Entrepreneur | Strategic Communication Consultant | Level ‘A’ Accredited PR
Youth Wealth Creation Advocate | CEO: @theghanareport @alhajiswife @izar_group
Broadcast Journalist in Ghana - Over 10 Years Experience | Speaker | Philanthropist
Rashida Saani Nasamu’s journey reads like an epic tale of resilience, brilliance, and boundless vision. At the helm of I-ZAR Group, her multifaceted conglomerate, she has built an empire that defies the odds, transcends borders, and touches lives across industries and continents. But beyond the accolades and business ventures, Rashida’s story is one of transformation—of herself, her communities, and the very narrative of what it means to be a young African entrepreneur. From an early age, Rashida was surrounded by inspiration. Her father, a businessman with humble beginnings, became her first mentor, instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of giving back. This familial influence laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, one that would later manifest into a flourishing career. But Rashida knew that to lead on a global scale, she needed more than passion; she needed expertise. So, she pursued a Master’s in International Communications from Cardiff University, sharpening her skills in strategic communication, public relations, and media management. She further honed her leadership abilities with an Executive Certificate from PricewaterhouseCoopers, specializing in crisis management, underperformance improvement, and coaching. Armed with knowledge and determination, Rashida began her career in broadcast journalism in Ghana, quickly rising to prominence as a voice of clarity and insight in the media landscape. For over a decade, she mastered the art of storytelling, understanding not just the power of communication, but the importance of authenticity in connecting with people. Yet, despite her success in journalism, Rashida’s entrepreneurial instincts pulled her toward a bigger dream: creating her own business empire. In 2008, she founded I-ZAR Group with little more than a phone, a computer, and an indomitable will. What started as a communications consultancy has since evolved into a multi-million-dollar conglomerate, spanning industries as diverse as real estate, ICT, media, retail, social enterprise, and even culinary ventures. Under Rashida’s leadership, I-ZAR Group became a beacon of innovation and excellence, serving high-profile clients both in Ghana and globally, including MSH-USAID, Ghana Health Service, and UNDP. Her firm has played a critical role in developing communication strategies that not only propelled businesses forward but also supported large-scale national and international projects, such as Ghana’s Constitutional Amendment (CRC).
But Rashida’s impact is not limited to boardrooms and business meetings. She is a staunch advocate for youth empowerment and wealth creation, a cause deeply personal to her. Her passion for uplifting the next generation led to the creation of RAWW Limited, a state-of-the-art factory in Tamale, Northern Ghana. Here, young people are trained in essential skills, with a focus on the enhancement of shea butter, a key agricultural product of the region. RAWW Limited is more than a business—it is a social enterprise designed to provide sustainable opportunities, transform communities, and fight against the unemployment crisis that many young Ghanaians face.
One of Rashida’s most beloved ventures is “Alhaji’s Wife Waakye,” a culinary brand that has taken Ghana’s food scene by storm. With a simple yet authentic concept, Rashida has created a food business that resonates deeply with Ghanaians at home and abroad, proving once again her ability to tap into the cultural pulse of the nation. This venture is not just about food; it’s about connecting people, preserving traditions, and showing that even the smallest ideas can grow into something extraordinary.
While building her business empire, Rashida also recognized the importance of addressing Ghana’s housing deficit, particularly in providing quality, affordable homes. This led to the creation of I-ZAR Homes, a real estate arm that focuses on delivering modern, stylish housing solutions in prime locations. With a commitment to quality, Rashida’s approach to real estate is not only about building homes but also about creating sustainable communities where people can thrive.
Beyond her business ventures, Rashida is a beacon of inspiration and leadership on the international stage. She has moderated high-profile events like the Africa CEO Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, the world’s leading platform for African CEOs to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of business on the continent. Her involvement in this forum highlights her status as a global thought leader, one whose insights are sought after by leaders and innovators worldwide. In Ghana, she is a key figure in the government’s annual Presidential Pitch, a program aimed at supporting and mentoring startups. Rashida’s role as a judge in this initiative reflects her deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Her work in empowering women is equally significant. Through the BOYA Initiative, a non-profit she founded, Rashida has focused on supporting marginalized women and children, providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or hands-on training, Rashida’s impact on the lives of women and children in Ghana is immeasurable.
Rashida’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her trophy cabinet boasts a slew of prestigious awards, including the 40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award and the First Among Equals Award by the 40 Under 40 Awards organizers. In 2023, her remarkable achievements were further solidified when she was named the Most Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year at the Northern Excellence Awards (NExA). This award, reserved for the titans of Northern Ghana, recognized Rashida not only for her business acumen but for her tireless work in community development, youth empowerment, and advocacy for the underprivileged.
As she accepted the award, Rashida spoke from the heart, thanking Allah, her family, and her team for their unwavering support. But more importantly, she used the moment to emphasize a message that has been at the core of her journey: the power of skills development and self-reliance. She announced the construction of an ultra-modern factory in Tamale that will train up to one hundred young people at a time in income-generating activities—a project that promises to leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and transformation in the region.
Rashida Saani Nasamu’s story is not just about business success. It is about breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and creating a ripple effect of positive change wherever she goes. From the boardroom to the streets of Tamale, from media studios to international forums, Rashida continues to prove that greatness is not defined by where you start, but by how far you are willing to go. She is an unstoppable force, and her legacy is one of hope, transformation, and boundless possibility for future generations. For young entrepreneurs and dreamers across Africa and beyond, Rashida is more than a role model—she is living proof that with passion, determination, and the courage to dream big, anything is possible.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rashidasaani22318/
Twitter: https://x.com/iamtherashida
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