediscovering hope — I’m grateful that one simple click changed everything.
To Anyone Sitting on a Dream…
If you’ve ever felt that burning desire to start something that could make life better — for you, your family, your community — take the chance.
Join Africa 2100.
Give your idea the space to grow.
I did.
And it completely changed the trajectory of my life.
Michael Mengo
FRP-01 Cohort Participant
