Empowering Women: Norma Mngoma Celebrated at Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria

South African entrepreneur and advocate for women empowerment, Norma Mngoma, has added another accolade to her illustrious career. At the Global Entrepreneurship Festival, held from November 22 to 24 in Akure, Mngoma was honored with the prestigious Global Recognition Award for Outstanding Impact & Advancing. This award celebrates her remarkable contributions to economic empowerment and her ability to bridge cultural divides through entrepreneurship and collaboration.

Norma, the founder and owner of Suitably Norma, a bespoke suit brand, is renowned for her innovation in fashion and her leadership across various industries. As the chairperson of the Norma Mngoma Foundation, she supports underprivileged children through guidance and bursaries. Her roles as an advisory member of BRICS CCI and director of economic programs in South Africa for Global Unity Women further cement her status as a key figure in driving positive change. Recently, she received the She-Millionaire Africa Women Wealth Builders Award in the Fashion Retail Royalty category.

In addition to receiving her award, Norma was a featured speaker on a panel titled “Beyond Boundaries: Shaping Culture & Building Economies Through Arts, Sports, and Entertainment.” Her insights captivated the audience as she highlighted the intersection of culture and economic development, providing a unique perspective on fostering growth in Africa.

When asked about the role of culture in economic development, Norma drew from her own experience. “In my company, I work with people from different countries based on their skills. For example, Malawians handle suits because they are excellent seamstresses, Nigerians specialize in adding bridal beads because of their skill with rich fabrics, and South Africans and Zimbabweans contribute their expertise as well,” she shared.

While this cultural diversity initially posed challenges, Norma emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing differences. “At first, it was a challenge, but I decided to be open-minded. I learned about our cultural differences and brought my team together to create a unified office culture. We all have one goal: driving sales and making money. When we work as one, we grow, but division only leads to failure,” she explained.

Norma also highlighted the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, particularly in the fashion industry. “The industry is saturated, and starting up is not easy. Setting up an office, buying fabrics, sewing machines, and handling distribution require substantial capital. On top of that, marketing your designs and building a brand is exhausting when you’re working alone,” she said.

Norma called on institutions and governments to play a more active role in supporting startups. She pointed out the financial burden of showcasing designs at fashion shows, which involves hiring models, photographers, and makeup artists, as well as creating seasonal collections. “After the show, most designs end up in storage because models rarely buy them. It’s a long and costly journey unless institutions and governments step in,” she urged.

Norma Mngoma

Norma also touched on opportunities for collaboration between South Africa and Nigeria. She praised Nigeria’s vibrant fabric market, stating, “Nigeria has more markets that sell fabrics, offering a great opportunity for South African designers to collaborate instead of sourcing from China or Turkey. This is a way we can strengthen ties and grow our industries together.

Norma’s insights and passion for her work made her a central figure at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival. As she spoke about her experiences and vision, she inspired the audience to think beyond borders and embrace collaboration as a tool for sustainable growth.

About Norma Mngoma
Norma Mngoma is a South African entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment, known for her innovative suit brand, Suitably Norma. With a background in IT and a passion for uplifting communities, she leads the Norma Mngoma Foundation, providing guidance and bursaries for underprivileged children. Her work spans business leadership, cultural collaboration, and economic programs that make a global impact.