Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is evolving rapidly, fueled by a young population, urbanization, and a growing middle class. Despite structural challenges, the continent’s economic prospects remain promising, with GDP growth expected to rebound to 3.7% in 2024 and 4.3% in 2025. Women-led businesses are a vital part of this transformation. According to the African Development Bank, female entrepreneurs contribute between $250 billion and $300 billion to the continent’s GDP, equivalent to about 13%. McKinsey estimates that bridging the gender gap could add $316 billion to Africa’s economy by 2025.
Here are five women-led businesses turning Africa’s challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable growth through innovation, technology, and strategic investments.
1. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola: Revolutionising waste management in Nigeria
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder and former CEO of Wecyclers, is transforming Nigeria’s waste management landscape. With a passion for solving Lagos’ overwhelming waste problem, Bilikiss launched Wecyclers in 2012. This innovative enterprise uses cargo bicycles to provide affordable recycling services to low-income communities. Residents earn redeemable points for the waste they recycle, empowering households while tackling environmental challenges.
Wecyclers has expanded its reach to over 5,000 households and created hundreds of jobs. Under Bilikiss’s leadership, Wecyclers formed key partnerships with Lagos Waste Management Authority, Nestlé Nigeria, and others. Her pioneering approach has earned her global recognition, including the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award and the Le Monde Smart-Cities Innovation Award.
2. Katherine Lucey: Illuminating Africa through solar power
Katherine Lucey, founder and CEO of Solar Sister, is addressing energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa by empowering women to become solar entrepreneurs. With a background in finance, Katherine co-founded Solar Sister in 2009 to provide clean, affordable energy to underserved communities. Solar Sister equips women with training and resources to sell solar-powered products, transforming their communities and lives.
Since its inception, Solar Sister has trained over 11,000 women entrepreneurs, bringing clean energy to 4.7 million people across Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria. Katherine’s ambitious goal is to expand the organization’s reach to 30,000 women entrepreneurs and impact 30 million people by 2030, generating $1 billion in economic benefits.
3. Natasha Pearce: Pioneering sustainable fashion in South Africa
Natasha Pearce, founder and CEO of Vivacious Eco Vixon, is championing eco-friendly fashion in South Africa. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Natasha founded her company in 2018 to upcycle textile waste into sustainable products. From reusable towels to eco-friendly facial rounds, Vivacious Eco Vixon promotes a circular economy while empowering women from disadvantaged backgrounds through skill development.
Natasha’s innovative approach to fashion has earned her recognition, including participation in the Nedbank Circular Economy Accelerator program. Her business continues to grow, with plans to expand into eco-conscious clothing and brick-and-mortar stores across South Africa.
4. Kealeboga Tshikovhi: Leading the renewable energy revolution
Kealeboga Tshikovhi, founder and CEO of Lamo Fuel, is making waves in South Africa’s energy sector. Her company converts used cooking oil into biodiesel, offering a cleaner and more affordable alternative to traditional fuels. Based in Kuruman, Northern Cape, Lamo Fuel produces over 1,000 litres of biodiesel daily and supplies local mining and construction companies.
Kealeboga’s vision extends beyond renewable energy—she’s committed to empowering women and youth through entrepreneurship. With support from organizations like the National Youth Development Agency, Lamo Fuel creates local jobs and contributes to South Africa’s economic growth.
5. Christelle Kwizera: Solving Africa’s water crisis
Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda, is tackling the continent’s water crisis with sustainable solutions. Her award-winning enterprise provides affordable and safe water to over 100,000 Rwandans through innovative technologies such as borehole microgrids and rainwater harvesting systems. Christelle’s scalable model has transformed communities, creating employment opportunities while addressing a critical issue.
With ambitions to replicate her success across Africa, Christelle’s work has garnered international recognition, including the Africa Entrepreneurship Award and Jack Ma’s Africa Business Heroes Award.
These five women-led businesses are not only addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges but also driving the continent’s economic transformation. Through innovation, strategic leadership, and a commitment to sustainability, these entrepreneurs are setting new standards for leading and inspiring change in Africa.
