Lioness Spotlight
In the latest in our series of Spotlight features on individual African countries where women entrepreneurs are making their mark with their businesses and brands, we shine a spotlight on Tanzania. From high-impact agribusinesses that are creating much-needed jobs, to tech businesses that are innovating and educating, to serial entrepreneurs building multi-faceted business empires across diverse sectors, Tanzania is a country with a wide variety of growth-focused women-owned businesses that are well worth a visit. Meet 16 women entrepreneurs in our Lionesses of Africa community who are building growth businesses and brands that are putting Tanzania on the entrepreneur map.
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Hellen Dausen is the founder and owner of Nuya's Essence based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and business leader. Hellen's skincare business, which was founded in 2013 and today employs 12 people, aims to help women find readily available skincare products for daily use to enhance healthy living, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Hellen was listed by Forbes Africa 30 under 30 in 2016 as the most promising entrepreneur to watch in Africa. Her resilience, hard work, and determination have brought Nuya's Essence local and international recognition. Hellen holds a bachelor's Degree from the United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya. She lives with her husband and daughter in Dar es Salaam.
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Arizona Vocational Training Centre & Elea Products, a business transforming lives through training and skills development in Tanzania
Jennifer Shigoli is a Lawyer by profession and also the ceo and founder of Arizona Vocational Training College and Elea Reusable Pads in Tanzania, a business she launched in 2012 and which today employs 23 people. Jennifer is a visionary educator and entrepreneur who is passionate about transformation and economic empowerment. Jennifer started her entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago and through her work she has touched thousands of lives. She believes to bring about change she has to be the change she wants to see; she has to be the solution.
Startup Story
Zainab Dakik is a Tanzania-born expert on emerging markets, with a particular focus on production and logistics. She is the co-founder of Maternia, an organization led entirely by women aiming to reduce the rate of stillbirths through an innovative low-tech, low-cost medical device. She possesses valuable experience through working in refugee camps, conducting research, and managing distribution channels. At present, she is actively engaging with Maternia's beneficiaries on-site, fostering stronger connections to better understand and address their needs.
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GBRI Business Solutions, on a mission to be a leading horticultural company in Tanzania.
Hadija Jabiri is the founder and MD of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania. She is an entrepreneur committed to making agricultural production a sustainable and profitable business through empowering smallholder farmers. Hadija is an IVLP alumnae and holder of multiple awards and nominations for her work and business which is making a real difference in people’s lives.
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Millennium Engineers Enterprises Limited, a Tanzanian renewable energy company specializing in solar and wind energy technologies
Diana Mbogo, 30, is a mother of two beautiful children and the founder/ managing director of Millennium Engineers Enterprises Ltd, a fast-growing renewable energy company in Tanzania that specializes in discovering untapped markets in different industries and sectors. The company then develops customized innovative business solutions by understanding the challenges, exploring solutions alongside customers/beneficiaries, and taking action in the best way to craft sustainable energy solutions. Founded in 2016 while still in her final academic year pursuing a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering, she managed to grow the company from ideation stage to a fast-growing and award-winning renewable energy company in Africa.
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KOM Group, on a mission to be Tanzania’s leading local manufacturing and supplier company for industrial and agro-processing products
Dr Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and an education and business consultant in Tanzania. She serves as the ceo of KOM Group of companies and is also the Director of KOM Food Products. The business started in 2002 and today employs 300 people. Currently, KOM Group has investments in oil processing, cotton ginning, agriculture, steel, plastic and pipe manufacturing, food, and beverages. She has expertise in business development, business management, consulting, business strategy, supply chain management, food processing, small and medium enterprises, project management, human resource management, negotiation, analytical skills, Microsoft office, Accounting, Finance and Public Speaking.
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Untold Global Limited, a pan-African group with interests in Healthcare, Agriculture, ICT and Strategic Communication.
Ms. Theddy Ladislaus is the Founder and Managing partner of Untold Global Ltd, a pan-African group of companies with interests in Healthcare, Agriculture, ICT and Strategic Communication. She is synonymous for having devised high impact business & governance strategies aimed at solving socio-economic issues in a number of markets and communities. She is a leader with a long track record which goes back to her teenage years where she served as the youngest member of the parliament in 2014 under the 4th President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Her passion for policy and governance have earned her a place on the global stage where she have participated in the formation and development of governance strategies in the youth sector.
Startup Story
Parachefs Tanzania is the brainchild of entrepreneur Zena Akuwa, an impact-driven business that creates training and career opportunities for people who want to learn how to cook.
Startup Story
Lorna Mashiba is the founder of Rangi Gallery in Tanzania, a virtual platform that connects African artists to Intercontinental art enthusiasts. As the founder of Rangi Gallery, she aspires to grow, empower and transform local talent beyond its borders.
Startup Story
Fauzia Malik is the Managing Director of Cool Blue Pure Drinking Water, Tembo Tiles Limited, and the recently launched Pure Fitness Activewear. Despite having two companies to run, Fauzia has gone ahead and launched a new company selling active wear. She has successfully implemented policies, strategic plans and financial controls which allow her to work as a visionary leader for the businesses. Fauzia believes in learning and is constantly on the lookout for learning opportunities. In 2014, she joined Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) which has been a stepping stone to accessing a wealth of knowledge from the global community of entrepreneurs. Away from office, Fauzia is a mother of three children and a fitness enthusiast who strives to promote a workout culture among women for improved physical, and mental wellbeing.
Startup Story
Rahel Mwitula Williams serves as lead designer of ILAVA, a socially responsible lifestyle brand that uses fashion to empower women and inspire change around the world. Her role within ILAVA has not only reinforced her passion for seeking global change, but it has also led to her ability to impact women and leaders across the globe through various opportunities. To name a few, ILAVA was invited to showcase its latest collection at LA Fashion Week in 2017, and in April 2018, she had an opportunity to represent ILAVA at Northwestern University through a TEDx Talk (Redefining Philanthropy: Faces of Change Makers).
Startup Story
Lilian Makoi is a Serial Entrepreneur who is passionate about technology and the opportunities it has in improving the lives of especially the mass population in Africa. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of MipangoApp, the Founder of Jamii Africa, and the Co-Founder of Stripesnsigns & FroKid Technologies. Lilian has received multiple local and international awards for being highly innovative and creating solutions with regional impact. Lilian was named Most Innovative Woman in Technology by The World Economic Forum 2016 amongst other accolades. She has a Master’s in International Business.
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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.
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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.
Startup Story
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.
Sheillah Siima is the creative head and founder of Sheillah Publications located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She is also a self-publisher, author, and is professionally an editor for print media. Her company publishes a range of resources, tools, and journals to help businesses and individuals manage their lives more effectively.