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.

Olubukola Abitoye, an entrepreneur creating a one-stop-shop for value in wealth creation and management in Nigeria

October 13, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Olubukola Abitoye, Managing Director and CEO, Digital Space Capital (Nigeria)

Olubukola Abitoye is the Managing Director and CEO of Digital Space Capital in Nigeria, a comprehensive financial services provider covering Investment Banking, Asset Management, Insurance, Micro Banking, and Fintech, with her own digital savings solution app, Digikolo. The business launched in 2020 and today employs 104 people. Olubukola is a highly accomplished finance professional with a wealth of experience in the banking and finance industry. She is also the CEO of WeBrandIt Limited and the owner of Eco Cleaning Services Limited.

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

Kemisola Bolarinwa, a Nigerian pioneer in wearable technology

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nextwear Technologies, the first wearable technology startup in Nigeria, developing technology worn close to the body to solve health issues.

Kemisola Bolarinwa is the founder of Nextwear Technologies, the pioneering wearable technology startup launched in Nigeria in 2020, and which now employs 9 people. She is a distinguished Robotics and Embedded System Engineer with over 13 years of exceptional tech expertise. Through Nextwear Technologies, Kemisola designs and develops innovative wearable technology that addresses health-related challenges. One of her notable contributions to the field is the invention of the groundbreaking wearable Smart Bra Cup Diagnostic Device, designed to detect the earliest stages of breast cancer—an unprecedented advancement in healthcare technology that has earned her global recognition and awards.

Ifeoma Malo, a Nigerian clean energy access champion

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Clean Technology Hub, an organization working on the frontlines of energy access and climate change in Africa

Ifeoma Malo is the co-founder of Clean Technology Hub, an organization working on the frontlines of energy access and climate change, across 80 communities in seven countries, including Nigeria, the Gambia, Congo DRC, Ghana, Uganda, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Senegal. The business was established in 2016 and today has 35 employees. She is an energy access expert and a climate action champion with over 23 years of experience building and directing organizational operations and strategy, supporting start-ups and MSMEs across Africa. In the past 10 years, Ifeoma has become a recognized and credible leader in the energy and utility markets, working on the intersection of energy transition, energy markets, energy and climate financing, and climate adaptation markets.

Ade Hassan, a lingerie visionary for women of colour

July 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nubian Skin, the first brand to make inclusive, skin-tone undergarments catered to women of colour.

Ade Hassan is the Nigerian/British founder of Nubian Skin, the first brand to make inclusive, skin-tone undergarments catered to women of colour. The business also makes skin-tone softies (post-surgery prosthetics for mastectomy patients). Launched in 2014, and headquartered in London, Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and looks forward to growing the company’s offering and expanding its reach.

Ifeyinwa Ogar, a Nigerian food processing and bundling entrepreneur

July 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Roki Foods Ltd, a food processing and bundling company offering affordable, nutritious, and convenient food bundles for middle-income earners in Nigeria

Ifeyinwa Ogar is the visionary founder of Roki Foods, a company dedicated to helping middle-income earners in Nigeria save money on grocery shopping. With a robust background in commercial banking, Ifeyinwa brings eight years of experience as a Relationship Manager and Branch Manager. Her academic achievements include a degree in Psychology and a diploma in Economics, which have equipped her with a deep understanding of human behaviour and economic principles.

Lioness Launch / Yawoa Foundation expands into Francophone Africa with the launch of its “Dreamy Memory” project using the arts to positively impact women's lives

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

The Yawoa Foundation, founded by Estelle Dogbo in Nigeria & Togo, has recently expanded into Francophone Africa and launched “Dreamy Memory”, a caritative project using the arts to positively impact women's lives. With the support of Ellipse Art Projects, the concept started the production and exhibition of a portfolio of exclusive photographs created by Togolese emerging artist Parmenas Awudza, who was selected for his original and immersive work, and his sensitivity towards female empowerment. The works will then be showcased in Lome, and sold for the benefit of female patients of a neonatal unit at the CHU in Lomé, in order to contribute to their healthcare needs.

Oluwadunsin Bolaji, an accessory brandbuilder in Nigeria celebrating African heritage

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Oluwadunsin Bolaji, founder and Creative Director, DunsinCraft Collection LTD (Nigeria)

Oluwadunsin Bolaji is the founder and Creative Director of DunsinCraft Collection LTD, an Afrocentric accessory brand in Nigeria. With over 7 years’ experience, Oluwadunsin's passion for promoting African culture through fashion accessories is truly inspiring. By designing bags and jewellery using indigenous African fabrics, she showcases the richness of our African heritage and the immense potential embedded in our fabrics.

Adekemi Adeniyan, a Nigerian oral healthcare champion

May 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dentalcare Foundation, on a mission to advance oral health equity across underserved communities in Africa

Adekemi Adeniyan is a rural dentist breaking barriers to oral healthcare access in Nigeria. As founder of Dentalcare Foundation, she provides free dental services to underserved communities. Dr. Adeniyan also advances oral health literacy creatively through Nigeria’s first illustrated children’s oral health storybook “The Girl Who Found Her Smile” and the lively “Anita Says” animation series. Her innovative storytelling makes oral care engaging and accessible, empowering future generations. For significantly expanding healthcare access, Dr. Adeniyan has earned honours including Nigeria’s Woman of the Year in Healthcare and Leading Ladies Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women. The business was launched in 2019 and today has 15 employees.

Lioness Launch / 1964 unveils "Nostalgia" Collection: A Tribute to Simplicity, Comfort, and Cultural Heritage

March 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

1964, the renowned women's clothing brand founded by Olakunmi Oni, who is also its Creative Director, is dedicated to promoting wellness through fashion, and is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest collection, "Nostalgia." This collection marks the brand's official return to the market, blending timeless designs with modern flair and celebrating the beauty found in simplicity.

Rofiat Komolafe, a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur building a global brand

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Rofiat Komolafe, founder, ROFEEA K (Nigeria)

Rofiat Komolafe is the Nigerian founder of the international fashion brand, ROFEEA K, a business that blends African and Western styles in a sizzling showcase. As the proud owner of a sourcing and apparel production business that has been transforming designers’ dreams into reality since 2013, she has built a client list both at home and abroad. Rofiat is living proof that dedication and determination can make dreams come true. Rofiat’s fashion journey began with a simple blog and personal shopping business when she moved to the USA, which quickly opened the door to her passion for fashion design. With her savvy business skills, she was able to explore different sectors of the fashion industry to build her business. Rofiat is also a big believer in giving back to the community and empowering people by creating jobs and now employs 12 people.

Amanda Etuk, a logistics management game-changer in Nigeria

March 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Messenger, a logistics platform that provides financing and aggregation for end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations in Nigeria

Amanda Etuk, co-founder of the Nigerian logistics solutions business, Messenger, is an accomplished, results-driven business management professional. She has a depth of experience in supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and sales and marketing. Amanda has a proven track record of business optimization. She has driven the competitiveness of organizations in the healthcare industry, the FMCG sector, e-commerce, and logistics, where her passion lies. In all her roles, she has delivered business and revenue growth and efficiency gains, and successfully strengthened client relationships.

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.

Yetunde Akande, a Nigerian impact-maker empowering the fashion industry

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Yetroselane Fashion Hub, a multi-faceted fashion business creating jobs, and empowering fashion entrepreneurs of the future

Yetunde Akande is an award-winning CEO and founder of Yetroselane Fashion Hub in Nigeria, a mission-driven company founded in 2008, transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and empowerment, and employing 45 people. The hub's contemporary womenswear fosters inclusivity and empowerment, complemented by their Fashion Academy preparing women for successful fashion businesses. Operating with a zero-waste policy in their garment factory, Yetunde collaborates globally for amplified impact. Recognized with prestigious awards, her designs grace global runways, including New York Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Ghana. Committed to mentorship, Yetunde engages with organizations like WIMBIZ, AWE, and GAIN, shaping the future of aspiring entrepreneurs. She envisions a future of employment and thriving fashion ventures.

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.

Abimbola Adebakin, a Nigerian retail pharma innovator

November 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Advantage Health Africa, enabling access to quality and affordable medicines in Nigeria

Abimbola Adebakin is a Certified Performance Technologist (CPT), Pharmacist, management consultant and tech innovator who is keen to drive performance improvement in the African healthcare system. She is the Founder/CEO of Advantage Health Africa, a business launched in 2017 and today employing 86 people, focused on enabling access to quality and affordable medicines in Nigeria through tech, aggregation, digital health services and pharma products. She sits on the board of Safe Medicines Foundation, and mentors for WIMBIZ (Women in Business) and Google StartUp programme. Abimbola’s work at Advantage Health Africa has garnered global recognition, grants and awards from Bayer Foundation, Google, Ashoka, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMGF and the Jack Ma Foundation.

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