the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
Brenda Wilkinson and her daughter, the amazing women behind Rio Largo olive oil company
An award winning olive oil producer with a talent for innovative packaging, combined with a passion for supporting women-owned businesses.
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Not every startup in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond has what it takes to become a successful multinational business. But with a $2-trillion economy, Africa is home to some of the world’s most disruptive technology, with new startups and early-stage entrepreneurial activity that have caught the eye of Ghanian and Zimbabwean business partners Ethel Cofie and Dave Chakombera. They have created Africa Twenty 10, a startup accelerator they said will bridge the gap between great ideas, talent and the global market.
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Dr. Victoria Kisyombe, founder of SELFINA (Tanzania)
Source: Vital Voices | by Dr. Victoria Kisyombe | 19 November 2014
Since I founded my company SELFINA 20 years ago, I have seen the enormous impact a small investment can make in the life of a woman. And it doesn’t stop there — from one modest lease, a woman can create dozens of jobs, touching the lives of dozens more.
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Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Marrakesh, Morocco, November 19, 2014 --- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to approximately 300 women entrepreneurs to kick off Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Marrakesh, Morocco. Secretary Pritzker discussed America’s leadership in empowering entrepreneurs at home and abroad, addressed the importance of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) which she chairs, and touted how a strong entrepreneurial society can lead to greater economic growth, stability and security, and a rising middle class.
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Zikhona Tefu, founder of O’live Handmade Soaps
This Cape Town handmade soap maker harnesses the unique natural qualities of indigenous herbs and plants from the world famous Cape Floral Kingdom to produce world-class skincare products.
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The journey from advocate to entrepreneur has been an incredible one for Monica, who today is winning recognition around the world for her innovation and leadership in Zambia and beyond.
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Janet Shaw, founder of the Zulu Beadwork Project
A social entrepreneur creates a Zulu beadwork collaboration that empowers, uplifts and celebrates the talents of South African craftswomen.
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Following her highly successful journey in the world of television, media and magazine publishing, this leading South African entrepreneur has now launched her latest business venture in luxury retailing.
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Wendren Setzer, founder of The Wren Design
This creative woman quit her job as a textile designer at a clothing factory to pursue a passion for creating beautiful and functional bags from discarded materials.
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Christine Tozer, co-founder of Toka Linen (Top left)
Two South African women with a background in fashion are today using their unique design aesthetic and manufacturing experience to create beautiful table linens.
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Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola fashion house
With top models, A-List celebrities and famous society personalities making up her clientele lists, Deola Sagoe, founder of haute couture fashion house Deola, is an entrepreneurial success story of note.
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Wendy Ackerman, co-founder and executive director, Pick n Pay
This incredible woman not only contributed to building Pick n Pay Group as a socially responsible retail empire, but has also devoted her life to making a difference to others in South Africa.
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Adenike Ogunlesi, founder and ceo of Ruff'n Tumble
This highly successful Nigerian designer went from selling clothes from the boot of her car to becoming a world class children’s clothing brand.
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- Tory Burch is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. In addition to being the CEO behind an internationally-renowned clothing line bearing her name, she is also the philanthropic driving force of the Tory Burch Foundation which aims to support women business owners and their families.
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Kofo Akinkugbe, founder of Secure ID
This remarkable Nigerian woman founded a company that is recognised globally as a market leader in Africa's smart card technology and digital security industry.
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This lawyer turned butcher is passionate about the 100% certified free-range, grass-fed and ethically reared meat she sources from farmers she gets to know and trust.
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Sarah Taylor, founder of Bee Balmy
A journalist-turned-natural skincare product entrepreneur works with nature to create a range of soothing and healing skin balms, bringing relief for allergy sufferers.
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Jeanette Phasha and sister Charlotte, the creative duo behind Baroka Fashions
This South African, Limpopo-based clothing and textile manufacturer is successfully carving a niche for herself producing ladies clothing, bags, accessories and printed fabrics.
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- Bobbi Brown is a professional makeup artist and the founder and CCO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She became a name in the cosmetics business by pushing moderation. In the 1980s, when look-at-me colors, stark contours, and shiny red lips were in fashion, Bobbi designed cosmetics to highlight a woman's natural look. She had moved to New York City in 1980 with a degree in theatrical makeup and a beginner's portfolio. Before the decade was done, she'd hustled her way from freelance makeup artist at magazine shoots to product designer with her name behind a global brand.
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You can build a big business from small, humble beginnings....
- Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20, from her living room, whilst an undergraduate at university back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today, Tara has over 3,000 reps spread across Nigeria and 14 stores to her name and she is steadfastly dedicated to realising her vision of building a globally respected beauty company of African origin. Tara remains an inspirational role-model and mentor to make-up artists and aspiring beauty business owners across Africa.
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