How Kunda Kids is Setting New Standards for Inclusivity in the Industry

By Louisa Olafuyi, Co-founder of Kunda Kids

When we started Kunda Kids, we didn’t set out to disrupt an industry – we simply wanted our son to see himself in the books he read. What began as one story written around our kitchen table quickly turned into something much bigger; a global movement built on the power of inclusive storytelling.

As parents and entrepreneurs, my husband and I saw a gap. There were very few children’s books that reflected African history, culture, or identity in a way that felt joyful, modern and empowering. And we weren’t alone. Families, educators, and communities around the world were searching for content that told a different story – one that didn’t just include diverse characters, but celebrated them.

Culture, Confidence and Curiosity

At Kunda Kids, our mission is to help children grow up with a strong sense of identity, curiosity about the world, and confidence in who they are. We do this through books, music, and digital content that put African stories and voices at the forefront.

We’ve also been deliberate in how we use digital tools to engage a generation growing up on screens. Rather than seeing technology as a threat to reading, we see it as a bridge – combining fast-paced, culturally relevant digital content with storytelling that promotes literacy and self-awareness. With reading occasions declining across generations, we knew we had to meet children where they are, while gently guiding them back to the joys and depth of reading.

But inclusivity for us isn’t just about representation – it’s about authenticity. It’s making sure children don’t have to wait until adulthood to learn about their culture or see people who look like them achieving great things. It’s giving all children the tools to understand and appreciate different perspectives from an early age.

Our stories introduce kids to African kings and queens, teach proverbs through songs, and celebrate family, resilience, and leadership – all wrapped up in vibrant visuals and engaging storytelling. The result is not only educational but genuinely joyful, because children deserve that.

Growth With Purpose

In just a few years, we’ve grown from one book to a global catalogue that’s reached families in over 25 countries, and worked with schools, libraries, and retailers who believe in what we’re doing.

But growth for the sake of growth has never been the goal. We’re building something with long-term impact. That means partnering with educators, offering resources for parents, and always listening to the needs of the communities we serve. It also means nurturing a business culture that reflects our values – from who we hire to how we collaborate.

As we’ve scaled, we’ve also had to navigate the structural challenges that many underrepresented founders face. Despite the strength of our vision and traction, access to funding and networks has not always come easily. With Black women making up just 0.02% of VC-backed founders, our success in raising just under $1 million – through a mix of family support, bootstrapping, and a successful pre-seed round – is rare, but it shouldn’t be. For inclusive businesses to thrive, more equitable access to capital must become the norm.

We are proud to be building a company that not only proves the commercial viability of diverse content, but also highlights the potential for real return when innovation is rooted in representation.

Leading With Heart

As a Black woman in business and a mother, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about listening, learning, and leading with intention. I want my children to grow up seeing that their voices matter, and that creativity and culture can coexist with commercial success.

My background in innovation and qualitative research has taught me that leadership starts with curiosity and listening. In our team, I encourage not just problem-solving, but the asking of better questions – a value that’s often overlooked in the race for fast solutions. Empathy, active listening, and intuition are at the heart of how we operate. I don’t believe leadership is something we ever “arrive” at – it’s an evolving journey, and I aim to grow alongside my team.

At Kunda Kids, we’re not just telling stories – we’re reshaping them. We’re challenging outdated narratives, opening doors for underrepresented voices, and creating a new standard for what children’s media can be. It’s smart, it’s soulful, and it’s rooted in the belief that every child, no matter where they’re from, deserves to feel seen.

And if we can help raise a generation that celebrates who they are and respects who others are? That’s the real success.