Pendo Michael Lema, the founder and managing director of Gwen Insurance Consultancy Ltd., has built a career defined by resilience, vision, and a commitment to empowering women. As the leader of a 100% female-owned insurance brokerage in Tanzania, Pendo holds an MBA in Marketing and has spent over a decade mastering the insurance industry. Her journey to the top of this traditionally male-dominated field has been marked by dedication, a strong sense of purpose, and a drive to uplift her community.
Although Pendo’s educational background is rooted in marketing and public relations, her passion for the insurance industry led her to undertake rigorous on-the-job learning and additional short courses to build expertise. “I really wanted to be in the insurance industry,” she says. “I had to do a lot of work learning, and through my experience, I realised that this is where I could make a difference.” She recognizes that her role is not just about selling insurance policies but also about providing protection and building relationships with her clients. The gratitude she receives from clients who feel secure and supported has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.
Coming from a humble background in Tanzania, Pendo’s journey into the corporate world was influenced by her upbringing as the eldest child, a position that came with early responsibilities. She credits her late father and her mother, who she describes as a natural caregiver, as significant influences. “As the firstborn, you naturally take on the role of taking care of things at home,” she reflects. Driven by the desire to uplift her family and community, she embraced the challenge of launching her own business, even against the concerns of her mother, who worried about the stability of entrepreneurship compared to traditional employment.
Accelerate Africa: Expanding Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs
In 2022, Pendo’s journey took a transformative turn when she came across an advertisement for a summit hosted by Accelerate Africa in Rwanda. Intrigued by the organization’s mission to support African small businesses and entrepreneurs, she booked a flight to attend. It was a decision that would eventually lead her to become the country coordinator for Accelerate Africa in Tanzania.
“Accelerate Africa was unlike any summit I had attended before,” Pendo recalls. “It was focused on helping small businesses get the support they needed to grow. There were pitch sessions for funding, and the atmosphere was inspiring.” Recognizing the potential impact of Accelerate Africa’s work, Pendo advocated for its expansion into Tanzania, a country she felt would greatly benefit from the organization’s resources and expertise. Today, she plays a crucial role in coordinating Accelerate Africa’s initiatives in Tanzania, helping to connect local businesses with investors and mentors.
Accelerate Africa will soon host its first event in Tanzania, a milestone that Pendo is particularly proud of. The summit will focus on crucial topics like leadership and innovation, empowerment, sustainable growth, and market expansion. By inviting small business owners, policy-makers, and key industry leaders to participate, Accelerate Africa aims to foster cross-border collaboration among African entrepreneurs and build a stronger, self-sustained economy within the continent. The foundation has plans to establish a one-stop hub to guide entrepreneurs through every step of the business process, from legal support to HR management, a vision that aligns with Pendo’s dedication to nurturing her community.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
Navigating a male-dominated industry hasn’t come without its challenges. Pendo has faced difficult situations, some of which required her to assert herself in ways that many women in business can relate to. “There are instances where, as a woman, you find yourself in vulnerable positions,” she admits. However, she stays grounded by reminding herself that her success isn’t just for her; she’s building a legacy for her family, employees, and community.
Balancing her professional responsibilities with her roles as a mother, wife, and firstborn in her family demands careful prioritization. “There is no perfect balance; you just have to know what takes priority and when,” she explains. She credits her strong support system, including friends, family, and trusted colleagues, for allowing her to excel in her multiple roles.
As a woman in business, Pendo finds inspiration in figures like Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first woman to hold the office in her country. “She’s someone we all look up to,” says Pendo. “Her leadership is a light for women across Africa.”
Looking Ahead
For Pendo, the future is filled with aspirations, both personal and professional. She plans to continue expanding her network, setting a goal of attending at least three summits a year to further expose herself to new opportunities and insights. Her vision for the next five years includes seeing Accelerate Africa established across the continent, connecting African entrepreneurs and fostering trade within Africa.
Pendo’s advice to young women looking to follow a similar path is simple yet powerful: “Stay focused and vigilant. Challenges will come from all directions, but stay focused and keep going.” It’s a message from someone who has faced—and overcome—her own obstacles and now stands as a beacon of hope and determination for women entrepreneurs across Africa
