Over the weekend, women worldwide were celebrated as the world marked International Women’s Day, which is dedicated to recognizing the remarkable contributions of women and advocating for matters concerning them.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the need to expedite efforts toward achieving gender equality and promoting women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields, especially in leadership roles.
In line with this theme, we’re spotlighting 8 African women founder-executives who are redefining the continent’s startup ecosystem with their innovative solutions and leadership. These women, through their contributions, are making a case for increased gender equality and demonstrating the exceptional capabilities of women as leaders.
Lara Dendy Young – Co-Founder & CEO, Conservio
Lara Dendy Young is a sustainability enthusiast who channels her passion for sustainability into the African tourism industry by championing eco-friendly travel hospitality. She co- founded Conservio, a digital travel solutions provider that connects travelers with eco-conscious accommodations and short-let apartments in South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia.
Under her leadership, Conservio’s online booking platform has grown to include over 500 properties, offering stylish and sustainable getaways for vacationers and travelers. Lara’s commitment to environmental sustainability and her innovative approach have helped position Conservio as a leader in promoting eco-friendly tourism in the region.
Maha and Malak Bennani – Co-Founders, LNKO
2023 Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree Malak Bennani and her sister Maha are visionary entrepreneurs revolutionizing Africa’s eyewear industry. The sisters co-founded LNKO in April 2020 to provide Africans with easier access to stylish, high-quality, and affordable glasses.
The company combines innovative design with local manufacturing and direct-to-consumer sales. Its mission is to democratize access to trendy eyewear by offering quality products at affordable prices. Despite launching the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters have led LNKO to remarkable results.
Thanks to their visionary leadership, the company has experienced substantial growth, recently securing significant funding from notable investors, including CDG Invest.
Meghan McCormick – Founder & CEO, Oze
Meghan McCormick is a dynamic entrepreneur passionate about creating solutions that add value to individuals, businesses, and corporate entities in Africa. She is the visionary behind Oze, a digital platform designed to empower African SMEs.
The fintech platform offers digital lending and business management solutions, enabling African entrepreneurs to access capital and make data-driven decisions that foster business growth and development.
Meghan’s vision for Oze is to bridge the financial gap for SMEs, promoting economic growth and sustainability across the continent. Beyond her role at Oze, Meghan has contributed her expertise to reputable organizations, including Deloitte and Doblin.
Ameni Mansouri – Co-Founder & CEO, Dabchy
Ameni Mansouri is a pioneering entrepreneur and a leading figure in North Africa’s fashion industry. She co-founded and currently leads Dabchy, a peer-to-peer fashion resale marketplace that allows users to buy and sell second-hand clothing and accessories. The platform provides a trusted ecosystem for fashion lovers, promoting sustainable and affordable shopping.
Under Ameni’s leadership, Dabchy has become a key player in the North African fashion sector, inspiring consumers to embrace eco-friendly fashion choices and reduce waste.
Ameni was named in the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Middle East list in 2018 and has since received numerous awards throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Anu Adasolum – Co-Founder & CEO, Sabi
Anu Adasolum is a distinguished professional, economist, and one of Africa’s leading women founders with a remarkable leadership track record. She co-founded and currently leads Sabi, a company committed to redefining Africa’s informal trade sector.
Sabi is a leading provider of logistics solutions for Africa’s digital commerce industry, empowering informal traders by facilitating access to supply chains, financial services, and business tools.
Under Anu’s leadership, Sabi has surpassed a billion dollars in sales and attracted over $30 million in investments from local and global investors. Before co-founding Sabi, Anu held leadership roles in reputable companies, including Jumia, Rensource, KPMG, and Dangote Group.
Salma Tammam – Founder & CEO, Reme-D
Dr. Salma Tammam is a scientist and innovator passionate about enhancing access to simplified healthcare solutions for Africans.
A certified pharmacist with a Ph.D. in Nanomedicine and over 15 years of experience in healthcare service delivery and med-tech, Salma is a prominent figure in North Africa’s healthcare industry. She leverages her expertise in molecular diagnostics to pioneer innovative diagnostic solutions in the region
She leads Reme-D, a health tech startup revolutionizing disease testing and diagnostics services in Egypt. The company develops and distributes cutting-edge testing kits for human and animal diseases, enabling users to diagnose infections and better understand their health status. Thanks to her exceptional leadership, Reme-D is at the forefront of health innovations in the MENA region.
Hilda Moraa – Founder & CEO, Pezesha
Hilda Moraa is an accomplished entrepreneur, award-winning innovator, and author with over a decade of experience working in the fintech industry and with multinational corporations.
A serial entrepreneur and visionary, Hilda has founded and led multiple companies, including WezaTele, Patascore, iHub Research, and her current venture, Pezesha.
Pezesha is a fintech company focused on closing the financial gap for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa. The company operates a peer-to-peer micro-lending marketplace that offers access to affordable financial services and credit scores to low-income borrowers.
Hilda’s previous venture, Weza Tele, was one of the first African tech startups to achieve a successful exit when it was acquired in 2015. Her unwavering commitment to financial inclusion has empowered countless entrepreneurs and contributed to economic development across the continent.
She is also the author of A Kenyan Startup Journey,” a book that has received widespread acclaim.
These remarkable women exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership driving Africa’s startup ecosystem. Their dedication to creating practical solutions not only transforms industries but also inspires the next generation of female entrepreneurs across the continent.
