Focus on Africa - “I became a founder - then burnt out"

“I became a founder - then burnt out

Download “I became a founder - then burnt out"

Now, despite a start-up boom happening in Africa, a recent study showed that many of Africa’s start-up founders say their jobs have negatively impacted their mental well-being.

60% of founders reported experiencing anxiety, 58% high stress, 52% exhaustion, and 20% depression. Key stressors include fundraising, inflation and economic instability.

Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna had a discussion with Jihan Abass, founder of Lami Insurance Technology - a Kenya-based fintech - and Mawano Kambeu, founder of Zambia-based digital company, Dot Com Zambia, to discuss burnout, mental health and navigating Africa’s complex start-up scene.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna
Producers: Carolyne Kiambo and Fana Weldye
Senior Producer: Priya Sippy
Technical Producer: Terry Chege
Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Published on Friday, 9th January 2026.

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