This month, the Choiseul Institute of France has just published its inaugural list of Africa’s 100 Most Promising Young Business Leaders Under the Age of 40, and making the rankings are seven women entrepreneurs, our Lionesses of Africa.
This influential new business ranking list for Africa has been inspired by the exceptional growth of African countries and the economic transformations taking place across the continent as a whole. Dynamic and thriving companies are being created by passionate and market savvy entrepreneurs, and their efforts are helping to a new driving force for economic development and growth in Africa.
Helping to lead this entrepreneurial charge in Africa are a number of inspirational women entrepreneurs, all Lionesses of Africa, who are making waves in their various industry sectors and countries. Each of these women were selected on the basis of their active contribution to the overall economic development of Africa. Criteria for the awards included considerations of such factors as image and reputation, background and skills, power and function, influence and networks, future potential and leadership capability. Candidates were selected from 42 out of Africa’s 54 countries, with the largest number of laureates emerging from Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Algeria, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The women entrepreneurs featured in the inaugural Choiseul Institute of France list of Africa’s 100 Most Promising Young Business Leaders Under the Age of 40 for 2014 include:
- Marieme Jamme – SpotOne – Senegal
- Khanyi Dhlomo – Ndalo Media – South Africa
- Magatte Wade – Tiossan Skin Care – Senegal
- Monica Musonda – Java Foods – Zambia
- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu – Boxtex Plc – Ethiopia
- Tara Fela Durotoye – House of Tara International – Nigeria
- Sibongele Sambo – SRS Aviation – South Africa
Lionesses of Africa would like to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of each of these women entrepreneurs who are an inspiration to all those women who are working hard to build their own businesses and make a difference to their communities and countries across the African continent.