Selom's 50 for 50 Challenge
Selom is marking his milestone birthday with a challenge:
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and raise $50,000 for Indego Africa.
Officially launching on October 19th, Selom will be using the 50 days until his 50th birthday to fundraise $50,000. An amount that has the power to transform what's possible for our artisan partners in Ghana, Rwanda, and Refugee Camps.
"I’m humbled to be part of Indego Africa’s journey — a journey that turns hope into opportunity and vision into empowerment."
"One doesn't want to get to the top alone."
- Chantal N. President of Igiceri Credit Union, Rwanda
For the past 15 years, I’ve been deeply connected to Indego Africa.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this work — how opportunity can change the trajectory of a woman’s life and, in turn, uplift her family and community. I believe deeply that women are the backbone of our African societies — sources of strength, wisdom, and resilience.
Over the years, I’ve seen Indego’s leadership live its mission with integrity and selflessness, always putting purpose ahead of self. Their commitment inspires me every day and reminds me why I continue to stand proudly alongside this incredible organization.
I hope you'll join me.
Selom Tetteh
The Power of 50
For the women of the Bongo Collective, space is opportunity. Right now, they gather in a local community center — when it’s available — working without electricity, safe storage, or a true place to call their own.
$50,000 can change that. Together, we can build a modern, permanent workspace that will unlock new possibilities: consistent training, reliable production, and a safe, collaborative environment where women can build thriving businesses and stronger communities.
When the women of the Bongo Collective share the same space they learn more quickly, make fewer mistakes, reduce material waste, record fewer rejections, and are better able to meet production deadlines - creating the capacity to take on the large orders that give them the consistency of work and income needed to support their families.
The women also experience the benefits of community support, sharing the burdens of work and family obligations.
Safe Storage & Crucial AmenitiesA central workspace provides secure storage for finished products as well as raw materials - meaning our partners can purchase high-quality elephant grass in bulk - saving them time and money.
Electricity and running water improve working conditions and quality of life.
With a consistent space to gather, artisans can participate in more frequent and in-depth trainings, take on larger orders from both local and global clients, and access essential support services like health screenings.
Beyond productivity, this space signals opportunity - attracting new members and inspiring community growth. When the Amoyaamah Collective in nearby Bolgatanga completed their new workspace earlier this year, membership grew by 55% - proof of the power of a space built for women to thrive.
Meet Selom
Selom Tetteh has served on Indego Africa's Board of Directors since 2016.
Outside of his work to expand access for female entreprenuers, he is a global business leader with deep expertise in financial technology, capital markets, and digital transformation. He currently leads strategic expansion at DriveWealth, driving growth across key international markets including Turkey, the Middle East, and Asia.
With a foundation in engineering and systems thinking, Selom holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and an MBA from Cornell University.
His career reflects a blend of technical depth, strategic vision, and cross-border leadership, with a passion for building inclusive, scalable financial ecosystems. An alumnus of Achimota School in Ghana, Selom brings a global perspective rooted in discipline, curiosity, and a commitment to impact.
Countdown to 50
Our Impact
For nearly 20 years, Indego Africa has propelled the creation and growth of sustainable artisan-owned businesses in Africa.
What began as a model to uplift women in post-genocide Rwanda has grown into an unwavering commitment to provide women, youth, and refugees across Africa with the tools and resources to gain financial independence & become successful entrepreneurs.
94%
Report their income has increased since partnering with Indego Africa
100%
Say their confidence has increased since partnering with Indego Africa
77%
Feel confident they have the skills to run a business
5.5
The average number of dependents supported by each of Indego's artisan partners
