How a young Tanzanian turned housing challenges into a thriving business helping African migrants find homes abroad
Few Tanzanians have made a mark in the Mauritian business world — but Heather Ngoda is rewriting that story.
Once a university student struggling to find a place to stay, she is now a respected real estate entrepreneur connecting African migrants to safe, comfortable homes across Mauritius.
Heather’s journey is one of courage, hard work, and compassion. It shows how determination and community spirit can turn personal struggles into opportunities that change lives.
From student hardship to business inspiration
When Heather first arrived in Mauritius to pursue a law degree at Middlesex University, she faced what many foreign students experience — difficulty finding decent, affordable housing.
“Those were tough days,” she recalls. “It was frustrating to search for a home in a new country where you don’t know anyone. That’s when I realized there had to be a better way.”
That realization became the seed of her future success.
In April 2024, she founded Homefront Realty, a company based in Port Louis that now serves African students and professionals seeking housing in Mauritius. Within a year, her agency has helped more than 200 clients from various African countries settle into comfortable homes.
A personal touch that builds trust
Unlike many real estate companies that treat clients as numbers, Heather offers a personal touch — guiding newcomers through every step of their relocation.
Her services go beyond finding apartments. She helps clients understand local regulations, offers safety and cultural tips, and connects them to reliable service providers.
This personalized approach has won her the trust of both landlords and tenants.
“It took me over two years to earn the confidence of local landlords,” Heather says proudly. “Today, they trust me to connect them with responsible tenants — and that trust means everything to me.”
Legal skills meet business passion
Although real estate wasn’t part of her childhood dreams, Heather’s background in law has become one of her greatest assets. Her legal training helps her draft clear contracts, understand property regulations, and protect clients from fraud or exploitation.
“My degree gave me a strong foundation in property law,” she explains. “It taught me how to handle transactions with care, transparency, and integrity.”
Her company works closely with the Mauritius Economic Development Board (EDB) and other authorities to ensure that all property deals comply with legal standards.
Bridging the gap for African migrants
Heather noticed early on that many local agencies focused mainly on clients from Europe and Asia, leaving African students and migrants underserved.
“I wanted to change that,” she says. “Africans deserve the same level of service and respect. Many parents back home now feel reassured knowing someone like me is looking after their children.”
Through Homefront Realty, Heather is helping to change perceptions about African professionals and students in Mauritius. Her professionalism and reliability have made homeowners more open to renting to African clients — breaking stereotypes one lease at a time.
Expanding her vision
The success of Homefront Realty has inspired Heather to dream even bigger. She plans to launch an online housing platform to help students and migrants secure accommodation before arriving in Mauritius.
Her goal is to make relocation seamless and stress-free for Africans moving to new countries.
“My vision goes beyond business,” she says. “I want to make people’s lives better. I want every African student or migrant to feel safe, connected, and at home — even far from home.”
A bridge between two worlds
Heather’s work is now attracting attention from investors across East Africa who want to explore property opportunities in Mauritius. Her company not only helps them find land but also guides them through the legal investment process.
Beyond business, she continues to serve as the Chairperson of the Tanzanian Diaspora in Mauritius, helping connect Tanzanians living abroad and encouraging them to invest back home.
With every home she helps someone find, Heather is building more than shelter — she’s building bridges, opportunities, and hope for a new generation of Africans abroad.
