South African natural baby food producer, Pojupoju, launches innovative new range

June 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

South African serial entrepreneur, Dorothy Dolly Fatima Mofomme, founder of natural baby food producer, Pojupoju, has launched a brand new range of delicious and nutritious purees - with a twist. Each puree is packaged in a pouch, capped with minicap/anti-choke lids that can also be repurposed as children’s creative building blocks.

Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand

May 17, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Tania Kabeya, founder, Chef La Tania (South Africa)

Tania Kabeya is the founder of Chef La Tania, the South African culinary brand known for its rich African flavour and elegant presentation and founded in 2019. She is a passionate chef and entrepreneur and has built a reputation for delivery a range of catering services, including celebration cakes, private dinners, frozen meals, and food delivery. Tania finds purpose in creating meaningful experiences, honouring her heritage, and growing a brand built on passion, excellence, and purpose-driven living. She shares a deep bond with her siblings and draws strength from her faith and role as a mother.

Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

May 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Lebo Biko, co-founder, Oya Foods (South Africa)

Lebo Biko is the co-founder of Oya Foods, part of Oya Group, which champions women-led innovation in the agri-food value chain. Founded in 2020, Oya Foods produces African-inspired, shelf-stable dried foods using ingredients primarily sourced from women farmers and suppliers. The company’s mission is to reduce food waste and modernize indigenous food systems. With over 25 years of experience in strategy, marketing, and governance, Lebo is passionate about sustainability, inclusive growth, and driving meaningful change. Through Oya Group, she is helping build a future where women thrive, African food culture is celebrated, and innovation transforms food systems.

Selusiwe Lukhele, an entrepreneur creating a vibrant cafe hub for local people to meet and connect in Eswatini

March 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Selusiwe Lukhele, founder, Happiness Junction Cafe (Eswatini)

Selusiwe Lukhele is an entrepreneur from Eswatini and the founder of Happiness Junction Cafe, an award-winning youth-owned business launched in 2021 and known for its warm hospitality and innovative offerings. A 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards winner, Selusiwe was selected for the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed an intensive six-week program focused on business leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking with global change-makers.

Wanjiru Mambo, a passion-driven Kenyan potato processing pioneer

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Wedgehut Foods Limited, a Kenyan business revolutionizing Africa's food security through a robust potato value chain

Wanjiru Mambo is a Kenyan entrepreneur focused on reshaping Africa's agrarian landscape one potato at a time. As founder and director of Wedgehut Foods Ltd, she combines entrepreneurial skill with a commitment to uplift farmers and enhance food security across the continent. She has forged key alliances with Equity Bank, Syngenta E.A, Seed Producers and the National Potatoes Council of Kenya, transforming the potato value chain and ensuring top-quality produce reaches every corner of the nation and beyond. Wanjiru’s hands-on approach extends from the boardroom to the fields, fostering sustainable growth with small-scale farmers. Honored with the Zuri Awards (Agriculture Impact) 2023, AGRA WAYA (Woman of the Year Agripreneur Award) 1st runners up. My leadership includes collaborations with KIEP 250+, the World Bank, and Partners in Food Solutions. My passion is revolutionizing Africa's food security through a robust potato value chain. Wedgehut Foods Ltd was started in 2021 and today has 35 employees.

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.

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.

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.

Isabelle Kamariza, a nutrition security leader in Rwanda

August 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Solid’Africa, creating nutrition security for all by increasing the awareness, affordability, and availability of healthy meals in Rwanda’s vulnerable communities.

Isabelle Kamariza, founder and president of Solid'Africa, is a dedicated leader in addressing Rwanda's nutrition gap. Recognizing nutrition as a fundamental human right, she has developed a holistic approach to nutrition security, focusing on the entire process from farm to fork. By emphasizing local, sustainable agriculture, Isabelle tackles the root causes of nutrition insecurity. Through providing healthy and balanced meals to patients and students, building nutrition awareness, and dedicating efforts to agriculture, she addresses broader nutrition challenges. Isabelle's innovative approach shifts the conversation from food security to nutrition security, aiming to create lasting change in the lives of those most vulnerable. Solid’Africa launched in 2010 and today has created jobs for 211 employees.

Kelebogile Phendu, a traditional ginger drink manufacturer in Botswana turning a family recipe into a commercial brand

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Kelebogile Phendu, founder and ceo, Kells Ginger (Botswana)

Kelebogile Phendu is the founder and ceo of Botswana ginger drink brand, Kells Ginger. Her business manufactures traditional recipe ginger drinks but with a contemporary freshness and a purity of ginger taste. She founded the business in 2019 and now employs 2 people from the local community. Kelebogile brings more than 5 years of experience as an entrepreneur in different fields to her business and brand.

Keneilwe Latoya Molomo, a foodpreneur building a delicious new chilli relish brand in Botswana

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Keneilwe Latoya Molomo, founder, Toya's Homemade Chilli (Botswana)

Keneilwe Latoya Molomo is the founder of Toya's Homemade Chilli in Botswana. She is new to the entrepreneurial world and launched her company in December 2022. A Diplomat by profession, Keneilwe hopes to get her product into retail outlets countrywide and eventually to break into export markets.

Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur building a growing bakery and baby food business

March 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lovable Shiro Dladla, founder, Luvast emp (South Africa)

Lovable Shiro Dladla is the founder of Luvast emp in South Africa, the umbrella company for her two companies, Luvast Bakery and Luvast Baby Pureer. Luvast emp started in 2020 and has been growing ever since. Luvast bakery deals with baked goods and also teaches baking lessons and caters specifically for children’s events. Luvast baby food for now just deals with baby food puree, an organic baby food puree with no preservatives or sweeteners. The business makes its baby food in its most natural form, and is currently in the process of being approved.

Buhle Magwentshu, an artisanal coffee roastery business builder

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Asmara Coffee, a South African artisanal micro-roastery with a vision to make quality, artisanal coffee with wide customer appeal.

Buhle Magwentshu is the founder of Asmara Coffee, an artisanal micro-roastery based in Johannesburg, South Africa and launched in 2018. She is a Food Scientist and seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of corporate experience in the FMCG sector. Buhle established Asmara Coffee in 2018 with the vision to make quality, artisanal coffee, which appeals not only to the palates of coffee connoisseurs, but also to those starting out on the exciting journey of exploring coffee.

Olubunmi Otufowora, a Nigerian pioneer building a growing nutritious drinks brand

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Olubunmi Otufowora, founder, Boomsky Smoothies (Nigeria)

Olubunmi Otufowora is the founder of Boomsky Smoothies, a leading indigenous fruit processing and distribution company in Nigeria that produces 100% natural smoothies and juices. Operating for over a decade, Boomsky Smoothies was founded in 2010 and has bridged the gap between nutrition and busy executives who want a healthy drink on the go. With more than 14 years of experience in various senior leadership roles in one of Nigeria's top telecommunications firms, her strong professional insight has been instrumental in her success. Her passion for promoting healthy living through natural fruit drinks is evident in her company's exceptional growth and impact. Olubunmi is committed to positively impacting Nigeria's society by reducing post-harvest food loss. Her business is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, and 12, and her efforts are reflected in the sustainable growth of Boomsky Smoothies over the years. Today the business employs 28 people.

Natercia Jone, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a specialist artisanal liqueur brand

January 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Natercia Jone, founder, Dione’s Liquor (Mozambique)

Natercia Jone is a Mozambican entrepreneur and the founder of Dione’s Liquor, with more than 20 years of experience having operated in the cleaning and gardening, confectionery sectors. She is currently dedicated to building her business and brand, Dione's Liquor, which is focused on the production of liqueurs based on fruits, herbs and currently operating in the national market.

Eka Obaigbena, a Nigerian fast-casual dining pioneer

January 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Toasties Limited, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain reimagining the way Africans experience meals on the go

Eka Obaigbena is the founder and ceo of Toasties, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain launched in 2016 in Nigeria that aims to reimagine the way Africans experience meals on the go. Toasties' menu consists primarily of fusion sandwiches, salads, and various specials. Eka is also the Founder and CEO of Board, a food gifting and food experience company that presents edible art to its customers. Before launching her businesses in 2016 and 2020 respectively, Eka began her culinary journey in New York City’s French Culinary Institute (now The International Culinary Center) where she trained as a chef in 2011.

Siny Samba, a Senegalese social entrepreneur combatting malnutrition

December 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Le Lionceau, a social enterprise producing nutritious baby food to build an inclusive, high impact food value chain in Senegal

Siny Samba, a food processing engineering graduate from Montpellier SupAgro, France, seamlessly blends her passions for cooking and supporting children in Senegal. Motivated by a commitment to contribute to her country's development, she returned to Senegal and founded "Le Lionceau" in 2018, a social enterprise producing nutritious, locally sourced baby food. Today the business employs 35 people. Through collaborations with smallholder farmers and women's groups, the company aims to build a sustainable and inclusive food value chain. Siny actively advocates for the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child's life, conducting awareness campaigns on maternal and infant nutrition. Her journey reflects a dedication to making a positive impact on children's well-being and fostering community development.

Lioness Launch / Sustainable South African fine chocolate brand, Rrraw Chocolate, launches two unique new African flavours to excite tastebuds

November 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Ana Maria Panait, founder, Rrraw (South Africa)

Fine chocolate lovers in South Africa already know that what makes Rrraw stand out in the world of chocolates is its unwavering commitment to quality. Founded by entrepreneur brand builder, Ana Maria Panait, Rrraw is winning a growing fan base for its combination of exciting flavours which celebrate Africa's food cultures and unique ingredients. This month sees the launch of two new taste sensations in the brand’s growing product range: Rrraw Red Tart Chocolate - in a Coconut White base and part of the African flavours range, this is an homage to West Africa and its sweet and sour bissap /hibiscus tea; and Rrraw Spekboom Chocolate - the only Spekboom chocolate in the world. Spekboom is an indigenous South-African plant with rare and unique qualities, favoured by black rhinos, elephants, and kudus. Its leaves are edible, have a zesty lemon-like taste and are also surprisingly high in Vitamin C.

Ndidi Nwuneli, an impact-maker in agriculture & nutrition

November 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Aace Foods Processing & Distribution, on a mission to improve people’s nutrition and farmer livelihoods in Nigeria

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is an expert on food ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is the founder of LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers. She is also the co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd. Ndidi serves on the boards of the Rockefeller Foundation, AGRA, Nigerian Breweries Plc. (Heineken), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. India, Stanbic IBTC Group, the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, and the Bridgespan Group. She holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She was a Senior Fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business & Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, a visiting Scholar at Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, an Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow, and an Eisenhower Fellow. Ndidi is a TED speaker, was recognized as a Schwab Fellow and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has received numerous awards and recognitions including a National Honor by the Nigerian Government and the 2021 Harvard Business School Distinguished Alumni Award. She is the author of "Social Innovation in Africa: A Practical Guide for Scaling Impact," and "Food Entrepreneurs in Africa: Scaling Resilient Agriculture Businesses," both published by Routledge and “Walking for God in the Marketplace.”

Forget Shareka, an award-winning agro-processing entrepreneur in Zimbabwe tackling post-harvest food waste

October 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Forget Shareka, founder, Chashi Foods (Zimbabwe)

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.

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