Sector Feature
According to the IFC, by 2030, Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness markets are expected to triple to reach $1 trillion in value. Africa needs more than $10 billion in new investment annually to achieve the aspired expansion of agricultural output. As a result, there is now an increasing focus on extending agribusiness value chains, recognizing that 60 percent of Africans derive their livelihoods from agriculture.
In the Lionesses of Africa community, there are a number of women entrepreneurs who are playing their role in Africa’s growing agribusiness story by building successful businesses that harness the potential of the raw materials found on the continent by transforming them into products that people want to buy. In our special focus on women entrepreneurs in Africa’s agribusiness sector, we introduce some of those who are making their mark in this important industry sector across the continent.
Startup Story
Drienie Botes is an experienced entrepreneur and community upliftment advocate in South Africa, with over 25 years of leadership in business development and social impact. She has founded multiple successful ventures, including a pearl import business and Meant to Bee (PTY) Ltd, a business focused on empowering rural women through sustainable beekeeping and market access. Skilled in strategic planning, international trade, and capacity building, Drienie is passionate about driving economic independence and transforming communities through innovative, purpose-driven enterprises. She launched Meant to Bee in 2021 and today it has created economic opportunities for 36 people.
Startup Story
Tumelo Tshwagong is a co-owner of Tshwagong Farm, a family-owned business focused on livestock and Indigenous vegetable farming, and located in Koster in the Northwest province of South Africa. Tumelo is a passionate female farmer devoted to cultivating change from the ground up. Tshwagong Farm was established in 2021 with Tumelo at the helm as a Managing Director, supported by a team of four. Her work goes beyond farming as she sees it as a form of preservation, a movement to reignite ancestral food sources and confront the growing crisis of food insecurity. She passionately believes that every seed she plants, every field she tends, carries the vision of a resilient, self-sustaining future.
Startup Story
Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the founder of Indico Fish Farm. EI in Mozambique, where she is currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Population and Development. Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of animal production. Her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.
Startup Story
Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela is the founder of Masana Generation Project in South Africa, a poultry farming business specialising in broiler chickens, crop production, and rabbit production. She is a leader and social entrepreneur, a farmer, and a public speaker, who likes to work with local communities. Zenzile is passionate about her work and has an openness to learning and implementation in her business. She registered the business in 2014 and started operations full-time in 2018.
Startup Story
Segredos do Paraíso, a business celebrating the authentic characteristics and purity of coconut, processed and beautifully packaged for the world to enjoy. What makes Segredos do Paraíso, founded by Yara Galiano, products special is that they are 100% natural, because the business only processes the coconut from one state to another in order to obtain its different products, using the cold press method. The business was launched in February 2023 and has created jobs for 3 people.
Startup Story
Celestina Langa is the founder and ceo of Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd in Mozambique, a company dedicated to agro-processing and the valorization of local food products, with a focus on dietary health and nutritional well-being. Her entrepreneurial trajectory is marked by a strong dedication to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions in the food sector. Celestina has a degree in Food Sciences from the Pedagogical University of Mozambique and, throughout her career, has continually dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and skills. She is currently completing her Master of Business in the Street (MBS) at Interweave Solutions Academy, which has provided her with strategic vision and improved skills in business management, further strengthening her profile as an entrepreneur and leader.
Startup Story
Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the founder of Indico Fish Farm. EI in Mozambique, where she is currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Population and Development. Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of animal production. Her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.
Startup Story
Zaza Letsholo is the founder of ABM Farming Dreams in South Africa. She is a passionate farmer and community builder specializing in livestock and dry bean production. Inspired by her late father, a dedicated farmer, Zaza grew up on a farm where she learned the values of hard work and resilience. In addition to her farming endeavours, she runs a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, including orphans. With over 12 years of experience in car sales, Zaza is also an award-winning top performer in her field. Her commitment to agriculture and community welfare reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.
Startup Story
Sabine Lydia Müller is the founder of Tchambalakate Comércio e Serviços Soc.Unip., Lda in Mozambique. She is passionate about regenerative organic agriculture, agroforestry, Mozambique, and the decolonization of Africa. Through her self-employed work as consultant in Germany and Mozambique, her involvement in various publications, and in organic certifications, Sabine aims to share knowledge and best practices on how to improve the resilience and sustainability of food systems and ecosystems. She believes in the peaceful coexistence of nature and human beings, and strives to make a positive impact with her work. As a Communications Manager with over 17 years of experience in PR, social media, and brand marketing, Sabine leverages her skills and network to raise awareness and support for her clients’ projects and initiatives.
Startup Story
Forget Shareka is the founder of Chashi Foods in Zimbabwe, and also a farmer, vibrant agronomic engineer, award-winning entrepreneur, environmental management, and sustainability professional. She is passionate about agribusiness, sustainable food systems, sustainability, community development, youth and women empowerment, and climate action. Her academic background is in agricultural sciences, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She is the founder and business development director for Chashi Foods, an agro-processing company committed to reducing postharvest and food losses in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, she works in the Environmental, Social, and Governance field (ESG) in Telecommunications.
Startup Story
Nonopa Tenza is the founder of Kevinot Farming in South Africa - she is an accountant by training, and a seasoned finance and banking professional. She has fulfilled various roles in financial management, credit risk management, sales, and relationship management roles in SA’s blue-chip companies and has worked in SA and Scotland. In 2017, Nonopa founded Kevinot Farming as a side hustle whilst still in corporate. In 2021 she left a successful career in Corporate and Investment Banking to run the business on a full-time basis. Kevinot Farming is a business that farms in the deep rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa, and is a mixed farming business growing maize and beans and also farming sheep and cattle.
Startup Story
Emi-Beth Aku Quantson is the Founder, CEO and Chief Caffeination Officer at Kawa Moka Coffee Company, Ghana's leading social enterprise coffee company and roaster, where she drives investment and growth. She has raised over $200,000 in debt and equity investments; created over 250 jobs in coffee through farmer partnerships and employment of marginalized groups; and established Accra's largest roastery, supplying major supermarkets and cafes across the country and internationally. Emi-Beth has been recognized by the President of the Republic of Ghana, President Akuffo Addo. Prior to founding Kawa Moka in 2015, Emi-Beth worked as a tax consultant and transfer pricing expert at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Ghana and Kenya.
Startup Story
Márcia Dima Jone is the founder and owner of N’toko Organic Lda, a startup that collects and recovers waste. Currently, its focus is on composting for the production of organic fertilizer in order to promote the adoption of sustainable cultivation practices by gardeners and farmers and the reduction of the use of pesticides. N'toko has been committed to environmental education as one of the bets for promoting the Circular Economy, through the correct disposal of solid waste, its use and sustainability.
Startup Story
Sizolwenkosi Mazolo is the founder of Ingcebethu Pvt Ltd, a small business based in Zimbabwe and in the value addition agro-processing sector. Ingcebethu uses a 3-way model which is Freezing, Canning and Drying fruits and vegetables in the bid to reduce food waste, post-harvest losses, as well as to promote food security in Africa. Sizolwenkosi has been awarded a number of accolades for her work which include: 2022 JCI TOYP Honouree, Top 20 Young CEOs by CEO Roundtable Africa 2022, as well as the Record Breaker Young CEOs by Zimbabwe CEOs Network 2022 among others. She is a YALI RLC alumni and her business was in the top 10 finalists in the 2022 Eagles Nest Incubation program by Zimtrade. In line with her mission to address food security, Sizolwenkosi volunteers at The Mobi Soup Kitchen where approximately 600 children are fed every week at a squatter camp in Harare.
Startup Story
Fly Eagles LDA is a digital magazine publishing venture, founded by experienced agripreneur, Dirce Vicente in Mozambique. Passionate about Agriculture, she has already developed many solutions to improve the agricultural ecosystem in Mozambique. Dirce is the founder of Dfruit, Agri impact, and is currently letting her passion emerge with the launch of an agribusiness magazine called Fly Eagles Agribusiness. The magazine aims to provide the reader with unique experiences, inspiring them to reach their purpose and unlock their maximum potential. It shares stories of overcoming and persistence in Agriculture from people who are making it happen, and excelling in this field.
Startup Story
Teresa Kulei is the founder of NSINYA COMÉRCIO e SERVIÇOS, LDA in Mozambique. She graduated in Agronomy from the State University of Saint Petersburg-Russia and works in the agribusiness area. NSINYA was founded in 2020.
Startup Story
Doreen Michelo is the Founder and Managing Director of Mzala Enterprise Ltd in Zambia, a business founded in 2018. She is a serial entrepreneur and business leader focusing on enhancing local community capacity growth and sustainability by growing and producing high quality farm produce for the local market that is not only accessible but very affordable. Empowering the local community through Agriculture Skills training and knowledge dissemination through the skills hub/centre is another major focus of the business as it aims to leave a lasting positive impact on the community supporting its operations. The business has employed 9 permanent workers and 20 seasonal workers. Doreen has 9 years business work experience as a professional in various industries.
Startup Story
Priscilla Musenge is a Climate Change activist and a budding entrepreneur, who is the ceo and founder of Entomo Farm in Zambia, a business launched in 2018. It has since created jobs for 7 people. She was one of the top 10 Finalists of the inaugural cohort of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in 2020, a White House Initiative. Additionally, in the same year, Priscilla’s start-up also received a grant in sustainable waste management from United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Zambia. Most recently, she also won 2nd prize in the world’s largest green business ideas competition - the 2021 Climate Launchpad business competition and was one of the recipients of the inaugural 2022 ZANACO (Zambia National Commercial Bank) awards in Zambia.
Startup Story
Filomena Matimbe is the founder and ceo of Finana, a Mozambican company specializing in Banana Flour processing and dry banana. She brings five years of experience in this business. Finana has won multiple awards including the world Gold Medal at the II World of Inventors and Innovators Forum, and also a SANBio award in Mozambique 2017. Banana flour is available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. It is also served as a snack in schools and in the largest hospital in the country.
Startup Story
Iolanda Almeida is the founder and CEO of INMA LIMITADA based in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. She is a coffeepreneur and award-winning enterprise leader in Mozambique for the NEPAD SAN Bio Phase II BioFISA FEM BioBiz Programme. Iolanda’s business is focused on processing coffee from Ibo Island in Mozambique´s World Biosphere Reserve for the internal market. She founded the business in 2015 to support almost 150 Ibo Coffee farmers, for social inclusion and local development.
Startup Story
Most of the population of Madagascar lives in rural areas relying on farming to make a living, but the majority live in poverty. Marina Rakotondrasoa Ralaivaomisa, founder of Massöva, is on a mission to help change their situation through her entrepreneurial approach to agribusiness and extending the local value chain.
Startup Story
Carmen Stevens, founder of Carmen Stevens Wines Pty Ltd, is the first black person accepted to study winemaking in South Africa and qualified in 1995 as South Africa's first black winemaker. She was recognised with a Top 10 Pinotage award in 1998 for her very first red wine production. Carmen's industry awards include International Decanter Trophy winner, 2015 Winemaker of the Year California, 2018 - Winemaker of the Decade UK (Naked Wines.com). In 2019, Carmen registered the first 100 % black-and-woman owned winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa and was awarded South Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2019. The Carmen Stevens NPO was registered in 2015, the foundation to date, have provided 11 622 731 plates of food to 41 363 learners at school.
Startup Story
Hadija Jabiri is the founder and MD of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania. She is a farmer committed to making agricultural production a sustainable and profitable business through empowering smallholder farmers. Hadija is an IVLP alumnae and holder of multiple awards and nominations for her work and business which is making a real difference in people’s lives.
Impact Partner Content - Absa
Gladys Kgorane is the founder and owner of Caleb's farm in Potchefstroom, South Africa, a niche agri business that supplies farm fresh products, eggs, free range chickens, sheep packages and pork packages for its customers. As a family oriented entrepreneur, Gladys is married with three children, she started her farming business on her smallholding back in 2013. Today she has seen it grow substantially from those early days, and now supplies 30 trays of eggs daily to customers, in addition to a wide range of farm fresh meat and fresh vegetables.
Exciting things are happening in South Africa’s winelands with a new generation of entrepreneurs making great wines for the local and global market place and building new brands to watch. Ses’fikile Wines, founded by Nondumiso Pikashe, is one such brand with high aspirations.
Impact Partner Content - Absa
From major food retailers to the hospitality industry, commercial customers look for reliable, high quality, fresh produce suppliers to meet their needs. In South Africa, Rebecca Tshuma, founder of Becks Foods, is building a reputation for supplying some of the freshest, healthiest produce direct from the farm.
Startup Story
Agribusiness is big business in South Africa, and one passionate, enterprising woman entrepreneur, Metsana Kojane, founder of Eden Roots PTY Ltd, is putting bees at the heart of her business. Her production of beautifully natural honey has not only created local agri-processing jobs for women in her community, but also the creation of a natural skincare brand using the wax, propolis and royal jelly from her raw honey hives.
Startup Story
One of the challenges of modern living is that often residents of sprawling industrial and commercial cities often become detached from where their food comes from and how it is produced. In South Africa, entrepreneur Josephine Katumba, founder of Biakudia Urban Farming Solutions, is reconnecting people with their food and the environment through urban agriculture.
Startup Story
South Africa has a long tradition of growing some of the world’s finest fruit and vegetables. In the North West province of the country, agripreneur Abueng Leepile, founder of Bokamoso Abu Farms, is playing her part in the important food production value chain in the country.
Gladys Kgorane is a visionary entrepreneur and woman of faith, driven by a deep desire to create spaces of healing, rest, and joyful connection. As the founder of Caleb’s Farm Cabins in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she has transformed a quiet piece of land into a peaceful farm destination offering accommodation, events, and wellness retreats. Rooted in purpose and inspired by the Biblical story of Caleb, Gladys is passionate about helping others find peace, celebrate life’s moments, and rediscover hope through nature and hospitality.