Focus on Africa “I became a founder - then burnt out"
Jan 9, 2026
Jihan Abass is the founder of Lami Insurance Technology, a fintech firm in Kenya, while Mawano Kambeu runs Dotcom Zambia, a tech and payments company. They share candidly about their struggles with burnout as startup founders. Jihan discusses juggling family and leadership amidst startup stress, while Mawano recounts near-bankruptcy and how social media became a lifeline. Both emphasize the daunting pressures of financing and identity tied to their ventures, and offer valuable insights on coping strategies like therapy, self-care, and the importance of support systems.
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Long Days Masked A Collapse
- Jihan worked from 7am to 9pm daily during early startup days and COVID, not realising she was burning out.
- She later recognised full-blown depression after letting the stress go on for too long.
Surviving On Four Hours Sleep
- Mawano juggled work, study and building his business, sleeping three to four hours most nights.
- That schedule led him to weeks of non-functioning and a period of full-blown depression.
Stress Hijacks Brain And Immunity
- Dr Leona explains chronic stress is cortisol-driven fight, freeze or flight that treats deadlines like threats.
- Chronic stress diverts resources from cognition and immunity, increasing illness and cognitive slips.