As the world marked International Women’s Day, Teni Stuffman, Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, delivered a powerful reflection on mentorship, leadership, and the importance of women supporting one another to build the next generation of African innovators and decision-makers.
In a message that resonated widely across the business and technology community, Stuffman highlighted a central truth she says has defined her journey: no one builds anything alone. The telecom executive used the moment to recognize the women who played critical roles in shaping her career—mentors, collaborators, and peers who invested in her growth long before her achievements were fully visible.
According to Stuffman, some of the most influential moments in her professional life came from women who believed in her potential early and opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed.
She recalled being invited into rooms she had not yet “earned” her way into—spaces where decisions were being made and opportunities were emerging. Those invitations, she said, came with trust: the belief that she would rise to the occasion once she was there.
Beyond access, she also credited women who worked alongside her in building institutions and ventures, including the work that eventually led to the establishment and leadership of Lebara Nigeria. Their contributions ranged from strategic guidance to candid advice, often delivered at inconvenient hours but always with the intention of helping her succeed.
Stuffman noted that these acts of mentorship are not always recognized in real time. Often, it is only when looking back that people realize how deeply others have influenced their trajectory.
Her message also reflected on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: “Give to Gain.” Rather than viewing the idea as a transactional exchange, Stuffman framed it as a philosophy of long-term investment.
She emphasized that supporting the development of women is not about giving something away but about multiplying value—creating ripple effects that extend across industries, communities, and generations.
“When you invest in the growth of a woman, you are multiplying something,” she explained, highlighting that the returns are tangible and far-reaching.
The telecom leader used the occasion not only to celebrate women but also to challenge professionals across sectors to reflect on their own roles in mentorship and empowerment. She posed a series of questions to her audience: Who are you investing in right now? Whose potential are you actively nurturing? Whose door are you holding open?
For Stuffman, these questions are central to shaping Africa’s future.
She believes that the women who will lead the next phase of the continent’s growth—in technology, business, governance, and innovation—are already present. What they need, she says, are people willing to support them early, share opportunities, and believe in their potential before it becomes obvious.
Africa’s technology and digital economy are expanding rapidly, and voices like Stuffman’s are increasingly emphasizing that inclusion and mentorship will be essential to sustaining that momentum.
By committing to mentor and uplift others, she said she hopes to continue the cycle of support that helped shape her own career.
Her message concluded with a call for collective responsibility, encouraging leaders across Africa’s business and technology ecosystems to actively invest in the growth of emerging women leaders.
“Because the women who will lead the next chapter of Africa’s story are already here,” Stuffman said. “They just need someone to give first.”
With this message, the Lebara Nigeria CEO has reinforced a broader conversation unfolding across the continent—one that places mentorship, collaboration, and women’s leadership at the center of Africa’s future development.