Breaking Barriers: The Visionary Journey of Venicia Guinot

Vénicia Stelle Guinot, the Executive Chair of the TROPICS GROUP of COMPANIES, is not your typical businesswoman, driven profits; she's a true visionary on a mission to transform Africa's socio-economic landscape. Her journey as an entrepreneur spans almost two decades, marked by resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of progress: for herself as woman entrepreneur, but mainly for others. 

Born in the Congo and now a resident of Johannesburg, Vénicia's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited by her desire to make a difference in Africa. She saw entrepreneurship as a vehicle for empowerment, not just for herself but for women across the continent. This year’s theme for the International Women’s Day: "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" resonates deeply with her, reminding her of the critical role women play in driving societal change and economic development. 

Throughout her career, Vénicia has faced numerous challenges typical of entrepreneurs, from securing funding to navigating male-dominated industries. Yet, as a woman entrepreneur, she has encountered additional obstacles, including biases and stereotypes. Despite these challenges, she remains undeterred, believing that with the right supports, women can overcome any hurdle. 

Vénicia's vision for the future of entrepreneurship in Africa is one of inclusivity and equity. She dreams of a world where women have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed, where entrepreneurship is not just a path to independence but also profitability. To achieve this vision, she advocates for increased support networks, mentorship opportunities, and policies that promote gender equality. The Tropics Women in Business Accelerator (TWiB) initiative, which has benefited fifty (50) established Women’s businesses in the past two (2) years ago is a testimony to Vénicia’s commitment to the economic empowerment of Women in the continent. 

Beyond her business endeavors, Vénicia is deeply committed to community development. She believes in giving back to others as a way of upholding the values instilled in her by her parents. Through various initiatives, she aims to eradicate poverty and promote women-led initiatives, recognizing the crucial role women play in driving economic growth. 

Looking ahead, Vénicia plans to expand her company's impact by launching new projects focused on promoting economic resilience and fostering peace-building initiatives. With the launch of the TROPICS IMPACT FOUNDATION, she hopes to drive investment into African entrepreneurship and support the creation of more women-led economic initiatives. 

Vénicia's journey is not just one of personal success; it's a testament to the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in Africa. As she continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving landscape, her impact on the continent's future is bound to be profound and enduring.