Top African Women Entrepreneurs Leading Business in 2026

Trailblazing female leaders reshaping industries, breaking barriers, and driving sustainable prosperity through resilience, innovation, and community impact across Africa in 2026.

Africa stands alone as the continent with the world’s highest rate of female entrepreneurship. In sub-Saharan Africa, around 26% of adult women are either starting or running businesses, far surpassing global averages where only one in six women express intent to launch a venture. Here, one in three women harbour entrepreneurial ambitions.

These figures, drawn from recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports and studies by Roland Berger and the International Finance Corporation, reveal more than necessity-driven enterprise born of limited formal employment. They signal a profound shift: African women are reinventing industries, creating jobs, and reinvesting up to 90% of their earnings into families, education, and communities – a cycle that fuels broader economic growth.

Women entrepreneurs contribute an estimated $250-300 billion annually to Africa’s GDP, yet systemic barriers remain stark. Only 5% of private capital-backed companies on the continent are female-founded, and women hold just a fraction of senior decision-making roles in larger firms. Access to finance, networks, and markets often favours men, forcing many women to bootstrap or rely on personal savings.

In 2026, a new generation of trailblazers is breaking through. From media empires and fintech unicorns to sustainable manufacturing and energy ventures, these women are not only building wealth but redefining leadership with resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowerment. Their stories inspire millions, proving that African women in business are a force reshaping the continent’s future.

Mo Abudu: The Media Mogul Telling Africa’s Stories to the World

In Lagos’s bustling creative hubs, Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu has built one of Africa’s most influential media empires. Founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, Abudu has transformed how the world sees African narratives.

Launched in 2013, EbonyLife has produced blockbuster films like The Wedding Party series, hit TV shows such as Fifty, and high-profile partnerships with global giants like Netflix, Sony, and AMC. In 2025, Abudu launched a $50 million Afro Film Fund to back emerging filmmakers, and expanded with EbonyLife Place London – a luxury entertainment venue bringing African culture to international audiences.

Recognised in Forbes’ 2025 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women and TIME’s 100 most influential people, Abudu’s journey began in human resources at ExxonMobil before she pivoted to media with her talk show Moments with Mo – once Africa’s highest-rated programme.

“I wanted to change the narrative,” Abudu has said in interviews. “Africa is not just poverty and conflict; it’s creativity, resilience, and joy. My mission is to showcase that authenticity.”

Her impact extends beyond entertainment. EbonyLife employs hundreds, mostly women and youth, and mentors aspiring creators through academies. In a male-dominated industry, Abudu’s success highlights how women reinvest in talent pipelines, fostering the next generation.

Folorunsho Alakija: From Fashion to Oil Fortune – A Billionaire’s Legacy

Folorunsho Alakija remains one of Africa’s wealthiest women, with a net worth estimated at over $1 billion in 2026. Her path from fashion designer to oil tycoon exemplifies audacious ambition.

In the 1990s, Alakija secured an oil prospecting licence for a Nigerian block through her company Famfa Oil. Initially dismissed, the field struck massive reserves, propelling her to billionaire status and once ranking her as Africa’s richest woman.

Today, she diversifies into real estate, philanthropy via the Rose of Sharon Foundation – supporting widows and orphans – and inspires through faith-based motivational speaking.

“Entrepreneurship demands faith and perseverance,” Alakija often says. “I started with nothing but determination, and God opened doors.”

Her story resonates in a continent where women face credit barriers. Alakija bootstrapped early ventures, proving self-reliance can yield extraordinary results. Her foundation has empowered thousands of women with micro-grants and education, illustrating how high-profile success creates ripple effects.

Ibukun Awosika: Building Empires in Furniture and Finance

Ibukun Awosika’s name evokes disciplined leadership and nation-building. Founder of The Chair Centre Group, a furniture manufacturing and interior solutions firm, she grew it from a small operation into a multimillion-dollar enterprise supplying major corporations.

Awosika made history as the first female chair of First Bank of Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest banks, steering it through economic turbulence. In 2026, she mentors young entrepreneurs via her TV show Business His Way and speaks globally on governance and ethics.

Starting in the 1980s amid Nigeria’s male-dominated corporate world, she faced scepticism but built credibility through quality and innovation.

“Women must own their space unapologetically,” Awosika told audiences. “Leadership is about impact, not gender.”

Her companies employ thousands and prioritise skills training for women. Awosika’s blend of entrepreneurship and corporate governance offers a model for scaling African businesses sustainably.

Rebecca Enonchong: Tech Pioneer and Advocate for African Innovation

Cameroonian Rebecca Enonchong stands as a beacon in Africa’s tech ecosystem. Founder of AppsTech, a global Oracle partner providing enterprise solutions, she has built a thriving business serving multinational clients.

Beyond her company, Enonchong chairs AfriLabs – a network of over 300 innovation hubs across Africa – and advocates fiercely for startup funding. A vocal critic of inequities, she invests in early-stage ventures through her angel network.

In 2026, her influence grows as African tech valuations rebound post-global slowdowns. Enonchong’s journey from Cameroon to international stages highlights diaspora contributions.

“Funding for African founders, especially women, is abysmal,” she has noted. “We need to fix the pipeline.”

Her work has catalysed hubs that support thousands of startups, many female-led. Enonchong proves tech entrepreneurship can drive inclusive growth.

Odunayo Eweniyi: Fintech Revolution for Financial Inclusion

At just over 30, Odunayo Eweniyi co-founded PiggyVest – Nigeria’s leading savings and investment platform with millions of users. Starting as Piggybank.ng in 2016, it rebranded and expanded, democratising wealth-building for everyday Africans.

Eweniyi, alongside co-founders, addressed low savings culture amid inflation. PiggyVest offers high-interest savings, automated tools, and investment options, empowering users – many women managing household finances.

In 2025, the company raised significant funding, and Eweniyi launched FirstCheck Africa to invest exclusively in female-led tech startups.

“Financial freedom starts with access,” Eweniyi says. “We’re building tools that put power in people’s hands.”

Her focus on women aligns with data showing female entrepreneurs reinvest heavily in communities. PiggyVest’s user base, over 60% female in some segments, underscores fintech’s role in closing gender gaps.

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu: Sustainable Footwear with Global Reach

Ethiopia’s Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu founded soleRebels in 2005, crafting eco-friendly shoes from recycled tyres and traditional fabrics. What began as a community project is now a global brand sold in over 50 countries.

Alemu employs hundreds of artisans, mostly women, preserving Ethiopian weaving while creating fair-wage jobs. soleRebels gained recognition from Forbes and the World Economic Forum for sustainable innovation.

In 2026, as conscious consumerism rises, her expansion into apparel and accessories positions the brand for further growth.

“I wanted to create jobs with dignity,” Alemu has shared. “Using local materials and talent shows Africa can lead in sustainability.”

Her model combats “necessity entrepreneurship” by turning cultural assets into competitive advantages, inspiring green businesses across the continent.

Divine Ndhlukula: From Secretary to Security Empire Builder

Zimbabwe’s Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO in 1997 with just $20. Today, it’s one of southern Africa’s largest security firms, employing over 3,000 – mostly women.

Starting as a typist, Ndhlukula spotted a gap in quality security services. Despite economic crises in Zimbabwe, she scaled through mergers and innovation, including cash-in-transit and electronic systems.

In 2026, SECURICO expands regionally, and Ndhlukula mentors via her DD Ndhlukula Foundation.

“Never underestimate yourself,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. “Start small, but think big.”

Her deliberate hiring of women challenges stereotypes in a male-dominated sector and provides stable incomes in unstable economies.

Mpumi Madisa: Corporate Trailblazer at the Helm of a Giant

South Africa’s Mpumi Madisa made history as the first Black woman CEO of Bidvest, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange top-40 conglomerate with operations in services, trading, and freight across continents.

Appointed in 2020, Madisa navigated post-pandemic recovery, restoring profitability and expanding globally. Bidvest employs around 130,000, many in entry-level roles offering pathways for women.

Her rise from sales roles exemplifies meritocracy in corporate Africa.

“Leadership is about people,” Madisa emphasises. “Creating opportunities for others to thrive.”

In 2026, as South Africa seeks inclusive growth, Madisa’s stewardship highlights how women at the top drive ethical, sustainable business.

Audrey Joe-Ezigbo: Powering Nigeria’s Energy Transition

Audrey Joe-Ezigbo co-founded Falcon Corporation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, growing it into a key player in natural gas distribution. In 2025, she received a lifetime achievement award from AWIEF for contributions to energy.

Falcon supplies cleaner energy solutions, supporting Nigeria’s shift from diesel. Joe-Ezigbo champions women in STEM and sustainable development.

“Energy access is empowerment,” she states. “Women leading in this space can drive greener futures.”

Her work aligns with Africa’s renewable push, creating jobs and reducing emissions.

The Broader Impact: Empowerment and Economic Transformation

These women represent a fraction of Africa’s entrepreneurial surge. From AWIEF 2025 winners like Kenya’s Norah Kimathi in robotics to rising stars in agritech and e-commerce, the ecosystem burgeons.

Analysis shows female-led businesses often prioritise social impact – higher employment of women, community investment, and sustainability. In countries like Rwanda (over 60% female entrepreneurs in some metrics) and South Africa (57% of women identifying as business owners), supportive policies amplify this.

Yet gaps persist. Closing the funding divide could unlock trillions in growth, per McKinsey estimates. Initiatives like FirstCheck Africa and AfriLabs gain traction, but more is needed.

These leaders’ stories perform powerfully on social platforms, inspiring young women to dream big. In 2026, as Africa eyes faster growth, its women entrepreneurs are the engine.

Their resilience amid adversity – economic volatility, gender bias, infrastructure limits – proves inspirational content rooted in truth resonates globally.

The future of African business is undeniably female, led by visionaries who turn challenges into legacies.

Related