Spotlight on: Pin Africa
Who are we speaking to today?
You're speaking to Benedicte Kalombo, the proud founder and editorial director of Pin Africa.
In one sentence can you describe what Pin Africa do?
In a single sentence, I would say that I am in the inspiring role of telling African stories and amplifying African voices across the world.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Pin Africa? What motivated you to create a platform focused on African stories?
My journey as a multimedia journalist brought to light the unsatisfactory narrative of Africa portrayed by mainstream Western media. I saw a stark lack of opportunities and resources for African journalists to tell their own stories with authenticity and nuance. It was this inspiration and desire for change that led me to create Pin Africa.
Can you share a moment or experience where you felt particularly proud or fulfilled in your role at Pin Africa?
There have been many fulfilling moments at Pin Africa, but one that stands out is when storytellers feel validated and see their work published on our platform for the first time. It's deeply rewarding when our content goes viral and audiences share how inspired and empowered they feel. These moments fill me with immense pride and reassure me that we are on the right path.
Can you share any collaborative projects or initiatives between Pin Africa and Better Space that have been impactful or meaningful to you?
As a mission-driven media platform, our goal at Pin Africa is to empower the next generation of storytellers. Our collaboration with Better Space on the Creative Start project was particularly significant because we had the opportunity to share our expertise and train people who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to access the creative industry. It was a promising and fruitful initiative that I hold close to my heart.
Pin Africa is not only a media platform but also a social enterprise. How do you balance the mission of telling African stories with the goals of social impact and sustainability?
At Pin Africa, we always focus on tangible progress. We ensure that those we train are assisted on the right path, so they can become part of Pin Africa's business and contribute to the broader African narrative. This delicate balance between storytelling and social impact is what drives us forward.
Collaboration often plays a significant role in the success of social enterprises. Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have been particularly meaningful for Pin Africa?
Our collaboration with Meedan, an NGO that promotes access to information, was especially meaningful. This partnership allowed us to develop a course for African reporters to better tell climate stories from their communities. Considering Africa is hardest hit by climate change, despite contributing the least to the crisis, this initiative was both impactful and necessary.
As a woman leading a business focused on African narratives, what advice do you have for other women aspiring to make an impact?
I would say to other women that we have not always been part of the conversation, or at least leading it. It's important to remember that many more women are looking up to you and striving for change. Always pass down the ladder and collaborate with one another for greater progress and empowerment.
What does it mean to be part of the Better Space community and how can we support you?
Being part of the Better Space community means having continuous access to support and resources that one would not have access to if working in isolation. Having access to other businesses and entrepreneurs on similar journeys is both inspiring and comforting.
As a woman in business, how have you overcome obstacles and breaking barriers within the media and social enterprise sectors?
Being a woman and an entrepreneur presents its own set of challenges, as it's statistically proven that we have access to less funding. Being black adds to the disadvantage as black entrepreneurs are supported less than their white counterparts. However, I view these obstacles not as deterrents but as challenges that I am prepared and resolved to overcome.
Are there any shared values between Pin Africa and Better Space that you've found particularly beneficial in your work?
Better Space's mission-led and people-focused approach aligns perfectly with Pin Africa's values. This alignment has been particularly beneficial in our collaborative initiatives.
How can people contact you?
People can subscribe to our mailing list via our website, and share our courses with anyone they believe would benefit from them. And of course, do follow us on our social media platforms.