Charissa Cassels, INC Africa
We spoke with Charissa Cassels, from Inc.Africa about her journey to becoming a writer. Her early days as a poet and participating in essay competitions naturally led her to the world of storytelling.
Charissa believes that the craft of writing is limitless and that being able to authentically tell stories means that the readers also benefit greatly by finding lessons in them.
What led you into journalism, and what would you be doing if you weren’t a journalist?
From my early days, a fervour for storytelling ignited within me, starting with poetry and blossoming into essay competitions. Pursuing Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University was a natural step, fueled by an innate desire to share people’s stories, inform, and make a meaningful impact. While I initially considered Law as a second degree, I now realize my true calling lies in community engagement work, where I can transform lives, reflect accurate narratives, and drive positive change.
I staunchly believe that the craft of writing knows no bounds. By telling people’s stories authentically, we share their journeys with people who can find lessons in them.
When you’re researching stories, what compels you to work on sharing a particular story with your audience? Any hot trends we should look out for in the coming months?
In my journalistic pursuit, I firmly believe in the inherent worth of every story, provided it’s presented with honesty and impartiality. My research interests encompass diverse subjects, ranging from health (mental and physical) to education and agriculture. Finances and technology also hold my attention.
When approached with a new subject, I scrutinize its potential value, its impact on people’s lives, and the lessons it can impart.
Lately, I’ve observed a growing trend of companies dedicating efforts to environmental sustainability and enhancement. These forward-thinking ventures in agriculture leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to optimize their operations and achieve stellar outcomes. You can certainly expect more ventures across Africa to use AI to its advantage and to start ensuring that African voices are represented more when it comes to the AI discourse.
Why is African business so unique and what makes it so exciting to report on?
In my journey, I’ve encountered a diverse array of African enterprises tackling various challenges, from education accessibility to integrating AI in healthcare. The path to entrepreneurship isn’t uniform; Nigeria’s playbook doesn’t fit Ghana’s. Each African country boasts its distinct laws, regulations, nuances, and cultural factors that demand careful consideration. A vital lesson: Africa isn’t monolithic—it’s a mosaic of unique identities.
While pinpointing a single hallmark of African businesses is elusive, a recurring theme emerges—entrepreneurs and CEOs prioritize customers’ genuine needs over presumed desires. The stories I’ve chronicled underscore Ubuntu—an African concept signifying ‘humanity to others.’ It reverberates with the notion that ‘I am because of who we all are,’ reflecting interconnectedness.
In my interactions, I’ve forged bonds with visionary trailblazers who possess an unwavering commitment to their countries. These fearless leaders strive to etch a legacy of pride and enact transformative change.
As writers, we stand obscured from witnessing firsthand the profound influence our words have on entrepreneurs, their enterprises, and their patrons. Yet, this veil has not discouraged me from my writing journey and my purpose.
Which sectors or industries do you like to cover most and why?
My abiding passion centres on the realms of healthcare and education. It’s a calling that stems from observations within my community—where limited access to these fundamental pillars directly affect progress and opportunities. The crux lies in recognizing the essence of humanity, dignifying aspirations, and valuing the imperative of meeting people’s essential needs.
Why is it important that people around the world get to hear about young, growing companies on the continent?
At its core lies the essence of representation and inspiration. As budding entrepreneurs embark on their ventures, they yearn for relatability—seeking kindred spirits who’ve tread similar paths and gleaning insights from their stories and journeys. The power of representation is immense, for as the rising generation across the continent realizes the multitude of entrepreneurs who’ve navigated these trails, overcome hurdles, and held steadfast to their ultimate aspirations, this realization can become the catalyst propelling them toward embarking on their own transformative endeavours.
How can we encourage more people to join the writing community and dedicate their energy to telling stories about African tech and business?
The essence lies in recognizing the profound significance woven into storytelling—capturing lives, voicing narratives, and illuminating authenticity through the written word.
While my academic path led me to Journalism, with a focus on writing and editing, I staunchly believe that the craft of writing knows no bounds. By telling people’s stories authentically, we share their journeys with people who can find lessons in them. The challenge, however, lies in the intangibility of impact. As writers, we stand obscured from witnessing firsthand the profound influence our words have on entrepreneurs, their enterprises, and their patrons. Yet, this veil has not discouraged me from my writing journey and my purpose. That purpose is to ensure that each African country is represented authentically and that African voices become more represented, heard and understood on a global scale.
