• By Patience Makwele

Entrepreneur and merchant owner Rousa Shikoha, is brimming with innovation, courage and a dedication to raising leaders, serving as an inspirational figure and living proof that pain can be turned into victory. 
Known for her media visibility in community building, youth empowerment and sustainable development, Shikoha's journey stands as a powerful testament of resilience and an unwavering commitment to impact.

Her narrative is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Losing her mother at the tender age of 13 while living in Windhoek altered her path, leading her to Grootfontein where she was raised by a powerful circle of single mothers. 
These women, despite their own struggles, instilled in her, strength, discipline and love.

“We did not have wealth, but we had purpose, unity and a dream of rewriting our story," Shikoha reflected. 
This dream became the driving force behind everything she has built, from her education to her successful businesses all fuelled by a desire to break cycles, open doors and create pathways not only for herself but for those who come after her.
Her academic background lays a strong foundation for her strategic approach to business and community development as she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies, complemented by qualifications in marketing, communications, tourism and events management. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate diploma in environmental studies, with a specific focus on ecosystem services, sustainability and policy-making.

 
This diverse academic portfolio underpins her core belief that "true development connects business, community and the environment," Her professional journey has seamlessly blended this academic prowess with invaluable practical experience. Since 2011, she has collaborated with Triumphant College, first internally and now as an external consultant through her own companies. She witnessed the institution’s transformation into a leading private higher education brand in Namibia, a growth story she is proud to have contributed to by shaping its visibility and market strategy.

She stands as the co-founder of two impactful companies, Local Merchant Namibia and Kufindi Consultants. Through Local Merchant Namibia she champions small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their access to markets, funding and visibility. Kufindi Consultants on the other hand, provides brand development, stakeholder engagement, project execution and strategic consulting services, helping both private and public sector clients achieve growth with purpose.
Her dedication to community empowerment and entrepreneurial innovation has not gone unnoticed. In June 2025 she was named among Africa’s brightest under-40 chief executive officers, an accolade she deeply cherishes. 
 

"It is a reflection of years of work, resilience and a deep love for what I do. I have 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," she added. When asked about her recognition and advice for aspiring under-40 leaders, especially women entrepreneurs, Shikoha emphasized leading with authenticity, resilience and purpose. 
"For women entrepreneurs especially, it is important to understand that your journey may come with unique challenges, but those very challenges often shape your strength and vision.

 
Do not 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."
 

She encourages documentation of work, consistency and seeking mentorship or collaboration. 
"Awards like this recognize leadership, innovation, and impact, which are 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.”
Shikoha admitted she belongs to the group of individuals who did not have their career path figured out from the start. Her journey has been anything but linear, shaped by early life challenges and a determination to create opportunities. 
 

"Every 'wrong turn' refined me. Every challenge was part of building the woman I am today. Your background does not define your ceiling. If anything, it becomes the soil from which strength and vision grow." Hardship, she confirms, are an undeniable part of her entrepreneurial journey as a woman in business. While challenges are universal, Shikoha acknowledged the additional weight women often carry due to societal expectations, family roles and systemic barriers. She believes the fault lies in outdated mind-set, lack of access to resources and unequal representation in leadership spaces. 
 

However, she remains optimistic: "We are shifting the narrative. It is not about blaming. It is about building systems that include, uplift and support women on every level."