Elisa Capololo is an aspiring entrepreneur and passionate advocate for innovation, technology, and community development. With a background in Computer Engineering, she is deeply committed to creating practical solutions that empower local communities and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Throughout her journey, Elisa has combined her technical knowledge with her entrepreneurial spirit to address real-world challenges and inspire positive change. Currently, she is focused on establishing a dry fruit company designed to reduce food loss and add value to local agricultural products. By supporting small farmers and promoting sustainable practices, she hopes to make a meaningful impact on food security and strengthen the local economy. Elisa believes that innovation, collaboration, and social responsibility are key to building resilient communities and unlocking new opportunities for growth across Africa.
Ontifile Gaokgorwe is founder and Director of The Bees Hive Academy, an inclusive preschool in Francistown, Botswana. A passionate advocate for early childhood education, digital inclusion, and support for children with learning disabilities. With over eight years of experience in the education sector, I have successfully led initiatives aimed at providing high-quality, inclusive education for children from diverse backgrounds.
Falone YEPMO DJOUOMO is the Managing Director of a Group operating in various fields, notably the construction industry (public works, roads, drilling) and the textile industry. She has more than ten years’ experience and operational, strategic and managerial expertise in various companies. Passionate about the textile and clothing industry, she has set up two business models: the manufacture of professional outfits and equipment for companies, and the creation of the MARCO ELANI clothing brand within SUMMITCOM GROUPE. Under her leadership through the construction company CHARLYVE Sarl, she has built and rehabilitated buildings and roads for the World Bank, DGSN, BAD, PADFA, SNV, EDC, MINEPAT, MINADER…, a sector dominated by men, where she has made a name for herself thanks to her skills and those of her teams. She is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DYF Foundation, whose mission is transformational women’s leadership, economic empowerment of young girls, and transformational leadership aiming to reach twenty thousand young girls by 2025.
Claudiana Bagayamukwe is a civil engineer specialized in geotechnics, entrepreneur, and project manager from Bukavu, DRC. She represents a new generation of African leaders merging technical expertise with digital transformation. Through her company, Fallax Vision, she provides businesses with digital solutions—web and mobile development, marketing, photography, and videography—to foster innovation and growth. She also manages engineering projects focused on sustainable infrastructure. As vice president of the Congolese Women Engineers and Scientists Association (AFISC), she promotes STEM careers for women, advocating for education and innovation as drivers of Africa’s development.
Dagmawit Zewdie Gebre, an Electronics and Communication Engineer with hands-on experience in IoT systems, PCB design, and mobile app development. I’m passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, especially in agriculture. I founded an IoT-based aquaponics project that promotes sustainable farming and food security through smart systems. I’ve interned at STEMpower FabLab and Ethiopian Airlines, where I developed practical skills in automation and maintenance. I’m a dedicated learner, a collaborative team player, and I’m driven by purpose and impact.
Bethelhem Misgina is a Visionary tech entrepreneur, full-stack developer, and project manager. Co-founder of Emebet, a pioneering job-matching platform empowering women by bridging employment gaps through technology. I specialize in building scalable, user-friendly applications with a strong background in Flutter, UI/UX design, and ERP solutions. Passionate about innovation, business growth, and using technology for social impact.
Blen Hailu is passionate about making mass transportation accessible, sustainable, and smart, while championing green mobility. I currently lead Kabba Transport, a shared mobility startup disrupting the industry. With over 10 years of experience working in corporate world help me in developing my skills in leadership, communication, and innovation across the finance and tech sectors. I hold a master’s degree in development economics, and I am fascinated by market dynamics, particularly the interplay of demand and supply. My journey is fuelled by a growth mindset and a deep belief in collaboration. I am also committed to empowering women and communities, always seeking the next big idea to drive meaningful change.
Hawi Asfaw, a passionate marketing manager and electromechanical engineering graduate with a strong background in digital marketing, product development, and entrepreneurship. I’ve worked on innovative tech and eco-friendly packaging projects, combining creativity with technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. As the founder of Markon Packaging Solutions, I aim to create impactful solutions in sustainability. I’m skilled in content creation, team leadership, and strategic planning, and I thrive in fast-paced, purpose-driven environments.
Selam Yihun is the CEO of Plafko Trading PLC, a women-led agro-processing venture pioneering plant-based dairy alternatives to address nutritional gaps and environmental challenges across Africa. Her passion for entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment fuels her vision of an Africa free from food insecurity and the environmental harms of traditional dairy practices. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, complemented by strong expertise in business development, strategy, and e-commerce. Selam has supported over 40 startups and contributed to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs across the continent, championing inclusive economic transformation. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the European Union Delegation to Ethiopia’s Youth Sounding Board, where she advocates for youth engagement, inclusive development, economic empowerment, and climate action.
Natasha Njee, is from Kenya, have a background in marketing and I have established and managed five different ventures, gaining hands-on experience in business development, financial management, operations, and talent management. Through my entrepreneurial journey, I have built a strong network of suppliers, partners, and customers, ensuring smooth business operations across various industries. My passion for economic empowerment drives me to look for opportunities to empower myself to drive my business to a greater level. I am a wife and a mother of four children
Dr. Jenifer Wothaya Wambugu is a trailblazing global health leader and nutrition scientist on a mission to heal communities through innovation. A breast cancer survivor, she transformed her own healing journey into a lifelong pursuit—developing groundbreaking nutraceuticals and designing programs that combat disease at its roots. With 21+ years of experience spanning 15+ countries, she bridges cutting-edge research and real-world impact as a published author (5 books, 9 peer-reviewed studies), educator, and advocate. Armed with a Ph.D. in Project Management and advanced degrees in Epidemiology and Nutrition, she now pioneers Imperishable Enterprise—where smart agriculture meets science-backed nutrition to empower the vulnerable and redefine wellness for all.
Janet Okach is the founder of Mechria Caters, a purpose-driven enterprise focused on waste management and empowering underserved communities. With a background in Community Health and Development, she is passionate about empowering women, youth and People with Disability creating impact-driven solutions, and fostering economic development in her community. Through her work, she aims to drive inclusive growth and support underserved populations with scalable and sustainable services. She brings a strong commitment to innovation, social impact, and collaboration.
Joyce Waithira Rugano is the founder of Ecorich Solutions Limited, a company that developed the Wastebot, an AI-enabled machine that converts organic waste into organic fertilizer within 24 hours. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Her passion for starting the company was driven by the lack of affordable organic fertilizer for small-scale farmers to increase their farm yields and improve their livelihoods through increased income. Joyce is such a great leader, leading a team of 10 members and impacting society through the establishment of a waste recycling center, packaging and distribution of organic fertilizer that has greatly changed the lives of almost 8,000 small-scale farmers in Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Murang’a Counties. In addition, her innovation has led to the employment of over 180 women and 120 young men either directly or indirectly in the organic waste conversion cycle, therefore contributing to improved livelihoods with a lasting impact in society.
Mushtaq Muhudin Adam is a Somali-Kenyan youth advocate and founder of EmpowerRise Hub Somalia’s first women-led innovation center. She empowers women and youth through digital skills, healing, and advocacy for survivors of FGM and early marriage. She leads initiatives like SaveHer, SkillUp Academy, Henna Haven, and Innovation Spark. Mushtaq was 2nd Place Winner of the UNFPA EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge and is among 30 women selected out of 170 applicants for the EU-funded BIC Africa 2025 Acceleration Programme. She also serves as a Youth Opportunities Global Ambassador.
Fanja Mioraniaina ANDRIANTAHINARISOA, creator and manager of SimplyCity Design, where the brand Simply By Mi was born. Rooted in the phrase “by me,” Simply By Mi is a tribute both to my name and to my commitment to meaningful, responsible creation. Daughter of a dressmaker, my passion for design began in childhood—crafting clothes for dolls, then for myrself. Though my studies led me to an university for future French teachers, and I began my career in education, my creative spark never faded. A fateful encounter with a talented dressmaker reignited my love for fashion and pushed me to start designing clothes again—this time as a side business. In 2024, I chose to devote myself fully to my entrepreneurial journey. Guided by a love for art, nature, and humanity, I lead Simply By Mi with a clear purpose: to create sustainably, uplift women through job creation, and celebrate every hand behind each design. Every piece carries a story—a shared journey of passion, skill, and heart.
BAKONOMENJANAHARY Emeraudio Marckaëlle, 26 years old, manager of Golden Honey of Madagascar and an international accountant at Smartelia Madagascar. My beekeeping heritage dates back to 1940 with my great-grandfather, who helped export Madagascar’s renowned honey. For generations, we quietly produced premium honey with dedication and care. In 2024, I gave our legacy a voice—launching Golden Honey of Madagascar, a brand that honors our roots while merging heritage & modern methods. Our honey reflects purity, tradition, and quality from hive to jar. More than just a product, it’s a symbol of passion and vision. We’re proud to share it with the world.
Dina Nomena Andriarimanjaka is a Malagasy social designer and co-founder of HOY EVA, a feminist data-driven initiative amplifying the voices of women and girls in Madagascar. With a background in design, research, and journalism, she explores the intersections of gender, identity, and visual storytelling to influence policy and societal narratives. Through Hoy Eva, she leads data collection, advocacy campaigns, and community projects focused on girls’ and women’s rights.
Anita Sarah RABEMANANTSOA is the founder and manger of Event+, an Event Agency. She is also a master of Ceremonies for institutional events for 7 years, corporate event organizer and marine conservation consultant, I dedicate my passion to serving professionals by strengthening their image and vision through quality events. Dreaming of building a company that brings joy and meaning, I founded Event+ to bring my passion to life: to gather, inspire, and celebrate. Through each event, I strive to create connection, inspire, and leave a positive impact. My ambition: to contribute, on my scale, to a more vibrant, more human, and more audacious world.
Ny Aro Andriamiarosoa is trained as an agricultural engineer specialized in animal sciences and fisheries, Ny Aro Andriamiarosoa is also the lead of CliMates Madagascar, an international laboratory of ideas and action, bringing together volunteers, students and young professionals, whose aim is to meet the challenge of climate change by empowering and engaging young people in collaborative research, advocacy and grassroots mobilization. Indeed, Ny Aro firmly believes that the development of an island like Madagascar requires the integration of climate change into any economic model, especially as an entrepreneur. Passionate about politics and leadership, she joined the Youth Leadership Training Program in 2022 and the Youth African Leadership Initiative in 2023. Later on, she joined the Impulsouth Program launched by Fundation Avinà. At the same time, she works as an independent consultant, setting up, monitoring and evaluating agronomic and environmental projects related to agribusiness. Indeed, she was one of the participants of the Blue Venture Builder Program in March 2024 initiated by Hatch Blue, OceanHub Africa and GIZ. All this led to the creation of her start-up company: BSFLy, which focuses on the use and valorization of the capital’s organic waste to make animal feed thanks to black soldier fly.
Maureen Ndubuisi is a Counselor, Radio /TV Presenter, Cyber-Security Specialist, Teacher, Peace Activist, Political Mediator and an Entrepreneur. Maureen is a Second class upper graduate of (Guidance & Counseling and Political Science) from the Facaulty of Education University of Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria. As a global citizen, Maureen believe that every individual is equal so therefore, everyone should be treated with respect. As an entrepreneur i am passionate to provide monitoring, protection, advocacy, socialisation, Social cohesion, Facilitation and social delivery among my clients, staff and the society atlarge. I am very much committed to meet our present needs without arbitrating the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
SUSANNE YENDONG MAIGARI agripreneur with over 11 years of experience in business development, fashion, and environmental farming. Proven expertise in agribusiness innovation, food processing, smallholder farmer empowerment, and sustainable agriculture. Founder and Team Lead at YENGric Ltd (FreshFarms Organic), managing 6,000+ customers,32 smallholder farmers, and leading a team of 11staff. Passionate about leveraging entrepreneurship to drive food security, market access, and economic empowerment for small-scale farmers in Nigeria.
Jummai Victor Tela is a passionate social entrepreneur and the visionary Founder and CEO of Topcity Enterprises Ltd, a mission-driven enterprise committed to transforming food systems in Nigeria through innovative cooling storage solutions. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to build sustainable communities, Jummai leads a bold initiative that tackles one of Africa’s most pressing challenges post-harvest losses by providing affordable, solar-powered cold storage for rural farmers, women cooperatives, and market aggregators. Born and raised in Nigeria, Jummai understands firsthand the struggles of smallholder farmers and the ripple effect of food waste on livelihoods and food security. Her work at Topcity is not just about technology, it’s about equity, empowerment, and impact. By championing climate-smart solutions and enabling farmers to preserve their produce longer, Jummai is helping to increase incomes, reduce hunger, and support a more resilient agricultural economy. As a relentless advocate for women and youth empowerment, she builds inclusive models that train and equip rural communities with tools and knowledge to thrive in the face of climate and economic challenges. Her leadership is characterized by empathy, innovation,and unwavering commitment to sustainable development. Jummai Victor Tela is not only building a business she is building a movement to revolutionize food security in Africa, one cool room at a time.
Chisom Lilian Okoye, hails from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, is the first daughter from a family of eight and enjoys an active lifestyle, with most of her hobbies involving outdoor activities such as swimming, tennis, volleyball, travelling, and loves to unwind through reading. She is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, obtaining a BSc. in Crop science and Technology, coming out among the top of her class. Over the years, she’s worked in different corporate sectors, from Agriculture, Aviation, Marketing, Telecommunication and is now into Business, where she leads her team at Lily Essentials limited, to create innovative skincare products, as they advance to becoming a global brand in future. Her drive is born out of her sheer determination to leave a positive mark in the world, despite the several limitations she faces, being a citizen of a 3rd world country. She believes that little positive actions, eventually becomes strong enough to cause positive changes.
Florence Oluwakemi Osagbodje is a passionate business development consultant and the founder of Eliona Business Development Services, a firm dedicated to reducing SME failures in Nigeria and Africa. With over 15 years of experience across school administration, customer service, marketing, event planning, culinary service management, and educational consulting, she brings a rich, diverse background to her work. Florence holds a degree in Management Technology, various certifications in entrepreneurship and leadership, and is currently pursuing a master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She is committed to helping businesses thrive, especially in challenging economic environments, through innovative strategies, training, and support services.
Naima Ahmed Abdi is the founder of Mother Cheese Company, an innovative cheese development business based in Mogadishu, Somalia. With a passion for local food innovation and economic empowerment, she leads efforts to create high-quality dairy products that support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. Her work focuses on improving livelihoods, creating jobs for women and youth, and contributing to food security in the region. Naima is committed to driving social and economic transformation through entrepreneurship and is proud to join the BIC Africa Acceleration Programme to scale her impact.
Zamzam Mahad Mohamed an innovative entrepreneur with a strong sense of purpose, Zamzam is passionate, ambitious, and committed to creating solutions that empower others. She started Royal Designs, a business that specializes in certain designs, and has a background in design. Her work has received praise for its audacious inventiveness and dedication to significant change. She is on a mission to break down barriers, encourage growth, and leave a legacy based on impact and authenticity as a leader, mentor, and supporter of women in business. I am a passionate and ambitious business designer driven by creativity and cultural storytelling. I should be selected because I am committed to growing my business, learning new strategies, and making a lasting impact in my industry. My goal is to scale my brand, refine my business model, and expand my reach while maintaining the personal touch that sets my work apart.
Lulu Letlape is the founder of Bongi Bees, a company dedicated to promoting sustainable beekeeping, environmental conservation and producing raw local honey. With a passion for nature and community empowerment, Lulu is deeply involved in training and mentoring local beekeepers and is involved in raising awareness about the importance of bees and their crucial role in the ecosystem. Having established Bongi Bees in 2018 with only 5 hives, Lulu Letlape has to date increased the number of hives to 100. This growth was solely based on the increase in the number of customers who were attracted to unique taste of Bongi Bees’s honey which is manufactured at a farm in Pretoria surrounded by gum trees, aloes, white wattle and an orchard full of fruits, amongst others. It is the objective of Bongi Bees to grow to 400 hives in the next 3 years and to explore growth through pollination and exports. Lulu Letlape was trained as a teacher and has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor in Education degrees. She also holds a Master of Arts in Development degree.
Gugulethu Mthethwa, known as Gugu Mthethwa is a Civil Engineer and the founder of iGugu Consulting, a name derived from the Zulu word meaning “treasure” or “precious thing.” Born and raised in Ladysmith, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Gugulethu’s journey is marked by resilience and a passion for empowerment. She is a dedicated wife and mother. Gugu’s academic qualifications include a National Diploma (2003) and a BTech in Urban Engineering from Vaal University of Technology. She is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa and furthered her studies with a Post Graduate Diploma from Wits Business School in 2024. Her career spans over 14 years in the civil engineering industry, encompassing the design, implementation, and management of diverse infrastructure projects.
Rebecca Florence Nanono, founder of Enerforte Uganda, a social enterprise transforming plastic and biodegradable waste into eco-friendly products like reusable pads, fertilizers, and PET flakes. My work is rooted in my passion for sustainability, gender justice, and economic empowerment. Growing up in Uganda, I saw firsthand how poor waste management harms our communities. That inspired me to create a circular economy model that reduces pollution while creating jobs for women and youth. Through Enerforte, I’m also advancing climate education and digital inclusion. I’m excited to be part of the BIC Africa Acceleration Programme to gain the skills and networks needed to scale our impact across East Africa.
Precious Pelina Daka is a Zambian entrepreneur and founder of 3D Protosign Manufacturing Co, a startup delivering locally manufactured, affordable, and sustainable 3D-printed industrial parts. She holds a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Kyushu University in Japan and a BA in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her academic background fuels her passion for sustainable manufacturing and circular economy models. Through her venture, she aims to address the gaps in Zambia’s manufacturing sector by reducing reliance on imports, promoting local innovation, and supporting industrial growth across all communities in her country and eventually on a global scale.
