May marks Africa Month. And more than just a symbolic date, it’s a moment to reflect on what truly drives us as a continent: the ability to create, endure, and transform.

At FNB, we wanted to go beyond celebrating this month. We aimed to spark reflection and inspire action, so we launched a special episode of our podcast, dedicated to African entrepreneurship.  

We believe that entrepreneurship in Africa is one of the most powerful tools for economic and social development in our communities. It’s where dreams meet courage. Where scarcity fuels creativity. Where the drive to make things happen is stronger than any obstacle.

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with two Mozambican entrepreneurs whose journeys can be confused with those of many entrepreneurs in Africa: Tatiana Mata, Managing Director of Elim Serviços, Mutiana Investimentos, and
Mbuto Machili, Founder of Amor Amor Fotografia.

Both started their entrepreneurial journey by coincidence.

Tatiana’s journey began when a friend asked her to help with catering for an event. It was meant to be a once-off favor, but it uncovered a talent — an opportunity  she hadn’t even realized she had. No office, no team, no business plan — just a strong will and dedication to do things well. Over time, she expanded into other industries and eventually moved into the space of Market Solutions, taking a more strategic approach to market needs and showing a deep commitment to innovation.
What started as a favor grew into a solid entrepreneurial path, marked by her ability to reinvent herself and spot opportunities where others might see limits.

Mbuto followed a similar route, alongside his wife. A friend — a professional photographer — couldn’t make it to a wedding and asked him to fill in. He had no formal experience, no training and used borrowedequipment. He had an eye for beauty, a natural creative instinct, and above all, the courage to try. That one job opened doors, and today, Amor Amor Fotografia is a national reference in event photography — and has since expanded into other genres as well.

Tatiana and Mbuto are part of a generation that didn’t wait for perfect conditions — they created them. They turned challenges into opportunities. They started with very little — no resources, no space, sometimes not even a desk to place their laptop — but they had a vision and a deep desire to build something real.

Their businesses were woven from dreams, more than from formal plans. And that, to us, defines the African spirit: resilience, creativity and courage, even in the face of limited means.

More than success stories, Tatiana and Mbuto are testimony to a movement of people who are redefining what is possible. A generation that sees Africa not as a continent of constraints, but as a rich, untapped land of ideas, energy and promise.

At FNB, we believe in that promise. And we believe that giving space to these voices is part of our role as an African bank committed to fostering opportunity, inclusion, and local talent.

This Africa Month, we celebrate entrepreneurship as it’s truly lived on this continent — not as a backup plan, but as a real, powerful and deeply African path forward.