How often do you hear the story of a great African company whose success came as the result of finding a creative solution to a problem? Often, those solutions have the potential to change the world. TIME magazine has just compiled its first annual list of Genius Companies, businesses that are inventing the future. Companies were evaluated on their originality, influence, success and ambition to drive real progress in their chosen field. A number of game-changing innovations by leading African women entrepreneurs were on the list, including BRCK, a portable modem providing access to fast internet connectivity in rural areas, co-founded by Juliana Rotich. And Wonderbag, the innovative non-electric slow cooker, founded by Sarah Collins, and changing the economic and social lives of Africa’s women. Africa has many challenges that need to be overcome if it is to fulfill its immense potential. So it’s good to see innovative women entrepreneurs from the continent finding those solutions and being recognized globally for the contributions they are making to the world.

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.