Meet Sitan Cissé, Founder of Blocks of Change
“Real change begins when people are open and honest.”
For Sitan, entrepreneurship is about building systems that lift entire communities. Through Blocks of Change, she helps African SMEs scale into the continent’s next economic drivers, providing digital tools, technical support, market access, and soon, financial solutions. She focuses on businesses often overlooked by international investors, recognising that economic inequality and systemic biases are not just social issues, but economic ones too.
“I started Blocks of Change because I saw a gap in how African SMEs were supported,” she said. “Tech startups get most of the attention, but it’s the brick-and-mortar businesses that drive employment and growth.”
The problem she refused to ignore
Sitan’s journey began when she explored the African startup ecosystem and discovered the untapped potential of traditional SMEs. “A few years ago, I noticed innovation everywhere, yet many founders were excluded from the resources and networks they needed,” she recalled. “That inspired me to create a platform that strengthens African SMEs and boosts trade between Africa and Europe.”
“I realised I had the skills, experience, and drive to lead a company on my own.”
The moment it crystallised
Her pivotal moment came during her first business. “I co-founded a company with a male partner, and during an accelerator event, I realised I was handling almost everything while my co-founder contributed inconsistently,” she said. A conversation with the managing director made it clear: she had the skills and drive to lead on her own. “That day taught me to trust myself and gave me the push to start Blocks of Change.”
Why Blocks of Change is different
Sitan blends technical and design expertise with cultural insight. She studied software engineering and design, grew up in Germany with a French environment, and has Guinean roots. This unique perspective allows her to bridge African and European business contexts and address both human and economic challenges. She builds Blocks of Change not just as a platform, but as an ecosystem that empowers SMEs to grow sustainably.
How she leads
Her leadership style reflects her personality: independent, strategic, and empathetic. “I thrive on ownership, but I’ve learned to navigate diverse working styles,” she said. “This helps me build a team that respects individual strengths while moving toward a shared vision.” She balances clarity and warmth, drawing inspiration from everyday leaders, like a property manager who separated structure from personal connection, showing her how to be firm yet human.
What she’s building right now
Blocks of Change is growing, and Sitan is focused on helping SMEs scale. “It’s incredible to see a business expand, create jobs, or reach new markets a few months after our support,” she said. “Even when impact isn’t immediate, seeing real results keeps me motivated every day.”
Founderland and finding her people
Being part of Founderland gives her confidence that she is not alone. “Even if I haven’t explored every social aspect, knowing others are navigating similar challenges is valuable,” she said. “The connection and shared experience matter more than scheduled events.”
Her biggest challenge—and how she moved through it
Sitan struggled with feeling overwhelmed and underutilised at the start. “I judged myself harshly, but I learned to step back, accept the feelings, and gain clarity,” she said. “That shift made me more productive, confident, and resilient.”
Advice to her past self
“Don’t overthink—just start,” she said. Early on, she often stalled in planning and overanalysing. “Progress comes from action, even if things aren’t perfect. Adjust along the way, and trust the process.”
Who inspires her
Sitan is inspired by leaders she encounters in everyday life. One example is her property manager, who was firm and structured in meetings, yet kind and approachable outside them. She admires how he separates the task from the person, staying clear and decisive while remaining empathetic—a balance she aims to bring into her own leadership.
How she stays grounded
Her creativity comes from connecting ideas across different worlds and embracing scarcity. Motivation is sustained by peers on similar journeys. “Building together keeps me grounded,” she said. “I don’t try to do it all alone.”
A mantra she lives by
“There will be changes but with advantage for you.”
Follow Sitan’s Journey
Learn more or get in touch: