In the Spotlight: Some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Togo
#BoldWomen #EntrepreneurshipAfrica #TogoRising #WomenEmpowerment #ChangeMakers
Women are not just contributors to the economy – one can say that they are its ‘pulse’ in Togo, officially known as “The Togolese Republic”. From the bustling markets of Lomé to digital start-ups and eco-fashion studios, Togolese women are reshaping what it means to be an ‘entrepreneur’ in West Africa. Long known for their entrepreneurial legacy, epitomized by the iconic Nana Benz- powerful women traders who once dominated the textile industry – today’s generation of women innovators are carrying that spirit into new frontiers.
Beyond Tradition: The New Generation of Togo’s Women Entrepreneurs
Despite persistent hurdles such as limited access to credit, restrictive cultural norms, and educational gaps, women in Togo have become a force of resilience and reinvention. They form nearly 59% of the country’s innovation-driven entrepreneurs, ranking Togo 7th in Africa for women entrepreneurship. From small-scale agri-food producers and hospitality pioneers to tech founders breaking digital barriers – women are diversifying the nation’s business landscape like never before.
Programmes such as the INNOV’UP incubator, Ecobank’s Ellevate, and personal initiative training initiatives are helping women break free from conventional business training, equipping them with confidence, creativity & capital. These interventions have led to measurable impact – with female trainees reporting profit increases of up to 40%, proving that even small, targeted investments in women yield transformational results.
Redefining the Nation’s Economic Spirit
The story of Togo’s women entrepreneurs is one of ambition meeting opportunity – a story of courage, reinvention & the unstoppable rise of women shaping the country’s economic future.
Let us now focus on some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Togo.
- Candide Bamezon-Leguede, Founder, ARCANDIA
An experienced businesswoman, Bamezon-Leguede is the Founder of ARCANDIA Immobilier et Services. This company is a key player in Togo’s real estate and interior design market. Recognizing the struggles of other women, she also established INNOV’UP, an entrepreneurial center that includes an incubator specifically for women-led start-ups. Her work aims to build confidence and promote Togolese artistic products.
On a confident note, she asserted that her gender and age have been an advantage in her career, precisely because of these skills. Ultimately, what drives Bamezon-Leguede is her belief in the women of Togo.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candide.leguede/.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Candide/Bamezon-Leguede.
- Adenyo Abravi Ella, Founder of Fafelle Group
Abravi Ella is the founder of Fafelle Group, which is into a unique activity. It is a company that creatively transforms tiger nuts into a range of innovative products.
Incidentally, she has received recognition. Her work was showcased at a WIDU Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, where she represented Togo’s agricultural innovation.
https://fafella-group.lovable.app
- Afiwazi Azen Leno, Founder, Eagle Consulting
Afiwazi Azen Leno is the Founder of Eagle Consulting. This is a company that helps promote and sell Togolese products online.
Initially she faced challenges with digital communication. But she successfully adapted to the situation and now uses digital tools to grow her business and expand her customer base.
- Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou
Midjresso-Amouzou was a finalist for the Young Entrepreneur Award at the 2025 African Women in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards, which is a platform that celebrates women driving change across Africa.
Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ja%C3%ABl-enyo-kossiwa-midjresso-amouzou-07369772/?
- Abra Tenu, President AWEP
Abra Tenu is President of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) Togo chapter. And she leads an association dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs export their products. She played a key role in launching the “Stand Out” and AGOA projects to support Togolese women in business.
In April 2022, she was introduced to embassy officials in Togo as the president of the AWEP Togo Chapter. At the time, she presented on projects funded by the embassy, including “Stand Out” and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiatives.
She is also the Founder of several businesses – including Kari Kari Africa, a traditional soap company, and the coworking space, Espace Viva. She is associated with other businesses like BeeFarmer, ViViFruits, and ZamKé.
https://www.facebook.com/awepTogo/?locale=hi_IN
- The “Nana Benz” of Lomé
While not a single individual, the “Nana Benz” are a historical collective of powerful Togolese businesswomen who dominated the textile trade in the 1970s and 80s. This group is an inspiration for the Nana Tech Program, a modern initiative to empower young female entrepreneurs in the digital sector. They represent a historic legacy of formidable female entrepreneurship in Togo.
Shree Lahiri
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
