Heather’s story of success in a new land

TANZANIA: FEW Tanzanians have made significant business footprints in Mauritius, but Heather Ngoda is changing the story. From a student struggling to find housing, she has risen to become a leading real estate entrepreneur.

Her work connects African migrants with safe, comfortable homes while opening doors to new opportunities.

Heather’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and community, showing how challenges abroad can turn into powerful chances for growth.

Currently visiting Tanzania, Heather chairs the Tanzanian Diaspora in Mauritius and is the founder of Homefront Realty, a real estate company based in Port Louis. Established in April 2024, Homefront Realty serves African students and foreigners searching for housing on the island.

The company was born out of personal experience. When Heather first moved to Mauritius for her university studies, she faced the same struggles many African students go through while trying to secure decent housing.

She turned that frustration into purpose. Today, Homefront Realty has helped more than 200 international students and residents from various African countries settle comfortably in Mauritius.

Heather offers more than just property listings. She provides guidance on how to navigate life in Mauritius, gives safety tips, connects clients to useful services, and creates a sense of home away from home.

This personal touch has earned her the trust of both landlords and tenants, particularly among homeowners who are now more open to working with African clients because of Heather’s professionalism.

She believes trust is the foundation of everything she does. “It took me more than two years to earn the confidence of local landlords. I am proud that they now trust me to connect them with my clients, and that trust is something I value deeply,” Heather says.

Heather graduated with a law degree from Middlesex University in Mauritius. Though real estate was never part of her childhood dreams, her legal training has become one of her strongest assets.

Her background in law helps her draft client-friendly contracts and understand land ownership regulations, ensuring all transactions are smooth and secure.

“My degree gave me a strong understanding of property law and contract processes. It prepared me well to handle this kind of business with care and integrity,” she says.

Homefront Realty works closely with Mauritius’ Economic Development Board (EDB) and other authorities to make sure all investment processes are legally sound.

Investors from across East Africa have already benefited from these services. The company supports them not only with securing land but also with understanding the legal framework that governs property investment in Mauritius.

Before launching her company, Heather gained experience while working with a local real estate agency. That time gave her insights into the gaps in the market, especially the lack of tailored services for Africans living on the island.

She noticed that most companies prioritized clients from Europe and Asia. African students and visitors were often left out or treated as afterthoughts.

This gap became her mission. Heather wanted to be the person who made things easier for those arriving in a foreign country, often with no networks or support.

“Helping African migrants, especially students, find a safe and welcoming place to live is a huge achievement for me,” she says. “Many parents feel reassured knowing someone like me is available to support their children when they arrive.”

Mauritius continues to receive a high number of tourists and students from across the world, which increases the demand for rental properties.

Homefront Realty is now expanding to serve both local Mauritians and international guests, bridging cultures and offering housing solutions that meet diverse needs.

Heather is also using social media to grow her reach. She regularly shares tips, property listings, and life updates through various platforms, making it easy for people to contact her from anywhere.

This digital approach has allowed her to serve people even before they land in Mauritius.

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Looking ahead, Heather plans to create an online housing platform that will help African students and migrants secure accommodation before they move.

She envisions a system where someone can find a home, understand the area, and feel safe long before their flight takes off.

“My vision goes beyond business,” she said. “I want to improve lives. I hope Homefront Realty becomes a global space where African students and migrants can find comfort, connection, and care from day one.”

Through Homefront Realty, Heather has built more than a business. She has built a bridge between two worlds, giving others the tools to settle, succeed, and dream even bigger.