How 1Africa Consulting built a purpose led pan African communications movement

WHEN the pandemic halted industries and sent economies into uncertainty, many businesses struggled to survive.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

CEO and founder Mosh Matsena reflected on how a pandemic era dream became a growing continental communications agency rooted in collaboration, representation and authentic African storytelling.

(SUPPLIED)

For Mosh Matsena, it became the moment to build the agency she had dreamed about for years.

She resigned from the SABC in 2019 with a vision to establish a communications company driven by purpose. As lockdowns set in, she used the time to research, plan and refine the business idea that eventually became 1Africa Consulting.

Matsena said the motivation behind the company came from her belief that South Africa and the rest of the continent needed strategic communication partners who could move quickly and operate with flexibility in a changing world.

Many organisations were forced to adopt new digital realities but lacked support to communicate with agility.

She saw an opportunity to offer quality, strategic solutions that not only built brands but also delivered positive impact.

Her career beginnings shaped the foundation of the business.

She started out at Channel Africa Radio, telling African stories and travelling across the continent.

Those experiences deepened her passion for Africa’s potential and inspired her commitment to authenticity in storytelling. Her agency name reflected that influence.

“To me, 1Africa symbolised connection, collaboration and shared growth,” she said.

The company positioned itself as purpose driven, rooted in African identity but globally relevant.