Victoria Nyanzi (Ateenyi) is a seasoned Marketing and Public Relations consultant based in Uganda. She is the Founder of The African Sisters Network (TASN), a digital community dedicated to empowering African girls to tell their stories boldly while connecting them to resources and opportunities for success. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, and a Diploma in Public Relations, Victoria is recognized as a Chartered Public Relations & Applied Communications Fellow by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in London.
Throughout her career, Victoria has applied her expertise across diverse industries including banking, e-commerce, consumer goods, marketing agencies, and events management. Her career highlights include successful collaborations with household brands in Uganda and East Africa, where she provided top-tier consultancy services and executed highly effective communication campaigns. Her recent venture into personal and professional brand coaching stems from her deep passion for storytelling, a passion that earned her a nomination as LinkedIn Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Influencer Awards 2023/24 and a brand endorsement deal with Ecobank Uganda. In her coaching sessions, Victoria equips her clients with effective tools and strategies for building compelling personal and professional brands. She helps clients enhance their online visibility, establish a proactive professional network, and generate leads through strategic content.
Victoria speaks with Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable
Excerpts:
Why did you set up The African Sisters Network?
The African Sisters Network was founded out of my own personal journey. Growing up, I had big dreams, but I lacked the mentorship and support that could help me unlock my full potential. At 17, I was scribbling what I would call books, articles, and movie scripts. I vividly recall having notebooks filled with movie scripts, written from introduction to “Fin.” And between the ages of 19 and 23, while still on my journey of self-discovery, I tried many different things, like acting and pageantry. From 24 to 27, my life felt like a hurricane, moving from one job to another, banking, e-commerce, marketing agencies, events management, and more. Now I understand I was simply trying to find alignment and purpose. My journey has been filled with trials and errors, doing, undoing, and redoing. In December 2021, everything felt stuck, like I was living a life not meant for me. So I Googled “How to change.” What stood out to me from Google was, “Embrace your story and your journey.” That’s when I began writing my own story. As I turned 30 this year, I thought, why not create a community to support and mentor not just one or two, but many African girls and teach them how to confidently tell their stories and pursue their dreams. I want to make sure that no young African girl feels stuck or lost like I did at one point. Through TASN, I aim to help them embrace their identity and voice boldly, while also connecting them to opportunities for success.
What impact has the organization made?
The African Sisters Network has had a profound impact on the young African girls and women we’ve worked with. Since our launch on 6th July 2024, we’ve empowered over 100 girls directly and more than 500 indirectly through our online activities to share their stories unapologetically and confidently, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally. The network has helped members improve their online presence, build personal brands, and foster resilience. We’ve also connected many of them with invaluable resources and opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. The most rewarding impact, however, is seeing these girls take bold steps toward their dreams and overcome the barriers that have held them back. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to watch them transform into leaders in their own right.
Is the organization facing any challenges and how are you addressing them if any?
Like any organization, we face challenges. One of the main hurdles is reaching more girls and young women in rural or underserved areas who may not have access to the internet or social media. We are addressing this by exploring offline strategies, such as partnering with local community organizations and we shall start hosting events in those areas. Another challenge is the need for continuous funding to keep growing and expanding our programs. To address this, we are actively seeking partnerships with organizations that align with our mission and values. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on our mission and are creatively finding ways to overcome them.
Many African youth in recent times have engaged in marketing of products from China and other parts of the world rather than innovative ways of producing those goods, are you comfortable with that?
While I understand the global market’s influence, I believe in the immense potential of African youth to create and innovate within their own continent. Instead of solely relying on products from outside, I encourage young Africans to think about how they can create solutions for local challenges. There is a need to foster more innovation and entrepreneurship within Africa, where youth can both consume and produce, creating value and driving economic growth from within the continent. The African Sisters Network advocates for the empowerment of youth to develop products and services that are uniquely African, while also ensuring they are competitive in a global market.
You earned a nomination as LinkedIn Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Influencer Awards 2023/ 24 and a brand endorsement deal with Ecobank Uganda, what does that mean to you?
Being nominated as LinkedIn Influencer of the Year and receiving a brand endorsement from Ecobank Uganda are both incredibly humbling recognitions. They reflect the hard work I’ve put into building my personal brand over time. It means a lot to me because it acknowledges the impact of my work, not just as an individual but as part of a broader movement to support African girls. These recognitions inspire me to continue pushing boundaries, while also motivating others in our community to believe in their potential.
You have been interacting with youth from different African countries for years. What have you identified as their major challenges and how can these challenges be addressed?
One of the major challenges facing African youth is the lack of access to mentorship and opportunities for skill development. Many young people are talented but don’t have the guidance they need to channel their energy productively. Another challenge is the lack of confidence, which often stems from societal pressures or a lack of representation in various industries. We address these challenges by providing coaching, mentorship, creating safe spaces for girls to express themselves, and offering personal branding and professional development resources. Furthermore, I believe we need more initiatives that focus on skills training and creating access to markets for young entrepreneurs.
Give me a picture of Uganda of your dream.
The Uganda of my dream is a country where every young person, especially girls, has access to the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. It’s a place where innovation is nurtured, entrepreneurship is celebrated, and youth are not just consumers but creators. This Uganda would be a place of inclusivity, where people are empowered to tell their stories, celebrate their identities, and contribute to the country’s growth. I envision a Uganda where gender equality is at the forefront, and where both men and women have equal opportunities to succeed.
What should the world expect from Victoria Nyanzi in the coming years?
In the coming years, you can expect me to continue expanding The African Sisters Network, reaching more African girls across the continent, and helping them build their personal and professional brands. I’ll also be launching more coaching programs and workshops aimed at empowering not just individuals, but entire communities. I plan to work on creating more partnerships and collaborations that will help scale the work we’re doing. On a personal level, I aim to continue developing my own brand and expanding my influence to inspire more women and young girls to embrace their power and potential.
Considering your tight schedule, how do you relax?
Rest is crucial. I make the time for it. So I log off my computer at exactly 1900 hrs on Friday and log back at 7:00am on Monday morning. The weekends are me, family and church time, cause I find that spending quality time with family helps me recharge. I also enjoy journaling as a way to reflect and find clarity, I’m always noting down things. Practicing mindfulness and sometimes just sitting quietly to clear my mind also helps me stay centered and grounded amidst the busyness.
