I’m Rousa Shikoha—a proud Namibian woman, entrepreneur, mother, and passionate advocate for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and purpose-driven business. I am the co-founder of Local Merchant Namibia and Kufindi Consultants, two companies rooted in community empowerment and entrepreneurial innovation.

My journey was shaped by profound personal loss. At the age of 13, I lost my mother in Windhoek. That moment changed the course of my life. I relocated to Grootfontein, where I was raised by a powerful circle of single mothers—resilient women who instilled in me strength, discipline, and love. Though we didn’t have wealth, we had purpose, unity, and a shared dream of rewriting our story.

Everything I’ve built—from my education to my businesses—has been fueled by that dream: to break cycles, open doors, and create pathways not only for myself but also for those who come after me.

Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies, along with additional qualifications in Marketing, Communications, and Tourism and Events Management. I’m currently pursuing a Postgraduate diploma in Environmental Studies at the International University of Management (IUM), with a focus on ecosystem services, sustainability, and policy-making. My work is grounded in the belief that true development connects business, community, and the environment.

Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with Triumphant College since 2011 first as part of their internal Marketing Department, and now as an external consultant through my companies. Over the years, I’ve watched the college grow from a promising institution into one of Namibia’s most recognized private higher education brands, with multiple campuses, a strong presence across the country, and a growing list of accredited programs. Being part of that growth story, and helping to shape their visibility and market strategy, has been both an honor and a valuable learning experience.

Through Local Merchant Namibia, I focus on supporting small and medium enterprises by improving access to markets, funding, and visibility. With Kufindi Consultants, I offer services in brand development, stakeholder engagement, project execution, and strategic consulting tailored to help both private and public sector clients grow with purpose.

Being named among Africa’s brightest under-40 CEOs is something I’ll always cherish. It’s a reflection of years of work, resilience, and a deep love for what I do. I’ve made mistakes, taken bold steps, and kept learning along the way but my core remains unchanged: I believe in building with integrity, leading with heart, and leaving a legacy rooted in people and progress.

You were honored to be recognized among Africa’s brightest under‑40 CEOs! Tell us more about the Award itself and what did you do to achieve it?
Being honored among Africa’s brightest under-40 CEOs was one of the most humbling moments in my journey. It was a reminder that consistent, impact-driven work does get recognized even when it doesn’t always feel seen. This award celebrates leadership, innovation, and service across the continent, and I’m proud that my work through Local Merchant Namibia and Kufindi Consultants was part of that narrative. I believe I earned it through years of showing up, serving others, staying disciplined, and believing in the value of empowering our communities especially women entrepreneurs and youth.

What advice would you give to fellow under-40s who might want to be considered for the next award—especially women entrepreneurs?

My advice is to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose. For women entrepreneurs especially, it’s important to understand that your journey may come with unique challenges but those very challenges often shape your strength and vision. Don’t wait for permission to start build with what you have, where you are. Focus on solving real problems in your community, and let your impact speak louder than your intentions.

Document your work, stay consistent, and seek mentorship or collaboration where possible. Awards like this recognize leadership, innovation, and impact qualities women naturally bring to the table when they are empowered. So, dream boldly, work intentionally, and never underestimate the value of your voice in the entrepreneurial space. We need more women at the decision-making table, and your story could be the spark for the next generation.
We are told that yours is a combination of impressive academic credentials with a wealth of practical, high-level experience in this sector. Tell us more about that?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies, with further qualifications in Marketing, Communications, and Tourism and Events Management. Currently, I’m pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Environmental Studies at IUM. These academic foundations gave me a strong grasp of communication, branding, and sustainability principles. Over the years, I have combined this knowledge with practical experience working with companies like Triumphant College, and leading my own businesses. This blend allows me to approach challenges strategically, balancing theory and practice to deliver tangible results.

There are those who have known with unfailing certainty what they wanted to be when they grew up–and then there are the rest of ‘us.’ In which group are you and how many other ‘wrong turns’ did you make before arriving here? What are the ‘lessons learnt’ if any?

I definitely belong to the second group the ones who didn’t have it all figured out from the start. My journey has been anything but linear. I was raised in Grootfontein, and after losing my mother at a young age, life shifted completely. I was raised by a family of incredibly strong single mothers, women who despite limited resources, never gave up. We were not a privileged family, but we were rich in values, faith, and dreams.

Growing up in that environment taught me resilience, courage, and discipline. I learned very early that life wouldn’t hand me opportunities I would have to create them. I didn’t always know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted more for myself, for my family, and for the generations that would follow me.

I’ve taken many turns: some right, some wrong, all necessary. But every “wrong turn” refined me. Every challenge was part of building the woman I am today a woman determined to rewrite the narrative. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your background doesn’t define your ceiling. If anything, it becomes the soil from which strength and vision grow.

Namibia has a good number of women who have made it in business, and the one common thread among their success stories is that it did not come easy. Did this hardship befall you as well?
Yes, without question. As a woman in business, I’ve had to prove myself more than once. There were times I was overlooked, underfunded, or underestimated but I used those moments as fuel. My story is one of persistence. And I didn’t do it alone. I leaned on sisterhood, faith, and mentorship. The road was rough, but the vision was clear. Success didn’t come easy but it came because I refused to quit.

. …and is it safe to say that this challenge is only occurring to women? If yes, who’s at fault here?
While challenges exist for everyone, women often carry additional weight societal expectations, family roles, and systemic barriers. It’s not just a personal problem, it’s structural. The fault lies in outdated mindsets, lack of access to resources, and unequal representation in leadership spaces. But we are shifting the narrative. It’s not about blaming it’s about building systems that include, uplift, and support women on every level.

What can you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to self-discipline, my faith in God, and an unshakable commitment to my purpose. I’ve also learned to lead with heart to build businesses that are both strategic and compassionate. Charity and community are key pillars in my journey. I believe that giving back opens doors and keeps you grounded. My support system, especially other women and my family, have been my foundation.

How on your personal level have you managed to balance between motherhood, family, and profession?
Balancing motherhood, family, and a demanding professional life is never easy but it’s deeply rewarding. I’m a proud mother to one amazing son, and everything I do is inspired by the desire to build a future he can be proud of. I’ve been blessed with an incredibly supportive family who helps me manage the load when things get intense. Their support gives me the freedom to grow as a professional while still being present as a mother. It’s a balancing act, and it requires a lot of planning, prayer, and intentional choices but knowing I’m doing it for him keeps me grounded.

Will you safely say that you have successfully managed to align your personal goals with that of the business/company? If yes, how did you achieve that feat? If no, what are the challenges?
Yes, I’ve been blessed to align my personal mission with my professional path. My businesses are a reflection of who I am: a woman who believes in people, impact, and progress. I achieved this alignment by staying true to my values, choosing projects that feed my purpose, and building a team that shares my vision. Of course, it hasn’t always been perfect—but that alignment is what keeps me going during the hard days.

What are some of your daily challenges on the job, and how do you circumvent them?
Every day presents new challenges—tight deadlines, resource limitations, or navigating stakeholder expectations. But I manage these by staying organized, delegating where needed, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. I stay grounded through prayer, planning, and purpose. I’ve also learned to pause when I need to, rather than push through burnout. Self-discipline doesn’t mean self-sacrifice—it means choosing wisely.

Finally, what is your advice to women out there who harbour dreams of becoming successful in corporate leadership but believe that it is too late for them?
It is never too late. Age is not a barrier your mindset is. Whether you’re 25 or 55, you have something powerful to offer. Don’t let fear silence your dream. Start where you are, with what you have. Surround yourself with women who uplift and challenge you. Invest in your growth, stay disciplined, and trust that your time is not past it’s just beginning. Leadership is not about perfection it’s about courage, consistency, and compassion.

Is there anything else that you think we may have omitted? And thank you.
Thank you for this platform. I just want to remind every woman reading this: your story matters. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Walk in your truth, build boldly, and give generously. Success is not just about what you gain it’s also about what you give. May we all continue to rise and lift others as we do.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies, along with additional qualifications in Marketing, Communications, and Tourism and Events Management. I’m currently pursuing a Postgraduate diploma in Environmental Studies at the International University of Management (IUM), with a focus on ecosystem services, sustainability, and policy-making. My work is grounded in the belief that true development connects business, community, and the environment.

Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with Triumphant College since 2011 first as part of their internal Marketing Department, and now as an external consultant through my companies. Over the years, I’ve watched the college grow from a promising institution into one of Namibia’s most recognized private higher education brands, with multiple campuses, a strong presence across the country, and a growing list of accredited programs. Being part of that growth story, and helping to shape their visibility and market strategy, has been both an honor and a valuable learning experience.

Through Local Merchant Namibia, I focus on supporting small and medium enterprises by improving access to markets, funding, and visibility. With Kufindi Consultants, I offer services in brand development, stakeholder engagement, project execution, and strategic consulting tailored to help both private and public sector clients grow with purpose.

Being named among Africa’s brightest under-40 CEOs is something I’ll always cherish. It’s a reflection of years of work, resilience, and a deep love for what I do. I’ve made mistakes, taken bold steps, and kept learning along the way but my core remains unchanged: I believe in building with integrity, leading with heart, and leaving a legacy rooted in people and progress. Kufindi consultants https://share.google/TBnsGou9APuQTHQ0T