10 Inspiring African Women Entrepreneurs
Hello everyone,
Today’s deep dive is a little different: We want to shine the spotlight on 10 successful African women entrepreneurs - who operate across different countries and industries, but all have an inspiring story, often filled with overcoming adversity. Those women truly embody resilience and mirror the diverse economic growth and development of the continent.
It’s a diverse mix of young founders building tech companies, to established business women in the aviation or energy industry! Let’s dive in!
1. Magatte Wade - SkinIsSkin
Senegalese entrepreneur Magatte Wade founded SkinIsSkin, a skincare brand that promotes economic development in Africa. Her company sources ingredients from local African producers, supporting sustainable agriculture. Wade's story highlights the importance of ethical business practices and the global potential of African brands.
2. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu - soleRebels
Ethiopian entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu transformed her community with SoleRebels, a footwear company that combines traditional Ethiopian crafts with modern design. Starting in a local workshop, her brand is now internationally recognized, showcasing how local culture can inspire globally successful products.
3. Tatenda Ndambakuwa - Shiri
Zimbabwean entrepreneur Tatenda Ndambakuwa founded Shiri, a mobile platform that connects small-scale farmers to vital information, markets, and resources. Coming from a background in architecture and urban planning, Ndambakuwa's shift to agriculture tech reflects her commitment to solving food security challenges in Africa through innovation.
4. Folorunsho Alakija - Famfa Oil
Nigerian businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija is one of the richest African women and one of the richest black women in the world. Her journey began in fashion with her label, Supreme Stitches, but her major breakthrough came from oil. Her company, Famfa Oil, owns a significant stake in OML 127, a lucrative oil block on the Agbami deepwater oilfield. Alakija's story is a powerful example of diversification and perseverance in business.
5. Dr. Ola Orekunrin – Flying Doctors Nigeria
Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a British-Nigerian medical doctor who founded Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first air ambulance service. Inspired by personal tragedy, Orekunrin created the service to provide critical care to remote areas. Her commitment to healthcare innovation has saved countless lives and transformed emergency medical services in the region.
6. Anna Phosa - Dreamland Piggery & Abattoir
South African entrepreneur Anna Phosa, known as Africa’s "Pig Queen," turned a small backyard piggery into Dreamland Piggery & Abattoir, one of the largest pork suppliers in South Africa. Starting with just four pigs, Phosa secured a major contract with Pick n Pay, one of South Africa's largest retailers, without prior farming experience. Her success story is a testament to the power of ambition and hard work in the agricultural sector.
7. Sibongile Sambo - SRS Aviation
Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering South African entrepreneur who founded SRS Aviation, the first black female-owned aviation company in South Africa. After failing to meet the flight attendant height requirement, Sambo decided to start her own company offering private air services. Her journey from a rejected job applicant to a leader in the aviation industry is truly inspiring.
8. Tabitha Karanja - Keroche Breweries
Tabitha Karanja is a Kenyan entrepreneur who challenged the dominance of multinational breweries by founding Keroche Breweries, Kenya's first large-scale brewery owned by a non-multinational company. Starting with fortified wine and later expanding into beer, Karanja faced numerous challenges, including regulatory battles, but persevered to transform Keroche into a significant player in the East African alcohol beverage industry.
9. Francine Munyaneza
Francine Munyaneza is the CEO and Founder of Munyax Eco Ltd, a Rwandan company dedicated to solar energy solutions established in 2013. Munyaneza champions clean energy access and women's empowerment, making substantial impacts with Munyax Eco by promoting sustainable development and gender inclusivity in the renewable energy sector.
10. Nelly Cheboi - TechLit Africa
Nelly Cheboi, founder of TechLit Africa and CNN Hero of the Year 2022, grew up in Mogotio, Kenya, facing poverty. She earned a scholarship to study computer science in the US and founded TechLit Africa to teach digital skills in rural Kenyan schools. The organization, which redistributes recycled technology to create computer labs, aims to empower students with computer skills. Cheboi's efforts have significantly impacted education and digital literacy in rural Kenya.
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Thanks for reading,
Carolin
Disclaimer: All information provided is not intended to serve as investment advice. Any mention of industries or countries should not be taken as an endorsement.