Unopa Makanyanga

Over the past decade, I have dedicated my career to supporting African entrepreneurs, helping them overcome barriers to growth, access capital, and build sustainable ventures. My work has allowed me to guide over 200 entrepreneurs, help founders raise over $5 million in funding, and design transformative programs that have impacted more than 1,000 leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent. These experiences have reinforced my belief that mentorship is a critical tool for fostering innovation and resilience.
My focus areas in mentoring include fundraising strategies, business development, ecosystem collaboration, and capacity building. I am particularly passionate about working with early-stage startups addressing social challenges, as I believe entrepreneurship can be a powerful driver of positive change. Through my work, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by African entrepreneurs and developed practical strategies to help them succeed.
As a Mandela Washington Fellow (2017) and Included VC Fellow (Class ’24), I have been fortunate to gain exposure to global best practices in leadership and venture capital. These experiences have shaped my approach to mentoring, emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and long-term impact. Additionally, as a published author and storyteller, I enjoy helping entrepreneurs craft compelling narratives that resonate with investors and stakeholders.
Mentoring allows me to give back to the ecosystem that has shaped my own journey while inspiring the next generation of innovators. By sharing my expertise and insights, I aim to empower entrepreneurs to realize their visions, scale their ventures, and contribute to Africa’s economic growth. Ultimately, my goal is to help build a thriving African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Having worked with over 200 entrepreneurs and helped founders raise more than $5 million in funding, I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship can change lives. I’ve watched entrepreneurs go from struggling to articulate their ideas to confidently pitching investors and securing the resources they need to scale their businesses. These moments are deeply fulfilling because they remind me that every entrepreneur has the potential to succeed when given the right tools, insights, and encouragement.
My passion for mentoring stems from a desire to give back to the ecosystem that has shaped my own journey. As a Mandela Washington Fellow and Included VC Fellow, I’ve benefited from incredible mentors who have challenged me, inspired me, and opened doors I didn’t know existed. Their belief in me fueled my growth, and I want to pay that forward by helping others navigate their own paths.
Beyond technical guidance, mentoring allows me to connect with people on a deeper level—to hear their stories, understand their challenges, and celebrate their wins. It’s about building relationships that inspire trust, confidence, and long-term growth. I’m particularly passionate about working with African entrepreneurs because I believe in the continent’s untapped potential.