The Zobo Bosses – Learning to Be an Entrepreneur

Zara and Malik were best friends—and they were on a mission. It all started one hot Saturday in Lagos. The sun was blazing, and the kids in their neighbourhood were sweating buckets after football practice. Zara had an idea: “Let’s sell cold zobo!” Malik's eyes lit up. Just like that, their mini business was born but running a business wasn’t as easy as it looked. They had to learn what every successful entrepreneur knows—starting something is cool, but it takes special qualities to make it great.

First, they had to be creative. Zara remembered how Nigerian entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye started her beauty brand from scratch by mixing makeup in her kitchen! Inspired, Zara and Malik made their zobo with a splash of pineapple for a fruity twist. “No one else sells this flavour!” they said proudly.

Second, they needed to be hardworking. Like Thula Sindi, the South African fashion designer who worked day and night to build his brand, Zara and Malik woke up early to make drinks, clean their stall, and welcome customers with a smile—even when their friends were still sleeping!

Third, they had to be problem-solvers. When it rained and no one came outside, they didn’t give up. “Let’s offer home delivery!” Malik suggested. They borrowed a trolley from his uncle and rolled their coolers door-to-door.

Fourth, they learned to be confident. Zara was shy at first, but she practised talking to customers—just like Maureen Muketha, a young Kenyan who started a healthy food company and now speaks at big events around the world! With each sale, Zara stood taller and spoke clearer.

Fifth, they had to be honest and trustworthy. They made sure they never gave less change or watered down their drinks. “People must trust our business,” Malik said. And it worked—soon, aunties and uncles were coming back with their own containers!

Finally, they had to keep learning. Zara read stories about young entrepreneurs like Maya Horgan Famodu, who started a company to help African tech businesses grow. “If she can do that,” Zara thought, “maybe we can grow our little zobo shop into something big too!”

By the end of the month, they had earned enough to buy new footballs for the team and treat their friends to ice cream. But more than money, they had learned something powerful: Anyone—yes, even a 10-year-old—can be an entrepreneur with the right attitude.

So, what about you? Do you love baking? Making crafts? Solving problems? That might just be the beginning of your business journey. All you need is a little courage, a great idea, and the heart of a true entrepreneur. Your adventure starts now. Ready to dream, create, and lead? Let’s go, future CEO!