10 Female Business Leaders Shaping the Future of Africa
Review By: Oudney Patsika, the Chief Editor at Sona Headlines & Marketing Officer at Sona Solar Zimbabwe
The past few years have seen a rise in the number of women-owned businesses in Africa. Be it in IT, oil, mining, or the aviation sector, female entrepreneurs are breaking gender stereotypes and proving that what a man can do, a woman can also do—if not better.
 |
| Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD) |
East Africa
This Kenyan business magnate started her first business at 19, selling yoghurt at schools in Nairobi. Today, she is a pioneer investor in the IT sector, having co-founded Wananchi Online, East Africa’s first mass-market internet service provider. A serial entrepreneur, she has established thriving businesses including Ignite Consulting and Business Lounge. She actively mentors young entrepreneurs to help them grow their own ventures.
Growing up in Addis Ababa, Bethlehem noticed artisans in her community living in poverty despite their skills. In 2004, she launched SoleRebels to translate those skills into a global eco-friendly footwear brand. With flagship stores in Taiwan, Spain, and the U.S., she has created hundreds of local jobs and was named one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes.
Tabitha Karanja broke gender stereotypes by launching Keroche Breweries in 1997, taking on an international monopoly that had dominated Kenya for 90 years. Despite immense challenges in distribution, her resilience paid off. Her beer brand, Summit, is now a household name, and she has expanded her brewery with a $29 million investment.
Southern Africa
Once estimated to be the richest woman in Africa, Isabel accumulated wealth in oil, diamonds, and banking. She started small, using savings to open a nightclub in Luanda, before expanding into trucking and eventually becoming chairwoman of Unitel SA, a mobile network giant valued at over $5 billion.
Rejected for a flight attendant job due to height requirements, Sibongile Sambo didn’t give up on flying—she started her own aviation business instead. She is the founder of SRS Aviation, the first black female-owned aviation company in South Africa, offering VIP charters, cargo transport, and medical evacuation services.
Divine Ndhlukula tackled a male-dominated industry head-on by founding SECURICO in her cottage with just four employees. Today, it is one of the largest security firms in Zimbabwe with over 3,500 staff. Recognized globally as an influential leader, she plans to expand her operations into Mozambique and Zambia.
Starting as a contract miner in the 80s, Bridgette Radebe defied expectations to become South Africa’s first black female mining entrepreneur. She launched Mmakau Mining, with assets in gold, platinum, and coal. As president of the South African Mining Development Association, she is a shining example of unstoppable female power.
West Africa
Starting as a secretary, Folorunsho Alakija quit her job to study fashion design and launched Supreme Stitches. However, her immense wealth comes from Famfa Oil, her oil exploration company. As one of Africa’s wealthiest women, she proves that pivoting careers can lead to extraordinary success.
Hajia Bola Shagaya is the powerhouse behind Bolmus Group International. From oil and real estate to banking and photography, her conglomerate has its fingers in every pie. A former banker, she founded Practoil Limited, one of Nigeria's largest importers of base oil, and sits on the board of Unity Bank.
North Africa
Salwa Akhannouch ventured into business in 1993 and is now a prominent Moroccan entrepreneur. As the founder of Aksal Group, she dominates the luxury goods and retail sector, holding a 50% stake in Morocco Mall—one of Africa's largest shopping centers—and exclusive licenses for brands like Zara and Gap.
Welcome to Oudney Patsika's Website. Oudney Patsika is an award-winning Business Growth Consultant dedicated to helping you build a truly hyper-profitable business. Our mission is to provide in-depth, well-researched insights and strategies that go beyond the surface, enabling you to efficiently systemize operations, fully optimize resources, and scale your enterprise for significant growth.
Learn how to achieve these monumental results without working harder or spending unnecessary extra capital. Discover and implement strategic growth solutions that empower your business for maximum expansion. Unlock your business's full, untapped potential today.
Common Questions and Popular Searches
Explore Answers To Frequent Questions And Discover Resources For Your Solar Journey:
1.5kVA Systems
Powers Lights, WiFi, and TV.
3.5kVA Systems
Powers Fridge and essentials.
5kVA+ Systems
Powers entire Homes and Pumps.
Best Solar Inverters
Must, Growtech, Codi and Other Brands
Borehole Drilling
Drilling and Solar Pump Services.
Best Lithium Batteries
Affordable Solar Batteries in Zimbabwe.
Welcome to Oudney Patsika’s Blog: Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World. In today’s fast-paced, media-driven culture, your ideas and messages must be amplified to stand out and reach a larger audience. Oudney shares actionable insights and strategies designed to help communicators, entrepreneurs, and leaders make their voices heard, engage effectively, and influence their target communities.
Discover how to craft and deliver compelling content that resonates, cuts through distractions, and drives meaningful engagement. Learn to communicate your message powerfully and achieve measurable impact in your field.
Oudney Patsika