Dr. Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi serves as the CEO of KOM Group of companies. KOM Group has investments in oil processing, cotton ginning, agriculture, steel, plastic and pipe manufacturing, food, and beverages group received the national quality award in 2022 as a leading company in Tanzania producing quality goods. She is also the Director KOM Food products and is involved in education, research and business consultancy through her firm Frazmo Consultancy. She serves as the Chairperson of young women entrepreneurs, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship activities among young women between the age of 20-35 in Tanzania, is a member of the Moving Women Empowerment Network and Lionesses of Africa. She has received several national and international awards for her engagements in business, entrepreneurship and research.
We asked her some questions on her work, business and future prospects.
How did your journey in your current profession start/what inspired you?I come from a strong business background. My family has been in business for over 20 years now. Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about business. To hone my entrepreneurship skills, I was sent to business schools in India and the UK. My determination, hard work and resilience have played a major role throughout my journey. I now work with KOM group in various sectors such as Agro processing, industrial manufacturing trading and food processing. In addition, I started Frazmo Consultancy to help students to get admission abroad. Furthermore, as a research expert I guide students to complete their research work effectively. Additionally, I offer business services to entrepreneurs including investment advisory services as well as business plan writing services.
Can you share with us one challenges you faced and how you tackled it?
Not being a technical expert is the most recent challenge that I have had to deal with. However, being agile has helped me a lot to learn about various technologies in the food processing sector. Additionally, hiring experts to offer technical expertise has helped me a lot to gain better technical insights especially when it comes to various technologies available and their efficiency in the food processing and manufacturing sector.
Who is your role model, if any?
My role model is my dad Mhoja Nkwabi Kabalo. I learn a lot from him every day. He operates several businesses in Tanzania. He is extremely hardworking and has an entrepreneurial spirit. As a Leader and Prominent Business- man in Tanzania he has helped more than 1000 entrepreneurs in Tanzania. He continues to teach me the power of resilience an important trait that is required in any entrepreneurial journey. He also reminds everyday through his acts of love and compassion towards people that relationships play a crucial role in the society and in the business world.
What do you think about people who think women should be limited to certain roles only?
I challenge them to eliminate this negative perception towards defining and limiting women to certain roles. Women are able to take up various roles in their communities and in business and bring massive changes. Women are powerful and can perform better with the right support. I believe that role limiting should be addressed earlier on and emphasized in families. Families play a major role in shaping the beliefs of their children. Children who grow up in non-limiting family roles know and understand the value of what each gender is able to contribute. I’m truly thankful for how my family raised me without imposing limiting roles and that has shaped me into the prominent business- woman that I am today. I therefore urge everyone to play their part in making sure that we achieve gender equity and stop any form of bias by labelling certain roles to a particular gender. 
What is your advice to young women aspiring to succeed in your endeavor/profession?
My advice to young women aspiring to be prominent business women like me is to not have limiting beliefs against themselves. Young women should dare to take risks and to tackle hurdles along the way. It is important to hone skills in their respective sectors to be able to meet and exceed expectations. Young women should not be afraid to showcase their skills and expertise. Lastly young women should not let anyone stop them from achieving their goals. “If you are willing to work towards your goals you will definitely achieve them.”
This year with we are celebrating 20 women of excellence 2023. These are African women living in Africa or women contributing to the enhancement of African women globally. They are women making their mark in business, careers and communities. Do you know a woman worthy to be celebrated? Send us an email.
