Angeline (Angie) Murimirwa is a champion of girls’ education on the African continent—a cause the recently-honored CEO is deeply passionate about, having once been a girl almost “left behind”.



“I am here in New York, Time100 list,” Angie Murimirwa says in a sit-down interview on Zoom with FORBES AFRICA. “But I tell you, I still feel like that 10-year-old girl who got this unprecedented, unanticipated, if there’s a word like that, opportunity to do something with my life.”



In April, Time magazine released its annual list, recognizing the 100 most influential people in the world. Among them was Zimbabwean-born Murimirwa, CEO of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED).



However, in the 90s, like many other learners on the continent, Murimirwa had to strive for her education. Despite being a star pupil in primary school, she vividly remembers the desperation and poverty that blighted her childhood. She remembers the “indignity” of arriving at school barefoot, wearing a torn dress, and offering to do chores for her teacher in return for a pencil.



At home, she recalls how she often found her mother weeping over the reality that Murimirwa might be denied an education. After all, her family could not afford it.&nbsp;



“Everything that I am today is born out of experiences and the journey that I have traveled&#8230; Close to 10 years old, I almost lost my grip on education, and at that very time, CAMFED was just being introduced in my community. They selected me for support, [which] makes me appreciate the value of the opportunity, and particularly for children from what I call ‘back of beyond’.



“The village is very remote, so to have gotten that chance for me changed everything.”



CAMFED, an international non-governmental, non-profit organization that operates in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, and Malawi, was founded with a mission to eradicate poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women.&nbsp;



Now, years later, after being selected by CAMFED, Murimirwa is the head of the organization. What fueled her success is remembering how she would watch her peers miss class because they couldn’t afford menstrual products, or drop out because their families couldn’t afford to eat and they had to work.



It was then she saw how powerful and important education was but, more importantly, how access to it needed to be prioritized.



According to a United Nations estimate, about one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa stay out of school during their menstrual cycle, accounting for up to 20% of the school year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65374" style="width:768px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Angie-Murimirwa-with-secondary-students-CEO-CAMFED-CIFF-Visit-Wedza-ZIM-Jan-2023_Cynthia-R-Matonhodze-Photo6-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Murimirwa with students at Gumbonzvanda Secondary School in Wedza, Zimbabwe. (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure>



Murimirwa says that, as an organization, they work with some of the most marginalized girls in the countries where they operate, and only 5% of these girls complete high school.



“[When] you look into the educational statistics right now, you’d see that a lot of people talk about improved access, improved equity. Some people are overlooking completion,” she says.



“Let&#8217;s look at how many of the girls that are getting into school from these marginalized families get to complete high school. We’re losing girls at every single stage. If you ask me why, I would say that there are multiple reasons that this is happening; we need to recognize that girls’ education, I would say, is the closest thing to a silver bullet.”



She adds, “we must get it right. It’s not just about getting a couple of girls through school and providing scholarships and all of that. It’s about working with the entire ecosystem around the girl”.



Murimirwa explains that the ecosystem is about ensuring that girls are being supported by their families as well.



To date, CAMFED has helped support 7.8 million children to go to school in countries like Ghana, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; this includes 2.4 million girls in secondary school.



The nominations for the Time100 list come from alumni who have already been on the list, and Murimirwa’s nomination came from Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of the Malala Fund, who was a listee in 2013.&nbsp;



In the <a href="https://time.com/collections/100-most-influential-people-2025/7273758/angeline-murimirwa/">Time</a> piece Yousafzai wrote on Murimirwa, she said: “Educating girls is the foundation of healthy and strong societies. But in many places, the barriers to attending school are mounting, depriving girls of the resources to choose their futures. Few people are fighting to solve this crisis as tenaciously and effectively as Angeline—one reason among many that her work won her the prestigious 2024 Africa Education Medal”.



“Angie Murimirwa is an inspiration to women and girls everywhere,” former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, said in a statement.



“Her grassroots approach to supporting vulnerable girls through CAMFED has transformed lives across Africa. Every girl, everywhere, deserves the right to an education and to be able to choose who—and when—to marry. With Angie leading the way, we get closer and closer to reaching that brighter future for our girls.”



When asked what this means to her, Murimirwa says that although she is still shocked and admittedly jokes that she thought the email was a scam at first, it means that the work that she and the organization are doing shows they are in it for “the long haul.”



“We’re not performative about this. I know way too well the depth of despair of being excluded, of not being seen, or feeling like you don’t belong, and just the exhilaration of [then] being seen, of being acknowledged, of being given an opportunity,” she says.



“[My advice to young people is] you are here because you have a right to be here. You are here for a reason and a purpose and focus on what is the value you want to bring to the world. There will be a lot of distractions, there will be a lot of disruptions, and there will be a lot of discouragements and despair. But lean on your strengths and show up fully, unapologetically, and unashamedly. And don’t go on it alone, look to your peers, create champions, and all of that. But remember, you matter. Your story matters, your journey matters.”

Angeline-Angie-Murimirwa-speaking-Palm-Springs-USA-TED-Conference-Dec-2019-TEDWomen_TW19_20191205_1MA9613_1920.jpg

‘We Are Not Performative About Our Work’: A Full Circle Moment For Time100 Honoree

Stitch is one of the latest startups to secure backing from major international firms as global investor appetite for African fintechs continues to rise.



South Africa-based company, Stitch announced a $55 million Series B funding round, which will enable it to deepen and expand its in-person payments offering, move into the acquiring space, and further bolster its online payments suite.



The round was led by QED Investors, a VC in the fintech space, with participation from Norrsken22, Flourish Ventures and Glynn Capital, and angels, including comedian Trevor Noah.



Junaid Dadan, Co-Founder and President at Stitch tells FORBES AFRICA that the company, which helps businesses connect to the financial system, was founded because this system in South Africa was not transforming quickly enough as business models and the economy transformed.



“In the last ten years, there have been a lot of changes especially when we look at how people build businesses,” he says.



“But the financial system doesn’t necessarily fully reflect all of those changes.”



One example that Dadan highlights is how online businesses operate 24/7 and all year round—often serving customers, globally, across time zones—and banks still process payments strictly during traditional business hours, creating a disconnect that can hinder growth and efficiency.



While Stitch has managed to scale rapidly and attract major backing, many African startups do still struggle to move beyond early-stage funding.



According to a MacAdebowale 2025 report, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the continent make up over 90% of the businesses and are responsible for about 50% of the total GDP in sub-Saharan countries, however they only receive only a fraction of available funding.



The report further notes that in 2019, venture capitalists poured over $2 billion into African startups yet SMEs, the backbone of Africa’s economy, saw less than 20% of that capital.



Despite this hurdle, Dadan adds that, at the core, people need to provide solutions that fully accommodate the customer.



“If one is building a real business that’s solving real customer problems with proper fundamentals and metrics which support investment, then I think funding is available for that,” he says.



“Customers have always been our biggest advocates, ultimately, and therefore funding has followed.”



QED Investors Partner and Head of Africa and the Middle East, Gbenga Ajayi said in a statement: “Having closely followed the Stitch team over the past four years, it’s been impressive to watch their rapid growth and execution in becoming a trusted payment provider”.



Although this is something to celebrate there is still the matter of global investors potentially hindering the African market from becoming a self-sustaining ecosystem.



However, Dadan explains that there is room for both, especially when looking at the appetite of each of the investors. From his experience, international investors have a higher risk appetite.



“They have more experience with early-stage ventures, how to assess them and how to take a risk on them, and are willing to take those leaps of faith.”



He also believes that African investors have a better lay of the land and can help reach local markets. They help with regulation and compliance as they understand the sectors that they operating in as well, wherein foreign investors may have some difficulty with that.



“It’s always important to have a blend of the two, and [to see] what each brings to the table, both from a pros and cons perspective.”



The company offers solutions encompassing unified commerce, collections and account top-ups. Total funding has reached $107 million since its inception in 2021.

JunaidDadan_Headshot

‘Customers Have Always Been Our Biggest Advocates ’: South African Fintech Seeks To Bolster Online Payments Suite

The township economy in South Africa contributes almost 6% to the country’s GDP. At the epicenter of this growth are the innovation hubs, breaking the barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs and creating a new wave of economic transformation in historically underserved communities.



Located just 30km north of South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria is Soshanguve, a township known for its vibrant Bacardi dance scene and Se Pitori (Pretorian Sotho) language. This township, nestled east of Mabopane, is also home to entrepreneur, Mapula Ramothwala, the founder of Kool Crew, a manufacturing company that produces personal hygiene products for young people, aged six to 18, to boost their self-confidence.



“I didn’t grow up wanting to be an entrepreneur,” Ramothwala shares with FORBES AFRICA. With a background in agriculture, she had hoped to work in her farm. With a BTech degree in Animal Science, she also figured she would work in government, at institutes such as the Department of Agriculture, Labour or Rural Development. But that didn’t happen, and she instead, developed an interest in entrepreneurship.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="987" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapula-Ramothwala-Founder-Kool-Crew1-1024x987.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-65296" style="width:415px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapula-Ramothwala-Founder-Kool-Crew1-1024x987.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapula-Ramothwala-Founder-Kool-Crew1-300x289.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapula-Ramothwala-Founder-Kool-Crew1-768x740.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapula-Ramothwala-Founder-Kool-Crew1.jpeg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mapula Ramothwala, Founder Kool Crew</figcaption></figure></div>


About 140m from Soshanguve lies Orange Farm, one of South Africa&#8217;s youngest townships. According to the City of Johannesburg, it is today the country’s biggest and most populous informal settlement. It is here that Gontse Selaocoe founded and built his business, All Day Jam, specializing in organic jam spreads.



“Township economies have vast potential for growth and development,” Selaocoe says. “But businesses in townships often face unique challenges, such as limited access to funding, markets, and resources.”



Despite being over an hour apart, both Ramothwala and Selaocoe share a common thread: they both turned to The Innovation Hub’s eKasiLabs to help build their businesses.



Ramothwala first heard of The Innovation Hub when she was chosen to be part of a competition they were hosting. “I applied, pitched my business, and got selected. That’s how I joined the Cap Accelerator Program [Cosmetic Accelerator Program]. From there, I became one of the clients of The Innovation Hub. The support I received included mentorship as well as access to markets, marketing, and funding to help expand our businesses.”



She explains the rationale behind her company, Kool Crew: “Many kids today experience body odor at a very early age. Research has shown that most parents feel helpless because there aren’t many products specifically formulated for that age group, particularly children between six and eight years old.



“Active kids, especially those in sports, are more prone to sweating and need to follow a proper hygiene routine. That’s the problem Kool Crew aims to solve.”



Launched in 2019, the business was conceived with a deep understanding of local needs. “We started in our township because we identified a gap in our community and understood the need for such products.”



Selaocoe’s All Day Jam, founded the same year, focuses on agro-processing, offering organic jam spreads with a commitment to sustainability, food security, and job creation in his community.



“We were inspired to launch in the township because we saw an opportunity to transform a former dumping site into a thriving organic farm, providing healthy produce to our community and creating employment,” he says.&nbsp;



Both entrepreneurs embody a wave of township entrepreneurs who, despite the challenges they face, are dedicated to revitalizing their local economies. However, many like them also need support to scale their businesses. This is where centers like The Innovation Hub play a crucial role.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-65298" style="width:559px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gontse-Selaocoe-and-team-Founder-all-Day-Jam1-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gontse Selaocoe and team Founder All Day Jam</figcaption></figure></div>


James Segooa, Acting Executive Manager for Township Economic Revitalization at The Innovation Hub, specializes in the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) and the innovation ecosystem in both the public and private sectors.&nbsp;



“I am passionate about SMME development and believe they can [be] or are the drivers of economic growth and the employment creators this country needs,” Segooa says. “From our observations and interactions with township entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge we’ve identified is a lack of business skills. This affects everything they do. We’re seeing many entrepreneurs who have never had the opportunity to be part of any entrepreneurship development program.”



According to an opinion piece by Luvuyo Mncanca on the University of Cape Town’s website, township businesses face similar challenges to those of South African SMMEs: lack of management skills, difficulties accessing finance and credit, limited market access, low government support, and lack of appropriate technology.



“The township economy’s contribution to the country’s GDP is extremely high,” says Bulelani Balabala, founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA). “But the challenge then is that the mainstream or&nbsp; formal markets still consider it as informal, as mass market.”&nbsp;



A report by Lesaka Technologies emphasizes how the informal market is fueling growth, noting that the township economy is valued at approximately R900 billion (about $49.4 billion).



At the heart of the township economy is its people–engaged in buying, selling, producing, consuming, and creating, within the township and beyond it.



GG Alcock, author of KasiNomics, told FORBES AFRICA last year that the contributions of the township economies could be a lot more–with the right numbers stymied by a lack of data. He estimated that over R45 billion ($2.4 billion) comes from spaza shop rentals and the backyard rental market alone.



Despite these challenges, the South African government is taking steps to empower small businesses.



“Micro, small, and medium enterprises and cooperatives together form a vital part of our economy with immense growth potential,” said South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in an address at the Presidential Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Awards in 2024. “Whether they are small businesses in townships or cooperatives in rural areas, whether they are well-established or just starting, these businesses are integral to the future of our economy.”



This is, perhaps, where incubators and accelerators such as The Innovation Hub comes in.&nbsp;



“We learned about The Innovation Hub through a local business network,” says Selaocoe, who went through the incubation process at the Sebokeng eKasiLab. “The hub provided us with valuable support, including business mentorship, training, and access to funding opportunities. Their incubation program helped us refine our business model, improve our operations, and scale our production.”



The hub forms part of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) established by the provincial government to promote the economic development, innovation and competitiveness of South Africa’s Gauteng province.



“Our program offers business skills training at various centers,” Segooa explains. “We’re currently operational in 14 townships across Gauteng. I believe we’re one of the largest enterprise development programs within the township space, with 14 active centers.”



Segooa adds that aspiring entrepreneurs come to the hub with an idea or an already established product.&nbsp;



“They haven’t thought about pricing or a business model. We’re not even at the stage of talking about funding yet. In their minds, they know they need money, but they don’t know where to start to access it. And if you ask them, ‘do you need funding?’ they’ll say yes. But if you follow up with, ‘what do you need it for?’ that’s where the problem starts—because they haven’t thought that far ahead.”



Ramothwala adds that the biggest challenge for her was gaining market visibility and accessing the market.



“Through the mentorship we received, we gained valuable knowledge on how to build brand awareness. The mentors also advised us on compliance and how to properly run our business, which played a significant role in getting the business to where it is today.”



In February, in his State of the Nation address, President Ramaphosa stated that a transformation fund worth R20 billion ($1.09 billion) a year would be set up over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.&nbsp;



“We are expanding our support for small and medium enterprises and for the informal economy, which sustains millions of jobs and livelihoods across our country,” he added.&nbsp;



While this funding is needed, Segooa emphasizes that skills need to be prioritized.&nbsp;



The Innovation Hub currently supports over 272 companies, with Segooa noting that in just 15 of the companies using the eKasi Lab program, 188 jobs have been created.



“I’ve witnessed real growth,” he says, laughing.



As a passionate advocate of township entrepreneurship, Balabala notes that innovation hubs play a critical role from multiple perspectives, thus reducing failure rates and accelerating business growth.



“For me, they become critical because entrepreneurship is solely predicated by the speed at which you fail. If you can learn fast and fail fast, then it means that you can position your business much quicker and iterate what your business model needs to be, and then go to market.”&nbsp;



“The township economy is indeed overlooked, and holds immense potential as a driver of social and economic development,” Ramothwala says.



“[What we are doing as township entrepreneurs] is building a foundation for inclusive growth, as in job creation. By investing in townships, the barriers of access to goods and services are lowered for residents, and we empower communities and give them incredible motivation tailored specifically for their community needs.”



She adds: “When an entrepreneur starts to realize that there is a gap and a need in the community, we also become an inspiration to many.”



“Be open to learning and adapting, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your business, and stay committed to your vision,” Selaocoe concludes.&nbsp;

Ekasi Lab3

South Africa’s Townships As The Cool New Hubs Of Innovation

Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi is known as the ‘big brother’ in the country’s hip hop scene. He sat down with FORBES AFRICA to discuss his anticipated sixth studio album, which is set to be released in May, and reflects on his journey and growth as an artist.



With a career that began at 15 years old and one born in his birthplace, Katlehong–a Gauteng township located in the south-east of Johannesburg–Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi believes that his latest album, titled ‘The Big Bro Theory’, allowed him to reflect on his journey.



“I wanted to make an album that was positive more than anything,” Vilakazi, known professionally as Kwesta, tells FORBES AFRICA.



“For the space of Hip-hop, the culture [of Hip-hop] is very competitive and everyone wants to be ‘dope’. Everyone wants to be called ‘dope’; and I had a fear of what if one day we lose enjoying this culture and this genre because we don&#8217;t enjoy the music anymore, where we just want to hear what this person came up with and call ‘dope’. So, I wanted to go against that and not fight for a spot [anymore] because Hip-hop is big on that.”



Although there seems to be an amplification of African music on the continent (and abroad), specifically with regards to Amapiano and Afrobeats, Hip-hop still plays an important role in the music scene in Africa.



In 2023, when the reported 50th anniversary of hip-hop was celebrated, enthusiasts said, as per a CNN report, that although the birthplace of the genre is New York City in the U.S., “many believe the artistic foundation of the genre can be traced back to Africa”.



“Rap is fundamentally based on vocal styling, based on call-and-response, which is the foundation of all Black music,” Obi Asika, a Nigerian entrepreneur and record executive told CNN in 2023. “Music is embedded in the form and function of African society from day one because it is also tied to the metronome of our hearts.”



Vilakazi says that the African sound boom, particularly for Afrobeats and Amapiano, was long overdue and amazing to witness, especially as he sees more African representation on the global stage.



“And the question is, ‘how do I fit in?’ I don’t know; I think that’s for the people who watch and study culture and music and things like that. I’m a Hip-hop guy. I came up through Hip-hop. [It] was the music of choice for me, possibly because I’m a terrible singer, but generally, I’ve always ‘messed’ with Hip-hop, and I will always choose that. But in the end, it’s all the same people representing the same place.



“The Amapiano artist grew up just down the road from you and the Hip-hop artist maybe grew up just up the road. I’m just happy that there’s attention to African artists and African music… these are my neighbors.”



As the ‘grootman’ (big brother) in the industry, Vilakazi says he sees his role now, both musically and culturally, to remind artists, at the core, to care just about the music and not to “weaponize our music” but rather enjoy the craft.



“It’s a great weapon when used for unselfish reasons, it works perfectly, and it’s dope to spread a message,” he adds. “But I think when you use music as a weapon selfishly, then it’s not music.”

Screenshot 2025-04-20 at 21.39.53

Changing The State Of The Hip-Hop Game In South Africa

NEIL DU PREEZ left his job overseas to return home to South Africa and offer low-maintenance urban mobility solutions now transforming the country’s transportation landscape.



In East Africa, the use of electric motorcycles has gained momentum and they are ubiqui- tous like never before.



Comparatively, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been slow in South Africa. While popular brands like Volvo and Toyota have seen some uptake, the transportation and delivery sectors are lagging behind in the transition to electric options.



Setting the stage to fast-track this shift is Stellenbosch- based Neil du Preez. With a background in commodities trading and chemistry, his journey started in 2012 when he gave up his overseas job to return to South Africa and manufacture light EVs to change the course of the trans- port sector.



“I wanted to create a sustainable, cost-effective urban mobility solution tailored for last-mile deliveries,” du Preez tells FORBES AFRICA.



“The goal was to offer an efficient alternative to motorcycles and traditional delivery vans. Initially, we designed passenger vehicles&#8230; called MellowCabs.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-13.27.04_0bdf3897-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-65264" style="width:498px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-13.27.04_0bdf3897-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-13.27.04_0bdf3897-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-13.27.04_0bdf3897-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-13.27.04_0bdf3897-2.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


South Africa’s population is heavily reliant on public transport and the country boasts a thriving minibus-taxi industry. Statista estimates that taxis contribute around R40 billion ($2.16 billion) to the gross domestic product (GDP) annually. The industry reportedly transports approximately 15 million people daily.



Du Preez was at the right place at the right time.



In 2019, logistics company DHL wanted to use his MellowCabs for deliveries but only if they were converted into delivery vans. Du Preez saw more potential in parcel deliveries and cargo transport, so seized the opportunity, and pivoted to MellowVans. 



He says the company became the first South African automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to achieve European and British homologation. Last year, the EV company partnered with Ite-mate Solutions to launch a new mobile store solution to serve African telecommunications firms. Du Preez says the low-maintenance vehicles are developed specifically for Africa’s tough landscape.



“[The MellowVans] have become a common sight in South Af- rica’s urban centers where brands take advantage of their low operating cost, easy maintenance, and extensive technology and data to enhance their last-mile delivery,” he adds.



Du Preez is proud of the partnerships with corporates like e- commerce company Takealot, and retail giant Spar. The company has now expanded to other African countries, launched in Europe, and set up a new production facility in South Africa.



“We’re also finalizing plans for an assembly hub in Europe,” he says. His vehicles offer the lowest cost per kilometer of any last-mile solution, he adds. “Our vehicles have a range of 130km per charge, which at current Eskom (South Africa’s national electricity provider) rates, translates to 15c-per-km cost. In addition, our technology platform provides real-time insights into vehicle performance, driver behavior, and other metrics, allowing operators greater control and visibility over their fleet.”



However, this has not come without its challenges, especially as South Africa’s adoption of EVs still shows that there is room for improvement.



Du Preez opines that acceleration of the sector has been hin- dered by the absence of comprehensive regulations and incentives for electric two-wheelers.



“Governments can offer incentives and charging infrastructure, while private players can innovate on financing models and fleet adoption,” du Preez suggests.



However, there are encouraging signs. In February 2024, South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted the government’s commitment by announcing a 150% tax deduction on qualifying EV and hydrogen vehicle production investments.



“To encourage production of EVs in South Africa, the govern- ment will introduce an investment allowance for new investments, beginning 1 March 2026,” Godongwana said. According to reports, this legislation is expected to unlock approximately $27 billion in new investments within the country’s EV sector.



It means entrepreneurs like du Preez are on the right track to growth. As the founder and CEO of MellowVans, some sound strategizing over the years has also earned him multiple accolades and prestigious national and international awards. 



“[My leadership strategies] that have helped scale MellowVans has been agility, strong partnerships, and a focus on solving real customer pain points rather than just pushing technology.” As the EV industry continues on its path to progress, and more entrepreneurs find themselves in the space, the advice that du Preez offers is simple: “Start lean, focus on solving specific problems, and build strong local partnerships to navigate regulatory and market challenges.”

high res foto (002) (3)

All The Right Moves: This Entrepreneur Is Fast-Tracking E-Mobility In South Africa

As African content continues to be ramped up globally, more creative collaborations are emerging not just in Nollywood, but East Africa too.



The African film industry is almost synonymous with Nollywood, produced out of Nigeria.



But East Africa is also playing to the gallery more so now, with its own content and collaborations.



A fact reiterated by entities such as D&amp;R Studios, which has created shows such as The Real Housewives of Nairobi, Sol Family, This Love, Being Bahati, and Young Rich, and Rushlake Media, a network that creates, develops, and scales streaming brands worldwide. The two recently announced a partnership to have more Kenyan TV content streamed internationally.



Eugene Mbugua, CEO of D&amp;R studios, tells FORBES AFRICA it is a game-changer for African storytelling, especially for Kenya. “They open doors, not just for distribution, but for collaboration, co-productions and resource sharing that can elevate the quality and reach of our content. For too long, African stories have either been overlooked or told through a foreign lens. Collaborations like this one ensures that we tell our own stories on our own terms, but with infrastructure to compete and appear globally.”



Philipp Hoffmann, founder and CEO of Rushlake Media, corroborates: “[We have always] focused on African storytelling, [for us] it was kind of an obvious thing to try and reach out and work with them.”



“The partnership gives us access to a wider distribution network, but more importantly, it positions Kenyan TV as a serious contender in the global content space.”



In its Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2022-2026 report, PricewaterhouseCoopers states that Kenya&#8217;s TV subscription revenue was estimated at around $420 million “recording an all-time high” in 2021. The report further says that the film and TV industry in Kenya experienced significant growth in the past two decades, with a focus on producing high-quality content that appeals to both local and international audiences with the film industry being estimated to be worth KES 5.3 billion ($49 million).



In a 2024 interview with FORBES AFRICA, Kenyan actor Sarah Hassan also agreed about the booming entertainment sector in the East African country.



“I would say the film space in Kenya has really grown. Even if you look at TV, we have a lot of different shows,” says Hassan, who has many shows and accolades under her svelte belt. “Looking at what there is, it’s a testament to the growth of the industry… We still have a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction.”



“In an ideal world, [Kenyan] films can definitely cross into markets or to audiences which are not necessarily [just] African. This can widen the idea, the picture, the image of the African continent,” Hoffmann says. “Of course, we all know the bad stories from the continent, the cruel things [being said] and the bad things happening. But there&#8217;s so much more. There&#8217;s so much more to be seen and be discovered.”



“We&#8217;ve always believed that Kenyan stories deserve a global stage,” Mbugua adds.

Videographer, camera and man filming in studio for photography, production and media. Behind the scenes, backstage and person with stabilizing equipment on set shooting videos, documentary or film

‘Kenyan TV As A Serious Contender In The Global Content Space’

Access to the internet remains a significant barrier for many informal sectors in South Africa.



As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent, township economies cannot afford to fall behind.



Jo Griffiths, founder of Global Innovation Initiative Group that specializes in funding and fostering innovation across Africa, emphasizes that AI could be a game-changer to revolutionize township economies but acknowledges barriers such as limited infrastructure, lack of internet access and low digital literacy. Lack of awareness is also key.



“Language and context barriers present another hurdle, as most AI models are trained primarily in English, limiting accessibility for those who operate in local languages and dialects,” she says.



So, how can township entrepreneurs fully leverage AI for business growth?



Balabala of TEA says that it comes back to digital literacy. “It’s important that we not only focus on bringing digital trans- formation into these spaces but [that we] also prioritize digital literacy as a key part of the conversation.”



Innovation hubs can play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and making AI more accessible to township entrepreneurs, according to Griffiths. These centers also offer shared workspaces with stable internet access, AI-powered software, and access to expert guidance, which can significantly lower the barriers to AI adoption.



“Most importantly, these hubs facilitate collaborations with investors and corporates, unlocking funding opportunities and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies,” she explains.



“Integrating AI into these innovation hubs can further empower township entrepreneurs by offering AI skills boot camps, hands-on access to AI-driven business tools, and AI-mentored business incubation programs that provide data-driven insights for growth strategies. Encouraging the development of community-led AI solutions tailored to local challenges can also drive sustainable innovation.”

South African Retail Economy And Maponya Mall

AI’s Role In Propelling Township Economies Forward

With Africa continuing its march as a magnet for the world’s tourists, the 2025 Hotel Development Pipeline Report, the definitive study of international hospitality projects across Africa, revealed development activity has been growing impressively in North Africa, which saw a 23% year-on-year increase, compared to a 6% increase in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).



The report, which looks at international hospitality development projects in Africa, showed that overall activity is up 13.3% as there are 577 hotels and resorts, with 104,444 rooms, in the development pipeline. Over the past five years, the hotel development pipeline has grown at an annualized rate of 4% in SSA, 12% in North Africa and 7% overall.



W Hospitality Group, who compiled the study, said that Egypt continues to lead with 143 hotels and 33,926 rooms in the pipeline. Second to that is Morocco with 8,579 rooms in 58 hotels. Despite its clear leadership in the absolute pipeline numbers, Egypt has fewer than 50% of rooms under construction, a significantly lower proportion than second-placed Morocco, with over 72%.



Notably also in the top 10 is Nigeria with 7, 320 rooms in development and Ethiopia and Cape Verde both with over 5,000 rooms in the pipeline. Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia have over 4,000 rooms in development and Tanzania and Ghana have over 3,000. According to the report, international hotel chains have deals signed in 42 of Africa’s 54 countries. %. Of the top 10 countries, Ethiopia has the highest ratio of rooms “on site”, followed by Morocco and Ghana. Cape Verde, Nigeria and Tanzania have some of the lowest percentages.



“However, ‘under construction’ does not necessarily mean that there is activity and progress towards completion and opening–many of the sites in Nigeria and Ghana, for example, have been closed for several years, with hardly a hard hat in sight,” the report reads.



“Despite the various trials that the continent faces, the fact that hotel chains signed 125 new deals last year, with 21,000 rooms, is evidence that opportunities for further development abound,” Trevor Ward, Managing Director of W Hospitality Group, said in a statement. “According to the Global Cities Institute, by the year 2100, 10 of the world’s 16 largest cities will be in Africa, with all but one of them (Cairo) in sub-Saharan Africa. So, one might say that development activity in Africa has barely scratched the surface.” &nbsp;

Royal Rojana Resort, hotel complex, beach, coast, Sharm El-Sheikh, Red Sea, Sinai, Egypt

North Africa Drives 23% Surge in Hotel Developments Across the Continent

South Africa’s music industry is entering a new era of change and transformation.



The country’s local artists doubled their earnings since 2022 by generating R400 million ($21.24 million) in royalties last year. According to music streaming service Spotify’s 2025 Loud &amp; Clear transparency report, the “financial milestone” comes alongside explosive audience growth, with South African artists being discovered by first-time listeners over 1.1 billion times–a 55% increase since 2023.



“We&#8217;re not just supporting South African artists–we&#8217;re revolutionizing how they build sustainable careers,” Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify&#8217;s Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director said in a statement. “Our ecosystem empowers artists to earn equitably from their talent while driving a powerful wave of cultural innovation that resonates globally.”



The report further highlighted that royalties for music performed in indigenous languages have skyrocketed, especially for South African local languages like isiZulu, Sotho, and Afrikaans, which has more than doubled since 2021.



Over 3,000 South African artists are featured on Spotify&#8217;s editorial playlists. The streaming service says it believes a substantial portion of royalties generated by South African artists came from international listeners.



“Global consumption of South African music averages over 600,000 hours daily,” the report reads. “Users have created approximately 220 million playlists featuring South African artists globally.”&nbsp;



Muhutu-Remy also highlighted how South African Grammy award-winning artist, Tyla Laura Seethal, recently surpassed one billion streams on Spotify with her global hit Water. This milestone made her the first African solo artist to achieve this.



“This historic moment cements Tyla’s place as one of the most influential new voices in music, solidifying the growing global impact of African artists,” Muhutu-Remy added.

2024 Billboard Music Awards – Show

South Africa’s Artists Doubled Their Earnings, Report Reveals

Uganda has become the 19th country in Africa to introduce the malaria vaccine into routine immunization.



“Today marks a historic turning point in Uganda’s fight against malaria. By integrating the malaria vaccine into routine immunization, Uganda is taking a bold step to protect its children, save lives, and secure a healthier future. This vaccine is a game-changer, and together, we must ensure that every child receives it,” said&nbsp;Dr Kasonde Mwinga, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Uganda, in a statement.



Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from the Vaccine Alliance Gavi, rolled out the malaria vaccination campaign in Apac District, northern Uganda.



According to a statement released on April 2, this is the largest malaria vaccine roll-out to date in terms of target districts and population.



According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is administered in four doses between six, seven, eight, and 18 months with the plan to initially target 1.1 million children aged under two years in 105 high-and moderate-transmission districts across Uganda.



In 2023,&nbsp;Uganda was among the top five African countries with the highest malaria burden, alongside Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.



“Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death among young children in Uganda, responsible for up to 33% of all outpatient visits, 22% of hospital admissions and 6% of deaths, according to&nbsp;2023 data from WHO,” the statement said.



“With one of the highest malaria incidence rates globally, Uganda faces a relentless battle against this deadly disease that has devastated families and communities for far too long,” Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, said.

Bweyale medical center

Historic Vaccine Milestone In Uganda’s Fight Against Malaria

Last week, the country made history by becoming the only African nation with a female President and Vice President. The government also had 14 ministers sworn in on Friday, eight of which are women.



On Friday, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia’s new President, becoming the country’s fifth. Following her presentation, the country’s first female head of state pledged to boost investment in the agricultural sector and diversify the resource-focused economy in an attempt to address high unemployment rates.



“Our government is tasked to enhance food security in the country, improve the health of our people, deliver affordable housing, quality education and create job opportunities for thousands of unemployed Namibians,” she said after her inauguration.



“Equally, we have to implement targeted interventions in the priority sectors of agriculture, mining, tourism, sports, and creative industries, among others to accelerate the socio-economic development of our country.”



Lucia Witbooi was also sworn in as Vice President and Ericah Shafudah as Finance Minister.



Dr Esperance Luvindao, FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 Class of 2022 listee, was also sworn in as a member of parliament and appointed as the Minister of Health and Social Services in Namibia.



Luvindao is one of eight newly-elected ministers who are women and, according to the medical doctor, it brings a great amount of hope that “a new dispensation has arrived”.



“I don’t think ‘excited’ is quite the word to describe it,” she tells FORBES AFRICA.



“I hope that this becomes the new norm; that headlines like these no longer shock us or feel out of the ordinary, but rather reflect the reality we’ve come to expect. I hope that it becomes standard for a head of state to be a woman, and for cabinets to be predominantly made up of women—appointed on merit, of course.



“We do not believe in assigning positions based solely on gender. But the truth is, some women are skilled, talented, knowledgeable, and experts in their fields. It’s simply time we begin appointing them to their rightful positions to move our countries forward.”



In her first statement as president, Nandi-Ndaitwah said that the day “marks the beginning of the first steps in an important but long five-year journey that we must walk together as a team.”



Other female ministers in the country’s new government include Lucia Iipumbu (Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security), Selma Ashipala-Musavyi (Minister of International Relations and Trade), the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture is now Sanet Steenkamp, with the Environment and Tourism Minister being Indileni Daniel.



The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare is Emma Kantema and the newly appointed speaker of the National Assembly is Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.



Emma Theofelus continues her role as Minister of Information and Communication Technology, a ministry which she was appointed to in 2020, when she was just 23 years old.



“As elected leaders,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Friday, “we have an immense responsibility to ensure that we consolidate democracy, peace, stability and good governance in the country, as well as to expedite the delivery of quality public services to all Namibians.”

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of

Namibia Enters a New Female-Led Political Era

The cultural phenomenon that it now is, since launching in 2016, TikTok has rapidly grown as a social media platform with an audience of over 2.1 billion users. About 25% of those users are between 18-24 years old, according to Exploding Topics, which analyzes millions of searches, conversations and mentions across the internet.



This week, TikTok marked yet another milestone by expanding the parental and wellbeing tools designed to support families in fostering healthier digital habits for teens. These updates – part of TikTok’s commitment to online safety – enhance Family Pairing by providing parents with greater oversight while encouraging responsible and mindful screen-time among younger users.



The feature has been designed to ensure the safety of teenagers, but according to Adam Presser, Head of Operations &amp; Trust and Safety at TikTok, it’s also to provide parents with “peace of mind”.



“No teen or family is the same, and whether it&#8217;s during family time, school, at night, or a weekend away, caregivers can use our new Time Away feature to decide when it’s best for their teens to take a break. Parents can also set a reoccurring schedule to best suit their family life. If plans change, teens can request extra time, but parents make the final decision,” Presser said in a statement.



According to Statista, as of February 2025, United States has the largest TikTok audience by far, with almost 135.79 million users engaging. Indonesia followed, with around 107.7 million TikTok users. Brazil came in third, with almost 91.75 million users on TikTok watching short-videos. Reports show that on the Africa continent, Egypt has 37 million TikTok users, the highest in Africa, with Nigeria in second place with 23.84 million users and South Africa with 17 million users.



Senegalese-Italian influencer, Khaby Lame, is the most-followed TikTok creator with over 162.8 followers.



TikTok has designed the additional features to help teens develop balanced long-term habits, and reported that in countries where this has already been piloted, the vast majority of teens decide to keep this reminder on.

In this photo illustration the TikTok logo seen displayed on

New Features On TikTok For Healthier Digital Habits Among Teens

South Africans have responded to the implications of the budget speech while experts have noted the balance between fiscal consolidation and economic growth, though risks remain.



South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the country’s 2025 Budget Speech on March 12; and strong reactions followed the minister’s announcement of the 0.5% increase to Value Added Tax (VAT) for the current financial year.



Wealth management firm, Citadel’s Chief Economist, Maarten Ackerman, said that the VAT increase of 0.5% in 2025 and another 0.5% in 2026 reflects the government’s urgent revenue needs, balanced against the political negotiations it is locked in with the other political parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU).



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/SimonPGrindrod/status/1899813173848371219
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/BoetBianco/status/1899798041227411735
</div></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">This budget speech really has me thinking , how quickly this economy shift impacts my startup business &amp; proof that we need to PLAN Business owners how are you holding on ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FNBBudgetSpeech2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FNBBudgetSpeech2025</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Budget2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Budget2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/fX27siJhNc">pic.twitter.com/fX27siJhNc</a>&mdash; MaSediane (@lehlohonolosed) <a href="https://twitter.com/lehlohonolosed/status/1899822407986131228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



“Higher taxes could further constrain consumer spending and economic activity. Treasury’s decision not to adjust income tax brackets for inflation will also add to financial strain on households,” Ackerman added.



In a statement by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), it said it was deeply concerned by the VAT announcement. The registered non-profit civil action stated that this is a regressive tax that will hit South Africans across all income levels, particularly low- and middle-income households, and is unacceptable.



“Treasury has opted for the easy option of a VAT hike rather than taking bold steps to cut waste, address inefficiencies, and tackle corruption. A VAT hike may be easy to collect, but it disproportionately impacts the poor. Government must focus on cutting waste and ending corruption before reaching into citizens’ pockets,” said OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.



Thomas Lobban, Director of Ibex Consulting, a division of Latita Africa, said that the budget speech is bad news for taxpayers especially when looking at the VAT increase. 



“While this move was anticipated, what has come as a shock is the decision to keep personal income tax brackets unchanged for the third consecutive year,” he said.



“With no adjustments for inflation, individual taxpayers will effectively pay more tax in real terms, leading to diminished purchasing power across the board.”



Politicians also noted their concern over the budget speech with the African Transformation Movement’s (ATM) Vuyolwethu Zungula emphasizing that the problem is that government refuses to go after big corporates who are making money in South Africa.



“This does not strike the middle ground,” Zungula told the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).



“Because the real impact will be when it comes to the poor. The poor now already have to be content with an increase in electricity prices, and fuel prices and we already have high interest rates.”



ActionSA’s Athol Trollip added that the economy is already struggling and this is mostly due to corruption. The political party said on X that they firmly reject the proposed 1% increase in VAT– 0.5% this year and 0.5% next year–as well as the hidden tax increase caused by the failure to adjust personal income tax brackets for inflation.



“The economy can’t grow, the minister himself said it’s been staggering for 10 years,” Trollip told reporters after the budget speech. &nbsp;“And because of that we have more and more people on social relief grants and that’s why the budget can’t balance.”



“While there are positive elements in the budget,” Ackerman said, “such as plans for greater public and private infrastructure spending, attempts to stabilize debt, and a seeming willingness to appease opposition partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) as South Africa’s democracy matures – several underlying risks could derail the government’s projections, especially if execution on ambitious plans to achieve 1.8% gross domestic product (GDP) growth, falters.”

South Africa’s Fractious Coalition Faces Second Budget Reckoning

Citizens And Politicians React To 2025 South Africa Budget

At the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards, held as a glittering gala at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Wednesday, March 5, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), took home the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Lifetime Achievement Award, while the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Changemaker of the Decade Award was awarded to Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the 124-year-old Royal African Society.



Known for her illustrious career on the continent and globally, Oteh also holds the position of Executive Residence &amp; Member, Global Leadership Council at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. She was previously Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank, and Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria.



“The award reminds me of strong women who have paved the way for others and continue to inspire me, including past awardees and my big sisters, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Her Excellency Graça Machel and Madam Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma,” Okonjo-Iweala said in her recorded acceptance speech.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="694" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47-1024x694.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64861" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47-1024x694.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47-300x203.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47-768x520.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47-1536x1041.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-at-21.01.47.png 1706w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


In 2021, Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and first African to take on the role of Director-General at the WTO. A global finance expert, economist and international development professional with over 40 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America, she noted in her acceptance speech that young African women inspire her.



“While I&#8217;m proud [to be the first woman and African DG], I always have mixed feelings,” she said. “I always feel there should have been a woman prior and an African, why not? But that being said, I&#8217;m happy that I&#8217;ve been able to break that glass ceiling, and I&#8217;m glad that, as many of us continue to break glass ceilings, young African women will hopefully no longer face as many barriers as those who came before them. I have to say that young African women inspire me.”



The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards uncovers some of Africa’s biggest and brightest personalities who have used the power of their stories to change the discourse of development on the continent.



One of the winners on the night was ‘the Queen of Afrobeats’, Tiwa Savage, who walked home with the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Media Icon Award. Savage, whose digital cover was revealed during the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit earlier in the day, is known for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&amp;B, soul and pop.



“I think a lot of times when people think of music, they think of just being an artist,” she explained in her interview with FORBES AFRICA. “But there are so many aspects to the industry. I want to build a school or scholarship program that teaches that.”



Among the award-winners on the night was 12-year-old Eniola Shokunbi who took home the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Young Achiever Award. A children’s health advocate and innovator, born in the U.S., and of Nigerian descent, she has been honored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation and is already known for her fight for cleaner air and the installation of air filters in classrooms around the world.



Hephzibah Akinwale, also 12 years old, is a world record-holder for the longest fiction novel written by a child author at the age of 10, in September 2023, with her book, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, featuring over 58,000 words. On Wednesday, Akinwale won the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Next Generation Award.



South Africa’s Minnie Dlamini was handed the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Excellence in Entertainment Award as an entrepreneur behind the lens in South Africa’s entertainment industry. As



an actor, Executive Producer, and TV host, she has over 9.3 million followers both on Instagram and Twitter. Featured as FORBES AFRICA’s digital cover as part of the magazine’s second annual ‘Over 30 Under 50’ list, Dlamini said: “I don’t think I would have been able to handle everything that I’ve handled – good and bad – all the opportunities, the resources that have been afforded to me, the resources that I’ve gone out and gotten myself, had I been younger,” Dlamini said. “[I] needed to go through life, to be older, and to be this 34-year-old woman so that I can fully embrace everything that’s coming my way.”



Other winners of the star-studded event included Kenyan environmentalist Wanjira Mathai who won the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Social Impact Award, while FORBES AFRICA 30 under 30 list-maker Jessica Mshama took home the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Technology &amp; Innovation Award.



Nissi Ogulu won the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Youth Icon Award for her work as a musician, visual artist, and entrepreneur. Dr Adriana Marais, the Director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa and Head of Science for the Foundation’s Africa2Moon Project, received the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Academic Excellence Award.



The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Champion of Change Award went to Dr Glenda Gray, who was the first female President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, leading the Council for 10 years in this role.



The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Businesswoman Award was awarded to Rita Zwane, Founder of Imbizo Shisanyama Busy Corner in South Africa. The face of women’s football in Africa, Sue Destombes was handed the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Sports Award. Her game-changing 30-year career in football has taken her across the continent and to AFCON and CHAN competitions since 2006.



To receive the inaugural 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Visionary Ally Award, former NBA star Luol Deng walked up on stage for his leadership and community work using his platform to promote and support women’s empowerment.



Kenyan actor Sarah Hassan took home the 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Entertainer of the Year Award. Hassan is a multi-award-winning actor, producer, and TV host. The 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Champion of Entertainment Promotion was awarded to celebrity talent manager, Tholsi Pillay. This year, she celebrates a major milestone as her client, Wouter Kellerman, won his third Grammy Award, solidifying his position as a global music icon.



“I have to say that young African women inspire me,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “I see so many of them doing such wonderful things fearlessly, and it gives me a lot of hope. They will take on roles that we have now and more roles we don&#8217;t even know about, and they&#8217;ll do it fearlessly and succeed in ways that we before them never even thought of succeeding.”



The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards were held as part of the 10th edition of the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit on March 5.

DSC09044

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Arunma Oteh Win Big At Star-Studded 2025 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards In Pretoria

In November last year, Yemi Alade earned her first Grammy nomination in the 2025 Best African Music Performance category. That moment is already a major milestone for her.



“If you had asked me this six [or] seven years ago, I would say that success for me, personally, is when I win the Grammy. Late last year, I got nominated for a Grammy, and that honestly was a chip on my shoulder. It was a sign to continue to be myself, my original self, irrespective of what the world might think. [I need to] continue to shine in my culture, continue to shine in my personality,” she says.



Although 2024 was a memorable year for Alade, she says her journey in the industry has not always been easy. When she compares the experiences at the beginning of her career to now, Alade says the biggest challenge she has had is with herself.



“Challenges will always come up. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in. However, the one challenge that has stayed in my face is being consistent. That is waking up every morning and choosing to do this thing called music. It’s a challenge because nothing good comes easy,” she explains.



“In the beginning, when I had nothing but this talent to offer, it seemed to people like I was crazy, because I was waking up in the morning to go out and sing, and in an African community that makes no sense. And now where I am, at this point, comfort also becomes a huge distraction. The minute I succumb to comfort, I would not be waking up in the morning to choose music. I feel like that’s a personal challenge.”



Well-known for her feature on global icon, Beyonce’s song, The Power, Alade was the first African female Afropop artist to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her hit single, Johnny. It is also among Afrobeats’ biggest songs of all time. Alade released her anticipated sixth studio album, and tenth project overall, Rebel Queen, which features five-time Grammy award-winning artist Angélique Kidjo, in July.



Alade told FORBES AFRICA in an interview in 2024 that the album was a homage to her journey so far, which is why a lot of the music on the album is reminiscent of the core of Afrobeats, as she remembers it. Alade says: “I feel like history is actually in the making, and I am one of the few people holding the pen and writing history in my own time. I feel honored and privileged to experience this. To be one of the many who continue to fly the flag of African music and our culture. It’s a good time to be alive.”

Chanel Retief

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA