Wawira Njiru, a visionary leader feeding Africa’s future

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Food4Education, an award-winning social enterprise building a blueprint for school feeding programmes across Africa

Wawira Njiru is a Kenyan entrepreneur and visionary leader on African food systems, nutrition, philanthropy and social innovation. As Founder and CEO of Food4Education, an award-winning, locally rooted, and African-led solution to end classroom hunger, Wawira is the architect behind the blueprint to scale sustainable, nutritious, and affordable school feeding programs across Africa. Under her leadership, Food4Education has grown from a passion project that fed 25 children at its launch in 2012 to an established food industry engine that serves more than half a million children daily in Kenya, improving their nutrition and education outcomes while also creating jobs (4400 employees) and opportunities for whole communities. Featured in TIME, Bloomberg, CNN, The Guardian, BBC, Reuters and CNBC, Wawira has also received global recognition for her commitment to feed Africa’s future including the Skoll Award for Social Innovation and the Elevate Prize among others.

Samrawit Fikru, a visionary leader in transport transformation

March 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Hybrid Designs PLC (RIDE), a revolutionary business redefining urban transportation in Ethiopia

Samrawit Fikru is the visionary co-founder and ceo of RIDE Transport Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s electronic-transport unicorn startup. With more than a decade of transformative leadership in the mobility sector, she pioneered RIDE 11 years ago to redefine urban transportation through safe, reliable, and tech-driven solutions. Under her stewardship, RIDE has grown into a workforce of 400+ professionals and serves as a catalyst for regional connectivity, bridging gaps across Africa’s evolving transport landscape. Recognized among BBC’s 100 Women and WeAreTech.Africa’s 100 Global Tech Changemakers, Samrawit, combines strategic innovation with a steadfast commitment to economic empowerment, creating scalable opportunities for drivers and communities alike. Her forward-thinking approach continues to position RIDE at the forefront of Africa’s digital transportation revolution.

Claire van Enk, a visionary entrepreneur tackling food loss

March 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Farm to Feed, a Kenyan enterprise aggregating imperfect/surplus produce, creating market demand, and selling to customers via a digital platform

Farm to Feed is a game-changing Kenyan enterprise revolutionizing the way we approach food waste and surplus produce. Co-founded by Claire van Enk, this innovative business aggregates imperfect and surplus produce, creating a fresh market demand and delivering it directly to customers through a digital platform. By addressing food loss, boosting farmer incomes, and improving food affordability, Farm to Feed is making a tangible impact on both the environment and local communities—cutting greenhouse gas emissions along the way.

Wiem Ben-Mahmoud, a change-making Tunisian EdTech entrepreneur

February 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

KidzRise, a business harnessing the power of AI combined with personalized learning to uncover and nurture each child’s unique talents

Wiem Ben-Mahmoud is the CEO and Founder of AI-powered Child Talent Detection platform, KidzRise, in Tunisia. She holds a Global MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship and a Master's Degree in Digital Management and Information Systems. Wiem began her career at Vermeg where she led international negotiations with Central Banks across Europe and Asia in the digital financial sector. Driven by her vision to impact children's lives, she left her stable career to launch KidzRise in 2023. Recognized as Most Promising Entrepreneur of 2024 by AfricArena, her EdTech startup has gained validation from MIT and MIT Solve in the USA , making a significant impact in Africa and beyond. The company has created jobs for 10 people to date.

Salamba Diene, a cosmetics and food supplement champion in Senegal

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

BIOSENE SARL, a business processing agri-food and cosmetic products that are proudly made in Senegal

Salamba Diene is the founder of BIOSENE SARL in Senegal, offering a range of “caring” products and food supplements in the form of powders, leaves, capsules or various solutions, but also cosmetic products in the form of creams, oils or butters, for a single leitmotif: health - beauty for a “better life” and a “well-being” for consumers. BIOSENE collaborates with groups of women producers of baobab fruit, Shea butter, or cultivating exotic fruits (Hibiscus, mango etc.) and establishes direct links with source producers throughout Africa. The business has 59 employees.

Marwa Soudi, an EdTech pioneer empowering people through technology

January 26, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Ideasgym, a multifaceted business dedicated to fostering innovation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Egypt

Marwa Soudi is the co-founder of IdeasGym, leading initiatives to enhance STEM education across Egypt. She is a dedicated researcher and social entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently a doctoral student at Tallinn University, she specializes in Digital Transformation and Responsible AI, focusing on creating tools to help SMEs comply with international AI standards. Marwa is passionate about empowering women in technology and has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the InspiringFifty Africa, IEEE Entrepreneurship Impact Award, Women in Business Innovation Award, "ICT for Women" award and the Tony Elumelu grant for entrepreneurship in Africa. She actively engages in various professional organizations, promoting ethical AI practices and fostering innovation in education. Her business was launched in 2011.

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.

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu, a social entrepreneur committed to skills development

January 11, 2025 Melanie Hawken

CLM Clothing & Textile, a South African social enterprise specializing in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu is the founder and director of CLM Clothing and Textile in South Africa, a social enterprise that specializes in bulk cloth manufacturing and training development. The business was started in 2016 and legally registered in 2020, and today employs 21 people. In addition to the production site, the business also has a training and development site, where accredited sewing training development skills programs are delivered. Creseldah is a passionate Community builder, Philanthropist and Innovative Social Entrepreneur. She is a multi-award winner both locally and internationally and was recently recognised with an Empowerment Award of the Year by the African Women Innovation and Entrepreneur Forum.

Nomso Kana, a pioneer harnessing technology to drive positive change

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Simsciex Technologies, a leading provider of comprehensive broadband infrastructure solutions in South Africa

Nomso Kana, the founder of Simsciex Technologies in South Africa, is a distinguished nuclear scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the field of technology and innovation. With a passion for harnessing technology to drive positive change, Nomso established Simsciex Technologies in 2014 to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in broadband infrastructure, driving economic growth and development. Today the company has created jobs for 15 people. In addition to her role as founder, Nomso is a renowned expert in nuclear science, energy, policies, and connectivity. Her extensive expertise led to her appointment as a Commissioner for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the Presidency in 2019.

Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme, three entrepreneurs empowering organisations in ESG excellence

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

ESG In Action Africa Ltd, a consortium dedicated to empowering African organisations in their journey towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) excellence.

Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Ngozi Edozien & Bella Ikeme are the founders of ESG In Action Africa, a Nigeria based consortium of seasoned consultants and subject matter experts, committed to guiding African organisations on the transformative journey towards sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) excellence. ESG In Action Africa’s mission is clear: To partner with African entities on their ESG journey to sustainability and business excellence, by democratising and localising access to ESG insights, resources, tools, training, and advisory services. Together, the ESG In Action Africa team will help to unlock the full potential of ESG by elevating strategy execution and good governance, thereby building institutions renowned for best practices who will push the envelope on ESG in Africa to the highest international standards and creating lasting value for all stakeholders as well as the communities they collectively serve.

Lorato Mosetlhanyane, an entrepreneur passionate about leadership coaching

December 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Pinnalead, a leadership development organization coaching the next generation of business leaders in Botswana

Lorato Mosetlhanyane is a renowned Professional Certified Coach and the founder of Pinnalead in Botswana. Prior to forming her business in 2013, she worked in the corporate world as a Chartered Accountant in different capacities for over 17 years. She left her formal employment at the position of Chief Finance Officer for a leading Life Insurance Company in Botswana, having contributed to its growth and success. The writings of John Maxwell awakened a passion in her that saw her embarking on a completely new journey and certifying as a John Maxwell Certified Coach, after five years of continuous mentoring by the internationally acclaimed leadership guru, John C Maxwell.

Zebeline Ertance, an impact driven agribusiness builder in Madagascar

November 24, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Videeko Vanilla, a business growing and exporting the highest quality premium Vanilla in Madagascar and creating economic opportunities for local women

Zebeline Ertance is the founder and managing partner of Videeko Vanilla ZP in Madagascar. Videeko Vanilla is a licensed exporter in Madagascar that grows, cures, and exports premium vanilla beans from its farms, it’s family-owned farms, and its cooperative in the Mananara Madagascar. Videeko support the local community in Mananara by employing over 100 local families, specifically woman, with high paying wages. Zebeline founded Videeko in 2019 and now employs over 100 people, many of them women from local communities. She has 20 years of experience in the vanilla industry.

Sneha Mehta and Jade Oyateru, unique women’s wellness brand builders in Africa

November 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Uncover Skincare, an African wellness brand developing skincare products that are specifically approved and tested by melanated women.

Sneha Mehta and Jade Oyateru are the co-founders of Uncover Skincare, an African wellness brand developing skincare products that are specifically approved and tested by melanated women. Jade, born and raised in Nigeria, brings 15 years of work experience across FMCG (Unilever & Nestle) and e-commerce/fem-tech (Jumia, Kasha). She has vast experience in building consumer brands on the African continent and has led marketing at some of Africa’s leading e-commerce businesses. Sneha has over a decade of experience in finance and consulting having worked at McKinsey, Helios, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Grassroots Business Fund, and The World Bank. She has worked across 10 African markets scaling businesses and brings strategic, financial, and operational expertise.

Dr Kheira Benaissa, an innovation-driven biogas entrepreneur in Algeria

November 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Green-Al Energy Biogas, a business providing fully off-grid biogas systems enabling customers to live more sustainable lives in Algeria.

Dr Kheira Benaissa is the founder of Green-AI Energy Biogas in Algeria. She is also author of the book "Production du méthane et du biofertiliseur: l'Energie verte des déchets" published on Amazon, PhD holder in waste management and pollution of ecosystems, scientific researcher, professor, businesswoman and a mother. She is working to provide practical solutions to socio-economic problems in Algeria's isolated desert regions. She has designed the first 15m3 biodigester in the town of Tamanrasset (southern Algeria) and created her environmental consultancy company " SYNERGY" to be more active in the field of environmental protection.

Cecilia Birkenstock, an eventing and hospitality leader in South Africa

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Bright Idea Projects 2100 T/A Function Foods - Thembela Venue, a leading hospitality company and unique event venue in South Africa

At Thembela Venue in South Africa, the philosophy that true growth comes from stepping out of the comfort zone and into challenges which inspires greatness, and it is this philosophy that drove founder, Cecilia Birkenstock, to pursue her lifelong dream - of creating a unique venue on the North coast in KZN in South Africa. Recognizing a need for exceptional event spaces in the area, she set out to fill this gap with elegance and innovation. Cecilia is the founder and CEO of Functionfoods, and brings three decades of experience in hospitality to her business. With this wealth of experience, Cecilia embarked on her most exciting venture yet - establishing Thembela Venue. Thembela Venue is the culmination of Cecilia's dream. Through her dedication, innovation and clear vision, she has transformed her dream into a reality. Patrons place their trust in Cecilia and her team, confident in their ability to turn dream weddings into stunning realities. Cecilia's commitment to excellence ensures that every celebration reflects her client's vision, making Thembela Venue the ideal choice for unforgettable experiences where dreams truly come to life. The business, which was launched in 2008 has created jobs for 30 people.

Dr Michelle Muhanda, a champion of affordable healthcare in Kenya

October 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

One Health Medical Centre, a modern, healthcare services provider on a mission to promote wellness, preventive care, and healthy living

Dr Michelle Muhanda is a medical doctor trained at the University of Nairobi in Kenya with 18 years’ experience in Healthcare, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, Pharmaceuticals, Health Economics, Insurance, and Marketing working with the Ministry of Health, Private Sector, NGOs and other organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medicine & Surgery, a Master’s in Business Administration from United States International University, a Masters of Philosophy in Palliative Care from University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Insurance from CII. She is also an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist with the Ministry of Labor. Her objective is to improve the health and quality of life of people by developing and implementing health and safety strategies geared to health promotion that will provide leadership in healthcare services. Michelle started the business in 2018 and today it has created jobs for 12 people.

Oakantse Alfred, an elite property development entrepreneur in Botswana

October 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Oakantse Alfred is a well-seasoned businesswoman, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant. With a career spanning as far back as her college days she has established an elite Real Estate company in Botswana, LesediLebone Property Developers, where she is currently the CEO. LesediLebone Property Developers was founded in 2011 and has 70 employees at maximum capacity. Oakantse also later established her consultancy, Brand OA, in a quest to share her knowledge with other aspiring business owners. She currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Certificate in Real Estate.

Genet Kebede, a pioneering Ethiopian fashion & textile brand builder

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Paradise Fashion, a business celebrating Ethiopia’s proud hand-woven textile heritage and creating sustainable employment for local craftspeople

Genet Kebede, founder of Paradise Fashion, was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From a young age, she loved fashion and the rich Ethiopian textiles she found in her own culture, yet she appreciated the inspiration coming from other countries and specifically the rich design heritage of Italy. In pursuit of her dreams, she took the opportunity to study fashion design and garment construction in Italy and then Argentina. However, Genet always knew she would return to her home. Living through the significant political disruptions that led to near famine for much of Ethiopia during her childhood, she believed she had an opportunity to contribute to her country. She wanted to help the many people, particularly women, she saw in difficult circumstances in her city. She also wanted to share the beauty of her country’s rich weaving traditions with the world.

Titi Adewusi, an education innovator for children in Africa

September 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides African children with access to high-quality educational content

Titi Adewusi is one of the co-founders of 9ijakids, an affordable online learning tool that provides children access to high-quality educational content through fun and engaging online games. Titi is an Engineer by training and a Management Consultant by experience, having worked with one of the Big 4 for over a decade before starting 9ijakids with two of her sisters. 9ijakids, which launched in 2918, has received several awards, both local and international. The business has created jobs for 24 people. Titi is also one of the conveners of Africa’s largest STEM gathering for children to spark a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in children aged 7-15 years through career talks, experiential STEAM activities, and games, which has taken place in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda and Zambia

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