Sibongile Mongadi, a young South African trailblazing entrepreneur creating prosthetics for amputees

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Sibongile Mongadi, founder, Uku’hamba (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

For those living with a disability as a result of being an amputee, life can be challenging and independence is something longed for by many. But hope is on the horizon, thanks to Sibongile Mongadi, founder of Uku’hamba (Pty) Ltd, a company producing lightweight prosthetics for amputees living with disability. Her work is helping to give amputees their independence and their dignity back, and improve their life conditions in general.

Shamilah Damons, a South African data scientist helping companies with their digital solutions

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Shamilah Damons, founder, Shammah Innovative Solutions (South Africa)

Shammah Innovative Solutions is an information technology company based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is an EME with 100% black women ownership and Level 1 B-BBEE rating. Shammah aims to provide digital solutions to small and large companies. Data is currently considered as any organisation's most valuable commodity, and Shammah’s goal is to use intelligent data processing techniques to provide integrated business solutions that deliver accurate, efficient and timely results.

Nondumiso Pikashe, a South African entrepreneur creating a proud indigenous wine brand (2021)

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa) — **Nondumiso Pikashe**, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

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.

Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, an entrepreneur from the DRC, now building an organic beauty brand in South Africa

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, founder of Vuvu Organic Beauty (DRC/South Africa)

The rapidly growing global market for organic beauty products is one that Vuvu Organic Beauty, founded by Sandra Mauricio Vuvu, is now tapping into. Born in Angola, originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, and growing up in South Africa, Sandra’s passion for beauty and skincare started when she was 17 years old. She watched her mother have such beautiful fashion sense and the beauty products that she used made her want to know more about beauty herself. Sandra qualified as a beauty therapist where she gained more insight in beauty before launching her business.

Ijeoma Onuoha, a Nigerian fashion brand builder creating stylish yet affordable fashion for women

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of Asoebigirl Limited (Nigeria)

Every woman wants to feel and look good, and finding the right stylish clothing for any occasion plays such an important part in that process. In Nigeria, entrepreneur Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of fashion business Asoebigirl Limited and creator of the brand, Touchbyasoebigirl, is bringing her stylish designs within reach of every discerning woman.

Itumeleng Tshikalaha, a South African art entrepreneur sparking curiosity in the visual arts

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Itumeleng Tshikalaha, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa) — **Itumeleng Tshikalaha**, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa)

If you have ever visited an art gallery in Africa, you will know that there is a vibrant and growing art scene on the continent and one that is exciting art collectors both at home and abroad. In South Africa, the 132 Art Gallery, founded by entrepreneur Itumeleng Tshikalaha, aims to promote the work of talented established and emerging African artists to discerning collectors.

Millicent Motsoeri, a South African entrepreneur making vacations affordable for working people

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Everyone loves to take a vacation during the year, but often when the time comes to stop work and take a trip, funds can be in short supply. In South Africa, entrepreneur Millicent Motsoeri, co-founder of Heita Ngamla Holidays, has created a vehicle for customers to pre-pay for their vacations over time, making them more accessible to everyone.

Cate Olifant, an award winning South African paint manufacturing entrepreneur

March 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Cate Olifant, founder & CEO of Akani Paints (South Africa)

Paint is big business, something Cate Olifant, founder and CEO of Akani Paints (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, knows all about. Her manufacturing business, launched in 2015, focuses on producing water based paint for commercial and industrial markets. Today, the business employs 8 permanent staff members, many from local townships. Cate has been recognised for her business acumen with the Business Achiever Award 2018 for Emerging Entrepreneur by the Limpopo Business Women's Association of South Africa. She has more than 15 years of business experience as a former contractor.

Emelia Maliti-Ntshwe, a South African entrepreneur manufacturing and retailing unique furniture

March 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Emelia Maliti-Ntshwe, owner of Hands of Ru Haus Interiors (South Africa)

Emelia Maliti-Ntshwe is a South African entrepreneur and the owner of Hands of Ru Haus Interiors, otherwise known as Ru Haus Furniture Manufacturers, which she launched in 2016. The business has a factory in Mahikeng and showroom in Hartbeesport. Emelia has a background in communications having studied for her BA Communications and Masters Of Business Administration (MBA) In Leadership And Human Resource. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she ventured into the field of training in Internal Communications, Public Relations, and Leadership Skills, extending her passion for Women And Youth empowerment. She gives talks to graduate and post-graduate students at Universities, Women In Government Departments, and the youth within her community. Emelia also volunteers serving as Chair on the Mahikeng Campus Alumni Support Committee Of The North West University (NWU). She has been recognised with many accolades for her work over the years including being the winner of the prestigious NWU Alumni Awards In Business Leadership 2019, and the winner in Productivity South Africa’s Regional Awards 2019 For Best Emerging Sector: Manufacturing, for her company Hands Of Ru Furniture Manufacturers.

Judy Maina, a Kenyan entrepreneur manufacturing bespoke leather goods

February 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Judy Maina, founder Siafu Leather (Kenya)

There is something rewarding in creating a bespoke product for a customer, especially when that product has been handcrafted using the finest raw materials. Siafu Leather, fouded by Judy Maina in Kenya, is doing just that, and her customers are loving the end results.

Kátia Agy, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating edible bouquets for every celebration

February 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Kátia Agy, founder of The Food Lounge Mz (Mozambique)

Kátia Agy, known as a singer and TV presenter, is also the founder of Food Lounge Mz. The business is focused on making edible bouquets using fresh fruits and chocolates. For the past 7 years, this business has been the main source of income for Kátia, and now also her three employees. Creating a new business concept to present to people in their daily lives has been a constant challenge, but creativity and focus have been winners in such a competitive market! The Food Lounge Mz now has its sights on growth and becoming the largest chocolate maker in Mozambique.

Lesego Seloane and Dinah Kgeledi, two South African entrepreneurs turning a passion for botany and horticulture into a thriving landscaping business

February 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lesego Seloane & Dinah Kgeledi, co-founders, Ronewa Creations (South Africa)

Lesego Seloane and Dinah Kgeledi are co-founders of Ronewa Creations Ltd (Pty) in South Africa. This is a family business between a niece and her aunt, respectively. Lesego has a background in Botany, having completed her studies in Biochemistry and Botany at the University of Johannesburg. While Dinah has a background in the corporate world, working in the IT field using her Diploma in IT. She worked for various companies before resigning from her corporate career to fully pursue landscaping as her passion. Once Lesego completed her studies at university, she went into landscaping and Dinah followed too, having studied a few courses in landscaping design and horticulture. The passion they have for plants comes from Lesego’ s gran, Dinah's Mother, who has an eclectic small garden in Soweto. So the two have always seen her tend to her garden over the years and been inspired by her work. They are passionate about creating beautiful spaces for their clients.

Naike Moshi, a woman entrepreneur in Tanzania passionate about empowering women in business

February 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Naike Moshi, founder of Women in Management (WIMA) (Tanzania)

Closing the gender gap and promoting visibility from women leaders on the African continent is key to making positive and lasting socio-economic change happen. In Tanzania, Naike Moshi, founder of Women in Management (WIMA), is playing her part through her work in business management and human resources.

Didintle Leatile Moreki, an organic skincare manufacturer celebrating nature’s ingredients in Botswana

February 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Organic Natural Skincare-Collage.png — Didintle Leatile Moreki, founder of Organic Natural Skincare (Botswana)

Many people battle acne in their youth and throughout their lives and it can be challenging to find a solution that is both effective and natural. This was a challenge that entrepreneur Didintle Leatile Moreki, founder of Organic Natural Skincare in Botswana, successfully took up in starting her business.

Olga Mundangepfupfu, a South African entrepreneur building a niche software consulting business

February 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Olga Mundangepfupfu, founder of CM Solutions (South Africa)

Companies large and small know that harnessing the power of technology to get business done can pay dividends, but getting the right tools and advice is key. In South Africa, Olga Mundangepfupfu, founder of specialist software consulting and data management business, CM Solutions, has the solutions to meet every need.

Chipo Aaron, an entrepreneur in Botswana building a cosmetic manufacturing brand and spa

February 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Chipo Aaron, founder of Cutikles (Botswana)

Frustrated by the uninspiring, chemical-intensive, highly synthetic formulas which have pervaded the skincare market for too long, entrepreneur Chipo Aaron, founder of Cutikles, decided to do something to change the situation. Today, her cosmetic manufacturing brand is creating high quality spa products that harness the healing power of Africa’s indigenous oils.

Ashley das Rosas Massingue, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for cashews into a business

February 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Ashley das Rosas Massingue, founder of Shez Snacks Comércio & Serviços, E.I (Mozambique)

Consumers’ love for snacks, in particular for healthy nuts, means a growing market and one that entrepreneur Ashley das Rosas Massingue, founder of Shez Snacks Comércio & Serviços, E.I in Mozambique, is keen to capitalize on. Her new business is packing appetizing flavours into a range of snack cashew nuts which are winning over fans of these tasty treats.

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