Nokuphila Gumede, an impact-focused entrepreneur integrating drone technology with precision agriculture to help farmers improve their businesses

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nokuphila Gumede, CEO and founder, Field Tech Environmental Solutions (South Africa)

Nokuphila Gumede is the CEO and founder of Field Tech Environmental Solutions, a pioneering South African company that integrates advanced drone technology with precision agriculture. Since founding the business in 2021, she has led its growth, providing farmers with cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions for crop management. Under her leadership, Field Tech has expanded to employ 10 permanent staff and deliver services such as pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, and farm mapping. A recognized leader, Nokuphila has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Green Youth Innovators Pitch, and was a finalist in both the Standard Bank EmpowerHer Awards and National Presidential Awards.

Pretty Kubyane, a South African award-winning techpreneur transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain

April 6, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Pretty Kubyane, Co-Founder, eFama App (South Africa)

Pretty Kubyane, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and Tech Lead, is the Co-Founder of eFama App, launched in 2023. Inspired by her late father’s business ventures, she began her entrepreneurial journey at six. Holding 20+ certifications in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain, she leads eFama in transforming Africa’s agricultural supply chain. Under her leadership, eFama has secured backing from major companies in the USA, UK, and South Africa, including banks and tech firms. Named a Rising Star in 2022, Pretty drives innovation and social impact across Africa, together with her team of 7 employees, supported by a strong network of industry experts, investors and advisors.

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, a Mozambican agribusiness entrepreneur focused on sustainable fish farming to create jobs

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie, founder, Indico Fish Farm (Mozambique)

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.

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, a purpose-driven strategy and management consulting specialist catalyzing transformative change across Africa

March 23, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, Founder & CEO, ZER Consulting Africa (ZER) (Nigeria)

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.

Siyamthanda Maya, an energy sector specialist building a wholesale petroleum products business in South Africa

March 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Siyamthanda Maya, founder, ZAS Petroleum (South Africa)

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.

Selusiwe Lukhele, an entrepreneur creating a vibrant cafe hub for local people to meet and connect in Eswatini

March 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Selusiwe Lukhele, founder, Happiness Junction Cafe (Eswatini)

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.

Selam Wondim Gebremedhin, a serial entrepreneur building a tech business that turns gaming into more than entertainment

March 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Selam Wondim Gebremedhin, founder, Gomida Solutions (Ethiopia)

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.

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela, an agrifood business focused on food security and sustainability in South Africa

March 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Zenzile Silvia Mabitsela, founder, Masana Generation Project (South Africa)

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.

Ronel and Dr Marli Jooste, two impact-driven South African entrepreneurs on a mission to guide others on their journey toward holistic wellbeing

February 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Ronel Jooste and Dr Marli Jooste, co-founders, PhysEQFiT Wellness & Leadership Development (South Africa)

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.

Adonia Mankou Yanate, a South Africa-based interior designer creating functional, beautiful, and transformative environments

February 16, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Adonia Mankou Yanate, founder, Shumukh Design (South Africa)

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.

Ady Namaran Coulibaly, an ardent promoter of African languages, facilitating language inclusion for the continent’s people

February 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

**Ady Namaran Coulibaly, Co-Founder, Bolingo Consult**

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.

Anne K Rweyora, an inspirational entrepreneur enabling women to own climate-smart homes in Uganda

February 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Anne K Rweyora, founder, Smart Havens Africa (Uganda)

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.

Thelma Chimbganda, a visionary trailblazer in the logistics industry in Zimbabwe

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Thelma Chimbganda, CEO, Beyond Borders Logistics Group (Zimbabwe)

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.

Kim Williams, an award-winning top interior designer and behaviour strategist based in Cape Town, South Africa

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

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.

Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, co-founders focused on developing neuro-based resources specifically for legal practitioners

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, founders, The Professional Mind Resilience Institute (South Africa)

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.

Nonkululeko Williams, an entrepreneur building a South African-based skincare brand specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin

January 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Nonkululeko Williams, founder and CEO, Luminous Era (South Africa)

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.

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, a South African tech entrepreneur passionate about empowering women and girls with digital skills

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Phindiwe Nqanqaru, Co-founder & Director, BabesGotBytes (South Africa)

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.

Yara Galiano, a passion-driven Angolan entrepreneur transforming coconuts into world-class processed products

January 19, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Yara Galiano, founder, Segredos do Paraíso (Angola)

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.

Fátima Ernesto, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating customized T-Shirts for her customers

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Fátima Armando Ernesto, founder, Faes (Mozambique)

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).

Clara Chinwe Okoro, a pioneering travel tech entrepreneur empowering travelers to discover the hidden gems of Africa

January 9, 2025 Melanie Hawken

Clara Chinwe Okoro, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, My Beautiful Africa (Nigeria)

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.

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