Nonkululeko Williams, an entrepreneur building a South African-based skincare brand specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nonkululeko Williams, founder and CEO, Luminous Era (South Africa)

Nonkululeko Williams is the founder and CEO of Luminous Era, a South Africa-based skincare brand dedicated to addressing the unique skincare needs of individuals with diverse skin tones, focusing on effective solutions for issues such as sunburn, aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Her vision is to expand the brand internationally and tap into the pan-African market. With over six years of entrepreneurial experience, Nonkululeko has dedicated herself to researching the skincare industry, identifying her target market, and honing in on her passion and niche.

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, a South African tech entrepreneur passionate about empowering women and girls with digital skills

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, Co-founder & Director, BabesGotBytes (South Africa)

Phindiwe Nqanqaru is a passionate Full-Stack Developer, Co-founder, and Director of Operations at BabesGotBytes, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. As a recognized Women TechMakers Ambassador and an award-winning leader, Phindiwe advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and mentors aspiring developers. Driven by a love for tech and community impact, Phindiwe is shaping a brighter future for women in technology. BabesGotBytes was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 9 people.

Yara Galiano, a passion-driven Angolan entrepreneur transforming coconuts into world-class processed products

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Yara Galiano, founder, Segredos do Paraíso (Angola)

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.

Fátima Ernesto, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating customized T-Shirts for her customers

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Fátima Armando Ernesto, founder, Faes (Mozambique)

Fátima Armando Ernesto is the founder of Faes in Mozambique, a digital graphics and t-shirt sales business specialising in creating t-shirts to each customer's taste. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she was a Road and Bridge Construction Technician at IIM, Public Relations and Leadership Technician at Wake Up, Aspirant at Rotaract Clube de Maputo, and worked as a Site Clerk at SS Construção where she provided services in the following roles: Archivist (Management and control of files), Assistant to the Warehouse Manager of the main Shipyard, Responsible for diesel control (purchase and sale), Formwork Clerk (Rent, purchase and sale of material).

Clara Chinwe Okoro, a pioneering travel tech entrepreneur empowering travelers to discover the hidden gems of Africa

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Clara Chinwe Okoro, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, My Beautiful Africa (Nigeria)

Clara Chinwe Okoro is Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the travel tech company My Beautiful Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, and launched in 2019. Designing Travel experiences in Africa with Technology at My Beautiful Africa, she is passionate and focused on promoting how digital transformation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector can lead to a more competitive Tourism industry in Africa through Smart Tourism. Clara's speaking engagements are known for being both engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and tourism.

Celestina Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur passionate about transforming society's diet and nutritional habits

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Celestina Langa, founder and ceo, Nutrekaya CL,Su, Ltd (Mozambique)

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.

Taryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Taryn Blignaut (founder) & Senamiso Moyo, Legal Ninjas (South Africa)

Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.

Mercia Bie, a Mozambican entrepreneur on a mission to bring natural flavours to her customers’ cuisines

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mercia Bie, founder, Sabor Caseiro 2A (Mozambique)

Mercia Bie, founder of Sabor Caseiro 2A in Mozambique is building an agri-processing business where each seasoning tells a story and each dish is an experience. Her mission is to bring natural flavor and authenticity to customers' tables, whether at home or at special events. Mercia’s vision is to create a line of seasonings that not only enhance the flavor of dishes, but also make a nutritional contribution to our lives. The company’s brand values focus on ethics and transparency, appreciation and involvement in human capital, respect and trust in customers.

Lusanda Omelo, a South African digital marketing and AI automation business helping SMMEs establish their online presence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lusanda Omelo, founder, findaiforthat (South Africa)

Lusanda Omelo is the founder of findaiforthat, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.

Veronique-Chantelle Mew, a South African entrepreneur building a superior quality clothing brand tailored for tall women

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Veronique-Chantelle Mew, founder, Tall Story (South Africa)

Veronique-Chantelle Mew is a Chartered Accountant, a certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer, a breast cancer survivor, and the founder of Tall Story, based in South Africa. While working as a Chartered Accountant in the corporate world, she felt limited by conforming to someone else's vision and knew deep down that she wanted to start something of her own. In 2016, she resigned from her directorship position at an international company, and decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She was determined to pursue her passion, knowing that this was where her heart truly belonged. Veronique launched Tall Story in 2022.

Lilian Maira, a Kenyan sustainable fashion brand builder creating high quality, uniquely designed, and handcrafted bags

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lilian Maira, founder, Pambo Letu (Kenya)

Lilian Maira is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion with nearly two decades of experience in the Kenyan fashion industry. As the founder of Pambo Letu, Lilian combines traditional African craftsmanship with modern design to create eco-friendly, handcrafted bags. She collaborates with a team of talented artisans to produce high-quality products using sustainable materials, empowering local communities through fair wages and global exposure. Driven by a deep commitment to environmental and social impact, Lilian continues to champion ethical practices and innovative solutions in the fashion world. The business was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 15 people.

Echika Obijiaku, a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria

November 24, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Echika Obijiaku, founder, Mwanga (Nigeria)

Echika Obijiaku is the founder of Mwanga - a digital-first ethical debt recovery and business process outsourcing (BPO) firm dedicated to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. Trusted by some of the continent’s leading lenders, Mwanga is on a mission to get at least 10 million Africans out of debt by 2030. Echika’s Obijiaku background is multidisciplinary with experience in leading high-performing teams across industries. Echika is also a chartered accountant with the ACCA, UK . She has 16+ years of combined consulting experience with leading firms like Deloitte & Touché, Alexander Forbes Nigeria & South Africa and others.

Irina Samade, a floral design entrepreneur creating beautiful flower arrangements and gifts for every occasion

November 24, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Irina Samade, founder and floral designer, Frangipani Flores (Mozambique)

Irina Samade is the founder and floral designer at Frangipani Flores in Mozambique. She has been working with Floral Art for 15 years having taken a number of specialist floral arrangement courses in Portugal, Brazil, USA and Mozambique. Her passion for flowers started very early with her mother growing violets in their garden. Then, unconsciously, she started toying with making floral arrangements for family and friends' birthdays, but at that time was very far from thinking about being a florist or opening a floristry business. However, all that changed with the launch of her floral design business, Frangipani Flores in 2014. Today, she remains curious in this specialist area of floral design and is constantly inspired by the work of renowned florists around the world.

Nonceba Ndukula, a South African social entrepreneur with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and gender based violence

November 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nonceba Ndukula, founder, Nabai Foundation (South Africa)

Nonceba Ndukula is the founder of Nabai Foundation in South Africa, a social impact organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect Nonceba’ s dedication to making a positive impact. She is a GBV-F Survivor, Coach, Business Administrator, Philanthropist and Mentor and an inspiring individual whose life journey has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope. As the founder of Nabai Foundation, Nonceba is a passionate advocate for education, community empowerment, and survivor support. Her personal experiences have fuelled her commitment to addressing the root causes of GBV-F and providing support to survivors. She is a Nominee of Sociopreneur of the Year 2023, Finalist in Women of Stature Awards, and a Nominee of Leading Women of Africa Awards.

Isabel Messias Tonela, a young Mozambican entrepreneur building a food processing business turning tubers into flour and chips

November 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Isabel Messias Tonela, founder, SBEL & Farinhas, SU, LDA (Mozambique)

Isabel Messias Tonela is a young Mozambican entrepreneur and the founder of SBEL & Farinhas, SU, LDA, a company focused on processing tubers for the production of flour and Chips. The company was founded in 2024 and is in its embryonic phase after Isabel won the Business Plan Competition implemented by (SEJE), through INJ and with the support of the World Bank. She is also a final year student on the Aquatic and Coastal Marine Biology course at Eduardo Mondlane University.

Masego Madzwamuse, building a design label blending sustainable fashion with the art of storytelling in Botswana

November 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Masego Madzwamuse, founder and head designer, Bola Nangabe (Botswana)

Masego Madzwamuse is a writer, a designer with a deep passion for African prints, and the founder and head designer of Bola Nangabe in Botswana. She created her design label to blend sustainable fashion principles with the art of storytelling through African textiles. Inspired by the hues and textures of the Kgalagadi desert, her luxury brand embodies the richness of desert landscapes. Using carefully chosen fabrics from across the continent, Masego creates clothing for individuals on the move, eager to embrace their authenticity. Each piece weaves a story of beauty and resilience, much like the vibrant burst of color that emerges with the first rains in the desert.

Sinna Duarte, a Mozambican creative entrepreneur building a Capulana inspired jewellery and handbag brand

November 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sinna Duarta, founder, Handmade Moz (Mozambique)

Handmade Moz is a Mozambican accessory brand founded by creative entrepreneur Sinna Duarta, that focuses on the design, manufacture and marketing of a unique range of handmade jewellery and handbags. She uses Capulana as the fabric source of inspiration for many of her unique pieces, something that resonates with her local customers.

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, a Mozambican agribusiness entrepreneur focused on sustainable fish farming to create jobs

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, founder, Indico Fish Farm. EI (Mozambique)

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.

Mmakgabo Dlomo, a South African entrepreneur building a natural hair care brand for women with afro-textured hair

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mmakgabo Dlomo, founder, iNtombi (South Africa)

Mmakgabo Dlomo is the founder of iNtombi in South Africa, an all-natural hair care line dedicated to empowering women with afro-textured hair. With a background in psychology and communications, as well as extensive experience working in mental health in both the UK and South Africa, she has a deep understanding of people and their needs. Driven by her own journey of self-acceptance and motherhood, Mmakgabo created iNtombi in 2022 to provide nourishing, high-quality hair care solutions that promote a sense of pride and connection to one’s natural beauty. Her mission is to change the narrative around afro-textured hair, fostering a community where women celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their identities.

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