What if your next big opportunity was hiding in a 60-second conversation?

For many African entrepreneurs, this isn’t just a hypothetical scenario, it’s the daily reality. Whether it’s a quick chat with an investor, a chance meeting at an event, or a moment in the lift (literally), how you pitch your value matters.

The elevator pitch is a business survival tool. When done well, it opens doors. When done poorly, it can shut them just as quickly.

Daniel Mburu’s 60-second masterclass

We recently heard a pitch from Daniel Mburu, General Manager and Acting CEO of Bingwa, an innovative platform connecting businesses and individuals to over 8,000 vetted informal service providers in construction, home care, security, and more.

Daniel’s pitch was a standout: clear, confident, and compelling. But what made it land so well?

Let’s break it down.

5 essentials of a winning elevator pitch

1️⃣ Lead with the problem

Don’t open with what you do, start with why it matters. Hook your listener with a challenge they can relate to. Example: “In many African cities, finding a reliable plumber or electrician takes hours, sometimes days.”

2️⃣ Simplify your solution

If a 12-year-old can’t understand it, it’s too complex. Cut the jargon and make your value crystal clear. Daniel simplified Bingwa’s solution as a “digital bridge” between customers and trusted service providers. Clean, simple, effective.

3️⃣ Use proof points

Data builds credibility. Mentioning Bingwa’s 8,000+ vetted providers instantly gave weight to Daniel’s pitch. Numbers, awards, partnerships, or media mentions are all great credibility boosters.

4️⃣ Deliver impact with passion

Your energy is part of your message. Passion sells belief and belief is contagious. Daniel’s conviction when explaining why informal workers deserve better access to jobs was magnetic.

5️⃣ End with vision and a clear call to action

Don’t just end with what you’ve done, show where you’re going and invite others to be part of it. “Our vision is to become the go-to platform for informal services across Africa. We’re looking for partners who believe in that future too.”

Why this matters for African entrepreneurs

In a business landscape where access to capital, markets, and networks is still constrained, your ability to articulate your value can be the difference between progress and pause.

This is why we work closely with founders across the continent to refine their narratives. The right words, at the right time, can change everything.

Keep learning from each other and build an ecosystem where every idea gets a fighting chance.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/vxNv47rvatQ