Founded by the powerfully optimistic duo that is Desiree Brouwer and Tania Habimana, Nonzēro Africa is a company that helps entrepreneurs and SMEs to grow. On the one hand, they create impact programs that include accelerators and incubators, but also new media campaigns. “We’ve built an eco-system of partners that all believe in what we believe in,” Desiree explains. The partners all pool their resources to collaboratively create campaigns or programs that support entrepreneurs and SMEs with access to knowledge, resources, networks and funding. On the other hand, Nonzēro Africa operates as a marketing studio specifically for SMEs and entrepreneurs. That goes from web development to digital marketing.
The two partners came together in 2016 when Tania came to South Africa to set up for a Dutch tailored suit brand. At this point Desiree had been in South Africa for about 6 years and was working for several clients. At the time, Tania was also working on the format of a TV show called Tailored Business
On why the partnership between the two is a good one, Desiree recalls that initially, the two were quite reluctant to work together. “After a first meeting, we realised that we would both pay with our last money for the skill set of the other person. And we knew that we could lift each other to the next level. We have very different skills sets and capabilities, and that’s exactly what makes it work,” she explains.
Desiree is the Head of Media & Partnerships, while Tania occupies the role of Head of Digital & Strategy.
Echoing similar sentiments on the topic of partnership, Tania explains that she often advises her clients to “look for a co-founder who’s skilled in something that they’re not skilled in, or who knows an industry or area that you don’t know”.
For Tania, entrepreneurship arose as the most convenient avenue to solving the problems that she saw around her. “I’ve always been self-sufficient and self-reliant, finding ways to do things on my own,” she says. “Ultimately, I look for the best way around obstacles, and quite often, that way is entrepreneurship”.
And this focus on problem solving is yet another common thread in the partnership. Desiree emphasizes that “It’s important that entrepreneurs focus on the problems they are trying to solve, rather than building an entrepreneurial persona”.
Nonzēro Africa is actively looking at expanding into East Africa by rolling out Threads, its fashion accelerator program and building their capacity as a marketing studio in East Africa.
The duo have a lot to offer in the way of financial advice for entrepreneurs. “My first advice,” Tania says, “is to spend less than you earn. And always seek to spend as little as possible and try and get it for free”. She explains that what Nonzēro Africa has often done is create partnerships and trade agreements to get as much as possible for the longest time possible by offering your services in return for a reduced rate.
In agreement and addition, Desiree says “what is important is to match the values”. The negotiation is key and it’s important that one is able to compare apples with apples. “When you offer your services, make sure you’re able to give the other person a bigger value which can be measured so that two sides can live up to one other”… These agreements should be formalised though, as Desiree warns against handshake agreements.
The experience and insights of the Nonzēro Africa team are innumerable, and if we were to lay them all out, the magazine would feature them in its entirety! What stands out, however, is that these two young women are overwhelmingly passionate about the progress of SMEs and entrepreneurs, and it is evident in their work.
Vital stats
Featured entrepreneurs: Desiree Brouwer, Tania Habiman a
Key players: 2
Ages: 34 (Desiree), 29 (Tania)
Company name: Nonzēro Africa
Year founded: 2016
Start up funding: Self funded