A decade ago, female entrepreneurs were nowhere near the upper echelon in Africa due to the gender stereotypes evident in society. However, things are changing, and more females are taking the route less taken to embrace entrepreneurship and contribute their quota to change the narratives.
Today, there are a number of successful female entrepreneurs who exist in critical sectors such as Agriculture, Information Technology, Oil and Gas, Mining/Solid Minerals, Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle, etc.
This ranking article aims to successfully highlight the top 5 female entrepreneurs in Africa who are challenging the norm and making a name for themselves. Therefore, we were careful not to list the ranking based on net income, country of residence, industry, or affiliations.
In no reference or particular order, take a look at the list of top 10 female entrepreneurs in Africa compiled by Entrepreneur NG. Check them out:
Bethlemen Alemu [Ethiopia]
Bethlemen Tilahun Alemu has made a name for herself in the footwear industry, despite growing up in a poor neighborhood of artisans. As a young girl, she had a dream to convert artisan skills in a multi-million industry that could benefit her people.
Her company, SoleRebels has grown to become one of the most successful footwear companies in the world today. Bethlemen has received numerous awards, including the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, a mention in World Economic forum’s Young Global Leaders Award, and Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa.
Divine Ndhlukuka [Zimbabwe]
Divine has excelled in the highly male-dominated industry of security. She is the CEO/Founder of the internationally certified security outfit, Securico. The African company has evolved from a team of 4 personnel into an international company that offers services worldwide.
Today, they boast of more than 3,500 employees – the majority of who are women. In addition, she has won numerous international awards and was credited for impacting millions of women globally.
Folorunsho Alakija [Nigeria]
When you hear someone mention Oil and Gas, the attention always goes to men – but Folorunsho Alakija begs to change the narrative. A self-made billionaire, Mrs. Alakija is an oil mogul who has branched into various business arms, including Printing and Fashion.
She is currently recognised and nonoured as one of the top most influential female entrepreneurs in Africa and the world in general. She has been a recipient of many international awards and supports widows through her NGO – the Rose of Sharon Foundation.
Isabel do Santos [Angola]
Although the daughter of Angola’s past president, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Isabel has made a big name for herself globally as one of the top female entrepreneurs in Africa. She has her business operations in the Banking and Finance sector.
She also has a chain of Nightclubs and a Logistics company. Within the last few years, she ventured into the sales of precious stones and diamonds. She also has considerable investments in European telecommunications and banking institutions.
Julian Adyeri Omalla [Uganda]
Julian is a role model in the Agriculture and Fruit Juice Processing industry. Through her company, Delight Uganda Limited, she produces Cheers – a fruit drink with a strong presence in over a dozen countries worldwide.
She is also a successful farmer with investments in Real Estate and has won numerous awards, including the Commonwealth Entrepreneur of the Year.
Conclusion
Although female entrepreneurs still occupy a small portion of the table when ranking successful or wealthiest entrepreneurs in the continent, the growth is impressive. If maintained, women will occupy their rightful place and create a greater gender balance in the African society.
