Affiong Williams, an award-winning, innovation-driven agribusiness entrepreneur

October 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken

ReelFruit, Nigeria’s largest dried fruit processing business generating employment across the value chain

Affiong Williams is the CEO/Founder of ReelFruit, the largest fruit processing, packaging and distribution company focused on being the 'leading fruit agribusiness in Nigeria'. The company, founded in 2012, retails a range of dried fruit and nut snacks through a variety of channels including over 400 supermarkets, airlines, schools, and hotels locally, while also retailing internationally in the US (Amazon.com), Switzerland, Belgium, Saudi Arabia. ReelFruit is an award-winning brand, winning an international Women in Business Competition in the Netherlands. Affiong has also been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the most promising '30 under 30' entrepreneurs in 2015. In 2017, she won “Entrepreneur of the Year”, awarded by the prestigious Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WimBiz).

Fade Ogunro, a digital pioneer empowering gig workers in Africa

October 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Bookings Africa, a digital work platform connecting clients to skilled professionals in Africa

Fade Ogunro is the founder and ceo of BookingsAfrica.com, a pan-African digital work platform that enables African service providers, agencies and professionals digitize and monetize their skills by connecting clients efficiently and transparently to skilled professionals in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. As a leading technology platform, Bookings Africa is the only African freelance marketplace with a video call feature that allows clients and Brands connect with service providers from procurement, payment to service delivery which is rendered end-to-end, online. Fade has over 15 years of experience in media and technology, and most recently is also the Africa Chair for the Cherie Blair Foundation. She is dedicated to the pursuit of gender equality, digital gig work opportunities and African prosperity. Her vision is to produce self-sustainable and dignified work through digital work for over 5 million Africans.

Mayleen Kyster Nduli, an entrepreneurial pioneer of Africa’s steel industry

October 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Africa Steel Holdings, a boutique investment holding company in the steel and metals value chain

Mayleen Kyster Nduli is the founder of Africa Steel Holdings in South Africa, a boutique investment holding company with interest across the steel and metals value-chain. Her business ASH was founded on the foundation of her passion for the steel industry as well as her sound education and personal experience of 15 years in steel. Mayleen sits on various boards in her industry as either Non or Executive Director. Mayleen is passionate about woman empowerment and inclusion in all industries. Mayleen is a wife to Zano and mother to Rocco and Nala.

Leslie Okoye, skincare expert and educator for women of colour

September 26, 2021 Melanie Hawken

L'Okoye Cosmetics, a skincare business for women and men of African descent in Nigeria

Leslie Okoye is the founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics in Nigeria. She is a skincare expert and educator and the founder of the CookieSkin brand - the melanin skincare line for women of colour to achieve healthy flawless skin the right way. The CookieSkin brand extends into a skincare Academy on Melanin Skincare Consulting. With this, the mother of two puts the power back in the hands of women and men of African descent to choose the right products, prevent skin damage, make money, get results, look great and feel great. With over fifteen years of hands-on experience with melanin skin issues, Leslie Okoye is the chosen skincare expert to many Nigerian and Ghanian celebrities. Her CookieSkin brand is sold on the website and all over Nigeria in top chain pharmacies and supermarkets.

Nabou Fall, an inspirational communications leader with a passion for coaching

September 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Vizeo, an advertising agency in Cote d’Ivoire helping companies get strategic about communications in Africa.

Nabou Fall is the CEO of Vizeo an advertising agency in Cote d’Ivoire which helps companies implement strategic publicity and public relations in Africa. She started her career as an executive board member for 15 years, as Sales and Marketing Director, Deputy Managing Director and Managing Director in Telecom companies such as MTN (Ivory Coast and Congo Republic), 2XTCOM Vodacom in DRC. She is a public speaker, personal development coach, and a coach of youth and women entrepreneurship, leadership and happiness. Nabou is a TEDx speaker, author and mentor in various empowerment NGOs, the President of Wimnet (NGO involved in women and youth empowerment ), and was recently appointed to be the president of the Women Investment Club in Ivory Coast. She is also the cofounder of Impact Hub Abidjan.

Noëlla Coursaris Musunka, a champion for girls’ education in the Democratic Republic of Congo

September 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Malaika, a high impact social enterprise educating and empowering girls in their communities in DRC

Noëlla Coursaris Musunka is a Congolese/Cypriot philanthropist, an international model, and the Founder & CEO of Malaika. Founded in 2007, Malaika is a grassroots non-profit that educates and empowers girls and their communities in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo through a school, a community centre, and a comprehensive clean water program. A unique and fearless spokesperson and the face of leading beauty and fashion campaigns across the globe, Noëlla is a voice for the power of girls’ education worldwide. Noëlla has shared her insight at a number of world-class forums spanning the World Economic Forum in Davos to the university halls of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT. She is an Ambassador for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an Advisor at Concordia, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Segal Family Foundation.

Salma Abdulai, a visionary agribusiness entrepreneur changing lives in Ghana

September 5, 2021 Melanie Hawken

AMAATI Co. Ltd, an agri-business processing Fonio to empower small-scale women farmers

Salma Abdulai is the Co-Founder and CEO of AMAATI Company limited, a company that reflects her experience and passion for agriculture and social consciousness. She has her background in Agricultural Economics and has 10 years of experience working on different projects with International non-profit organizations. Her extensive experience in the agriculture sector is particularly focused on working with small scale rural farmers and women groups across Africa. She has managed AMAATI CO. Ltd since 2013 to become profitable, an agri-business company she co-founded which is into the processing and marketing of Fonio for local and export market.

Kah Walla, a Cameroonian solution-driven entrepreneur and political leader

August 29, 2021 Melanie Hawken

STRATEGIES!, a consultancy firm specializing in leadership and management solutions

Kah Walla is a Political Leader, Activist and Entrepreneur from Cameroon. She is the founder and CEO of the 26-year old consulting firm, STRATEGIES! and the current president of the Cameroon People’s Party (CPP) she joined in 2010. In 2011, she became the first woman to ever run for President of the Republic of Cameroon. She has been recognized with several awards: The Vital Voices Global Leadership Award in public Life (2012), the DVF Award (2014), and the Vital Voices Vanguard Award (2015).

Ruka Sanusi, a growth driven entrepreneur empowering women business leaders

August 22, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Alldens Lane, a business advisory company supporting women entrepreneurs in Africa’s small and growing business sector.

Ruka Sanusi is a highly accomplished business management consultant with 26 years of international consulting experience in Europe and across sub-Saharan Africa. Her career to date has been built around her abilities to both provide advice on matters of business/organisational strategy, operations and transformation, and organizing resources and facilities to implement recommendations – she has strategic and operational ability. An astute professional, through her work at Alldens Lane and her consulting work, Ruka supports enterprise leaders in the small and growing business sector. She particularly works with female business leaders to support them with their business transformation needs. Ruka previously served in senior management at PwC Ghana and PwC Nigeria. She has advised governments, public sector organisations and private corporations on international projects and assignments in 16 sub-Saharan African countries.

Dr. Angela Dick, a visionary leader in the staffing and outsourcing industry

August 15, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Dynamic Outsourced Solutions (Pty) Ltd, South Africa’s pioneering and innovative staffing and outsourcing business

Dr. Angela Dick (Hon) is the Founder and Managing Director of Dynamic Outsourced Solutions (Pty) Ltd (South Africa). She is the recipient of many exceptional business awards and is recognised as the female leader in the Staffing and Outsourcing Services Industry. Angela has 38 years of business experience and as a Founder of her first company, she grew the revenue from R85 000 back in 1983 to well over three quarters of a billion rand by 2020. Her vision for her new company DYNAMIC is to create a positive legacy by making a substantial and sustainable contribution to improve the quality of life and hope for the future, for as many South African citizens as possible.

Sujata Jaffer, a strategic, client-focused leader in professional services

August 8, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Nexia SJ Tanzania, a leading Audit, Accountancy, Tax and Assurance consulting business

The award-winning Sujata Jaffer is highly respected by industry peers and colleagues for her intelligence, strength, passion, philanthropy, work ethics and leadership qualities. Founder and Managing Partner of Nexia SJ Tanzania, Sujata brings more than 20 years’ experience in Accounting, Audit and Tax consulting.

Johanna Makgalemele, a powerhouse leader in global executive travel

August 1, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Travel with Flair, a leading South African personalized travel management service

Johanna Makgalemele is an accountant and B Comm graduate from Rhodes University. She is the co-founder of Travel with Flair, a company she started in 1996 with her two partners. TWF employs over 780 people (before Covid) with offices throughout South Africa and won Most Empowered Business of the Year. She is the first person from the African continent to sit on the Global Tourism Board (ACTE) – Association of Corporate Travel Executives where she represented the Middle East and Africa. Johanna has been blessed with many business accolades from “Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in Tourism” to EY Emerging World Entrepreneur of the Year. BWA recently awarded her “Business Woman of the Year” award, and she was also awarded by SA Style awards “Most Stylish Business Personality” of the year. She has been elected to sit on the ASATA Board as Vice-President for 3 years consecutively. Philanthropy is very important to Johanna and she chairs the board of the Salvation Army and assist with fundraising for their abundant children’s homes.

Faraja Nyalandu, a Tanzanian social entrepreneur passionate about education

July 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Shule Direct, developing cutting edge educational programs to empower youth and children

Born and raised in Tanzania, Faraja Nyalandu, founder of Shule Direct, is a resourceful social entrepreneur passionate about developing cutting edge social and educational programs that empower youth and children. What inspires her the most is working collaboratively in social development and educational industry to develop and deliver innovative resources and solutions that prepare children and youth for a sustainable future. With over 15 years’ experience in engaging young people, she has dedicated her professional career and personal life to empowering them to achieve their full potential.

Dr Patricia Nzolantima, a transportation market disruptor in Africa

July 18, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Bizzoly Transport & Logistics, an innovative business empowering women in Democratic Republic of Congo

Dr Patricia Nzolantima is a pure Africa product with over 18 years of experience in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. As a serial entrepreneur, Patricia is a seasoned leader in market disruption initiatives on the African continent. She is the founder and chairwoman of Bizzoly Holdings, a women-owned company and foundation. She is also the co-founder and managing director of EXP-Comuni-cart, a Sub-Saharan Africa marketing agency. Patricia founded the first women’s economic empowerment hub in Kinshasa, an accelerator program for women entrepreneurs to scale up their business; and also a driving license school for women and young women. She is the owner of the Bizzoly Transport and Logistics company that operates under Ubizcabs, the first female-driven taxi company in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and “Ubizdelivery”, the first women logistics services.

Keren Pybus, an ethical apparel manufacturing visionary in Africa

July 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Ethical Apparel Africa, an impact driven company based in Ghana and Benin, manufacturing at scale

Ethical Apparel Africa is a company co-founded by Keren Pybus based in Ghana and Benin, working with international brands who are interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact.

Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert, a leading Kenyan marketing and communications industry leader

July 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken

PMS Group Africa Ltd, an award winning and acclaimed 360°marketing and communications agency

As the Founder and current Chief Executive Officer of PMS Group Africa Ltd and Chair of COMESA’s FEMCOM, present in 21 countries across Africa with the primary goal of enhancing women’s economic power, Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert brings more than 23 years of multi-faceted experience in pan African commerce, integrated communication and public relations within both the public and private sector. Her partnerships straddle the globe and create opportunities for top talent in over 24 countries and four continents. Kenyan by birth, she is a culturally astute and discerning royal Ghanaian Queen whose culturally sensitive approach to socio-economic challenges make Africa and the globe, her home. Joanne has won numerous local and International Awards. She is a 3rd time finalist at The All Africa Business Leaders Award, is an Organization of Women in International Trade Woman of the Year award holder, a KPMG and Nation Media Group Top Entrepreneur of the Year and bearer of the coveted Head of State Commendation for her extraordinary achievements in formalizing the efforts to include women, youth and persons with disabilities in the Kenya Government’s Procurement policy.

Victorine Sarr Awuah, a world-class natural beauty brand builder from Senegal

June 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lyvv Cosmetics, a leading natural cosmetics brand for women of colour

With over 8 years corporate experience, Victorine Sarr Awuah worked as a marketing executive for industrial giants Apple & Loreal. After being selected by President Barack Obama to be a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2015 under his flagship program YALi , she decided to start her own beauty company Lyvv Cosmetics. She holds a Master in Management - Specialisation in Strategy Marketing from ISG school of Management in Paris. With a passion to share and train young people, she has been volunteering as a mentor for programs like TEEP, AWEC. Outside of work, she loves to travel and has under her belt 156 countries visited. She is also a wife and mom of two beautiful girls.

Nisha Ligon, a social entrepreneur making an impact through edutainment

June 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Ubongo, a Pan-African social enterprise creating localized edutainment for kids in Africa

Nisha Ligon is the co-founder and CEO of Ubongo, a Pan-African social enterprise that creates edutainment for kids in Africa. Nisha is a social entrepreneur with a background in media and science, and a passion for education. Before co-founding Ubongo, she was a media producer who created content for the BBC, the Guardian, online learning platforms and award-winning documentaries. She was part of the team who designed and launched Fuse School, and has also contributed to numerous e-learning initiatives across Africa. She studied at Yale University, University of Dar es Salaam, and Imperial College London, specializing in science media production.

Margaux Rusita, a luxury jewellery designer passionate about sustainable design

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Margaux Wong, a Burundi-based brand turning cow horn into unique luxury accessories

Margaux Rusita is the founder and creative director of the Margaux Wong international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand founded in 2000 and based in Burundi, East Africa. Margaux Wong`s artisans transform discarded cow horn and brass into luxurious, beautiful treasure. Margaux is originally from Guyana, South America. She and her Burundian husband, Simba, and their 5 amazing children, have lived and worked in Burundi for the last 12 years. Margaux Wong's ethos is one which embraces responsible innovation and the brand aims to create its beautiful jewellery using locally acquired, sustainable materials. Margaux Wong is a true representation of Margaux`s cultural background and life experiences, spanning 38 amazing years, across 3 beautiful continents.

Kevine Kagirimpundu, a passion driven producer of eco footwear in Rwanda

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken

UZURI K & Y, a rising star of African footwear, creating beautiful shoes and skilled jobs

Kevine Kagirimpundu is the CEO & co-founder of UZURI K&Y, the eco-friendly footwear brand in Rwanda. She obtained her degree in creative designs & environmental build, and she also acquired her business development and leadership skills from global entrepreneurship accelerators. She is passionate about sustainable environment and leverages her skills to educate youth & women from urban vulnerable communities. In 2019, the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative named her among top 10 business heroes creating change across Africa.

ReelFruit, Nigeria’s largest dried fruit processing business generating employment across the value chain

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