Startup Story

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is the founder of Indico Fish Farm. EI in Mozambique, where she is currently setting up her Nile Tilapia Production and Processing Unit. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Population and Development. Prior to starting her business, she worked as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum in the area of ​​marine and aquatic animal collections and also as a Zootechnician at Machado Knowhow in the area of ​​animal production. Her business plan, which focused on Nile Tilapia Production and Processing, was the winner of the Agora Emprega 2023 Program at the national level in Maputo Province.

Startup Story

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a passionate Afro-optimist, seasoned global strategist, and the author of "Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage." With nearly 25 years of experience spanning four continents, she now channels her expertise into empowering African leaders and businesses as the Founder & CEO of ZER Consulting Africa (ZER), a purpose-driven Pan-African strategy and management consulting firm founded in 2023 and with a workforce of 8 people. ZER partners with development agencies, investment funds, and social ventures, providing strategic guidance for SME growth through their proprietary SCALE framework. Adeolu is a dedicated advocate for Africa’s development, championing financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education while serving on impactful boards and inspiring global audiences.

Startup Story

Siyamthanda Maya is the founder of ZAS Petroleum, a licensed wholesaler of petroleum products specialising in imports of Crude, Diesel and Unleaded petrol, as well as exports of diesel and lubricants. She is a seasoned business professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in both Utility Management and the Oil and Gas sector. Siya is a personification of diligence, determination, and skill, attributes which have contributed to her current achievements. She has successfully founded and run two energy entities and led Multi-Billion-rand infrastructural programs. A big believer in credible skills transfer and development, Siya is a supporter of women skills development and community enablement. She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Startup Story

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.

Startup Story

Selam Wondim Gebremedhin is the founder of Gomida Solutions in Ethiopia, a gamified super-platform that seamlessly integrates gaming, brand engagement, and interactive experiences. The business, launched in 2024 and creating jobs for 11 people, develops hyper-casual games that entertain, educate, and reward players while providing brands, influencers, and developers with innovative ways to engage and grow their audiences. The platform transforms gameplay into impact—enabling users to play, learn, and earn within familiar social media and messaging ecosystems, eliminating the need for additional downloads.

Startup Story

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela is the founder of Masana Generation Project in South Africa, a poultry farming business specialising in broiler chickens, crop production, and rabbit production. She is a leader and social entrepreneur, a farmer, and a public speaker, who likes to work with local communities. Zenzile is passionate about her work and has an openness to learning and implementation in her business. She registered the business in 2014 and started operations full-time in 2018.

Startup Story

Ronel and Dr Marli Jooste, two sisters and co-founders of PhysEQFiT Wellness & Leadership Development, a business focused on Transforming People. Transforming Workplaces, and Transforming Leaders. The name, PhysEQFiT, implies the importance of overall wellbeing, including Phys = physical wellbeing (health, fitness, nutrition, brain health, stress management, burnout), EQ = emotional wellbeing (personal mastery and growth, whole-brain thinking, neurocoaching, mental health, team dynamics, mediation etc, Fi = financial wellbeing, and FiT = all these aspects need to be in balance to enhance your overall performance, leadership capacity, wellbeing and lifestyle. The business was founded in 2015 and employs 5 people.

Startup Story

Adonia Mankou Yanate, founder of Shumukh Design, approaches design as both an art and a philosophy—one that shapes how people interact with space and, ultimately, with life itself. She seeks to craft environments that are not only functional and beautiful but also transformative. Her design language is deeply rooted in texture, textiles, and color, drawing from African narratives while embracing a universal human experience. With projects spanning South Africa and the DRC, Adonia is building a brand that aspires to redefine luxury in an African context, proving that design can be both deeply personal and globally resonant.

Startup Story

Ady Namaran Coulibaly is Co-Founder and Quality and Compliance Manager of Bolingo Consult, a language services company established in 2019, which currently has offices in Ghana and Rwanda and a 10-person strong workforce. Through Bolingo Consult, Ady supports organisations and businesses looking to engage populations in Africa in their mother tongues and expand their reach within the continent. Ady is an ardent promoter of African languages, having co-founded the African Languages Conference.

Startup Story

Anne K Rweyora is the founder of Smart Havens Africa, an impact-driven business launched in 2018 aimed at contributing to Uganda’s housing sector by helping low-income women to become home-owners. As a female civil engineer driven to positively change lives, Anne’s business stands out by offering an innovative, eco-friendly, and empowering pathway to homeownership for women-headed families.

Startup Story

Thelma Chimbganda is a dynamic entrepreneur and leader in e-commerce, supply chain, and logistics, with over five years of impactful experience across Africa. As the CEO of Beyond Borders Logistics Group in Zimbabwe, founded in 2020, she has guided the company to become a significant player in the industry, delivering practical solutions in first- and last-mile logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. Her leadership is characterized by a focus on tackling industry challenges, enhancing operational efficiency, and continuously improving services to meet the unique needs of clients and stakeholders.

Startup Story

Kim Williams is an award-winning top interior designer and behaviour strategist based in Cape Town. With a unique approach that blends creative and behavioural strategies, Kim transforms spaces to positively impact people's lives. Her work spans residential and commercial projects, earning international recognition. Kim is also an inspiring public speaker and author, known for her commitment to mindfully design purpose-driven environments that shape lives.

Startup Story

The Professional Mind Resilience Institute, empowers legal practitioners to attain unparalleled excellence, find balance in their personal lives, and transcend the boundaries of traditional legal practice in South Africa. The business, which launched in 2024, is on a mission is to enhance cognitive abilities, personal resilience, and professional expertise through comprehensive courses and workshops tailored specifically for legal professionals.

Startup Story

Nonkululeko Williams is the founder and CEO of Luminous Era, a South Africa-based skincare brand dedicated to addressing the unique skincare needs of individuals with diverse skin tones, focusing on effective solutions for issues such as sunburn, aging, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Her vision is to expand the brand internationally and tap into the pan-African market. With over six years of entrepreneurial experience, Nonkululeko has dedicated herself to researching the skincare industry, identifying her target market, and honing in on her passion and niche.

Startup Story

Phindiwe Nqanqaru is a passionate Full-Stack Developer, Co-founder, and Director of Operations at BabesGotBytes, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. As a recognized Women TechMakers Ambassador and an award-winning leader, Phindiwe advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and mentors aspiring developers. Driven by a love for tech and community impact, Phindiwe is shaping a brighter future for women in technology. BabesGotBytes was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 9 people.

Startup Story

Segredos do Paraíso, a business celebrating the authentic characteristics and purity of coconut, processed and beautifully packaged for the world to enjoy. What makes Segredos do Paraíso, founded by Yara Galiano, products special is that they are 100% natural, because the business only processes the coconut from one state to another in order to obtain its different products, using the cold press method. The business was launched in February 2023 and has created jobs for 3 people.

Startup Story

Fátima Armando Ernesto is the founder of Faes in Mozambique, a digital graphics and t-shirt sales business specialising in creating t-shirts to each customer's taste. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she was a Road and Bridge Construction Technician at IIM, Public Relations and Leadership Technician at Wake Up, Aspirant at Rotaract Clube de Maputo, and worked as a Site Clerk at SS Construção where she provided services in the following roles: Archivist (Management and control of files), Assistant to the Warehouse Manager of the main Shipyard, Responsible for diesel control (purchase and sale), Formwork Clerk (Rent, purchase and sale of material).

Startup Story

Clara Chinwe Okoro is Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the travel tech company My Beautiful Africa, based in Lagos, Nigeria, and launched in 2019. Designing Travel experiences in Africa with Technology at My Beautiful Africa, she is passionate and focused on promoting how digital transformation in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector can lead to a more competitive Tourism industry in Africa through Smart Tourism. Clara's speaking engagements are known for being both engaging and informative, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and tourism.

Startup Story

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.

Startup Story

Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.

Startup Story

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.

Startup Story

Lusanda Omelo is the founder of findaiforthat, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.

Startup Story

Veronique-Chantelle Mew is a Chartered Accountant, a certified Life Coach and Personal Trainer, a breast cancer survivor, and the founder of Tall Story, based in South Africa. While working as a Chartered Accountant in the corporate world, she felt limited by conforming to someone else's vision and knew deep down that she wanted to start something of her own. In 2016, she resigned from her directorship position at an international company, and decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She was determined to pursue her passion, knowing that this was where her heart truly belonged. Veronique launched Tall Story in 2022.

Startup Story

Lilian Maira is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion with nearly two decades of experience in the Kenyan fashion industry. As the founder of Pambo Letu, Lilian combines traditional African craftsmanship with modern design to create eco-friendly, handcrafted bags. She collaborates with a team of talented artisans to produce high-quality products using sustainable materials, empowering local communities through fair wages and global exposure. Driven by a deep commitment to environmental and social impact, Lilian continues to champion ethical practices and innovative solutions in the fashion world. The business was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 15 people.

Startup Story

Echika Obijiaku is the founder of Mwanga - a digital-first ethical debt recovery and business process outsourcing (BPO) firm dedicated to promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. Trusted by some of the continent’s leading lenders, Mwanga is on a mission to get at least 10 million Africans out of debt by 2030. Echika’s Obijiaku background is multidisciplinary with experience in leading high-performing teams across industries. Echika is also a chartered accountant with the ACCA, UK . She has 16+ years of combined consulting experience with leading firms like Deloitte & Touché, Alexander Forbes Nigeria & South Africa and others.

Startup Story

Irina Samade is the founder and floral designer at Frangipani Flores in Mozambique. She has been working with Floral Art for 15 years having taken a number of specialist floral arrangement courses in Portugal, Brazil, USA and Mozambique. Her passion for flowers started very early with her mother growing violets in their garden. Then, unconsciously, she started toying with making floral arrangements for family and friends' birthdays, but at that time was very far from thinking about being a florist or opening a floristry business. However, all that changed with the launch of her floral design business, Frangipani Flores in 2014. Today, she remains curious in this specialist area of floral design and is constantly inspired by the work of renowned florists around the world.

Startup Story

Nonceba Ndukula is the founder of Nabai Foundation in South Africa, a social impact  organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty and empower underserved communities through education. The foundation's Afternoon Enrichment Program, mentorship initiatives, and community projects reflect Nonceba’ s dedication to making a positive impact. She is a GBV-F Survivor, Coach, Business Administrator, Philanthropist and Mentor and an inspiring individual whose life journey has transformed adversity into a beacon of hope. As the founder of Nabai Foundation, Nonceba is a passionate advocate for education, community empowerment, and survivor support. Her personal experiences have fuelled her commitment to addressing the root causes of GBV-F and providing support to survivors. She is a Nominee of Sociopreneur of the Year 2023, Finalist in Women of Stature Awards, and a Nominee of Leading Women of Africa Awards.

Startup Story

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.

Startup Story

Masego Madzwamuse is a writer, a designer with a deep passion for African prints, and the founder and head designer of Bola Nangabe in Botswana. She created her design label to blend sustainable fashion principles with the art of storytelling through African textiles. Inspired by the hues and textures of the Kgalagadi desert, her luxury brand embodies the richness of desert landscapes. Using carefully chosen fabrics from across the continent, Masego creates clothing for individuals on the move, eager to embrace their authenticity. Each piece weaves a story of beauty and resilience, much like the vibrant burst of color that emerges with the first rains in the desert.

Startup Story

Handmade Moz is a Mozambican accessory brand founded by creative entrepreneur Sinna Duarta, that focuses on the design, manufacture and marketing of a unique range of handmade jewellery and handbags. She uses Capulana as the fabric source of inspiration for many of her unique pieces, something that resonates with her local customers.