In the Spotlight: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Congo
#CongoWomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #EconomicEmpowerment
In “The Land of Mountains and Volcanoes” women entrepreneurship is taking firm strides.
Women entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are transforming industries, driving economic growth & breaking traditional barriers. In spite of encountering obstacles such as – limited access to funding, restrictive business environments, and socio-cultural challenges, these resilient, visionary women continue to pave the way for innovation & success.
Empowering Congo’s Women Entrepreneurs: Stories of Innovation & Impact
From agriculture to technology, manufacturing to retail, Congolese women are making their mark in diverse sectors – proving that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. According to the World Bank, women-led businesses are key drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction across Africa. In the DRC, this is particularly evident as women create job opportunities, foster community development & contribute to national progress.
Several organizations and initiatives are dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in the Congo. Programs such as the African Women’s Development Fund and the Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Economic Empowerment provide essential resources, including financing, training, and mentorship. These efforts are helping women navigate the business landscape and scale their ventures successfully.
Here, we highlight the inspiring stories of enterprising women entrepreneurs in the DRC – showcasing their journeys, challenges & triumphs in the ever-evolving world of business.
> Wani Joanna, Founder & Managing Director, Épices du Kivu
Wani Joanna is a dynamic entrepreneur from Bukavu, South Kivu, DRC. She transformed her spice business & leadership skills through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme.
As the Founder of Épices du Kivu, she is passionate about sharing the rich flavors of South Kivu with the world.
Selected for the first AWE cohort, she took up the opportunity to enhance her business acumen and leadership capabilities; and she also gained invaluable insights into marketing strategies tailored to her niche market. Then engaging in social media content and participating in local food festivals, significantly expanded Épices du Kivu’s customer base and boosted sales.
Moreover, AWE’s financial management advice enabled her – to streamline operations and improve profitability, ensuring sustainable growth for her business. Beyond commercial success, the programme’s leadership sessions equipped her with effective communication techniques and team-building skills.
> Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, Founder, Cewon
Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential. This is where Cewon steps in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio created a platform – Cewon, which empowers women to drive the change they need in their lives.
Cewon is a platform that helps women create sustainable business with, aiming to build a legacy. Knowing that in order to make lasting change, women need the skills and resources to help them use their potential, they assist women through their workshops, conferences and mentorship process.
They aspire to expand services into other African countries, and to train many ambassadors that will assist other women in the rural areas.
What gives her the most satisfaction of being an entrepreneur, is that her greatest satisfaction is seeing a woman discovering her identity, her potential, and purpose, and influencing others. What advice would she give to other women looking to start-up? The courage, confidence, ideas, potential and purpose lies within yourself. Find it and don’t be shy to ask for help!!
> Fatuma Kanyere, Founder, Green Light Solutions
Fatuma Kanyere is Founder of Green Light Solutions, a company that provides solar-powered lighting to off-grid communities and specializes in sustainable energy & environmental conservation initiatives.
Green Light Solutions distributes affordable solar products, enabling households and businesses to access clean energy.
She is a prominent entrepreneur with a passion for harnessing renewable energy sources, and her work focuses on empowering communities to adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Her dedication to innovative & sustainable solutions has earned her recognition – as a leader in the field of environmental conservation. Her inspiring story is about empowering women and it also highlights the impact of individual efforts in driving positive change.
> Aline Mbala, Founder, ShopDRC
Aline Mbala is the founder of ShopDRC, a Congolese e-commerce platform. She launched ShopDRC, an online marketplace connecting local artisans and farmers with urban consumers. Her story is about innovating in e-commerce.
ShopDRC offers a platform for small businesses to showcase and sell their products nationwide. The company aims to bring African brands and consumers together, promoting local economic growth and entrepreneurship.
As the founder, she plays a crucial role in shaping the company’s vision and strategy. Her work at ShopDRC has likely contributed to the growth of the e-commerce sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo – providing opportunities for businesses & individuals to connect and succeed. Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have likely made a significant impact on the Congolese economy and business community.
> Nadine Lusamba, Founder, Vitality Naturals
Nadine Lusamba’s company, Vitality Naturals, specializes in natural skincare products using Congolese botanicals. Nadine Lusamba is the Founder of Vitality Naturals, a brand that focuses on creating natural and effective solutions for overall wellness. As a pioneer in the industry, she has dedicated herself to developing products that promote healthy living and sustainability.
Vitality Naturals sources raw materials like shea butter and essential oils from local
women’s cooperatives.
Under her leadership, Vitality Naturals has established itself as a trusted name in the health and wellness market, offering a range of products that cater to various needs and preferences. Nadine’s commitment to natural ingredients and innovative formulations has resonated with customers seeking a more holistic approach to their health and well-being
> Patricia Nzolantima, Founder & President, Bizzoly Holdings
Patricia Nzolantima, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was born in Kinshasa, the capital of République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). With expertise in Marketing, Brand Strategy, and Entrepreneurship, she is Founder & President of Bizzoly Holdings, a women-owned company and foundation; and she oversees the strategic direction and operations of the company.
Her entrepreneurial preparation began in her high school years in Kinshasa when she baked and sold cakes and waffles on campus; and by the age of 18, she had purchased a sewing machine and started manufacturing and selling clothing under the brand name, Bizzoly.
In 2008, she founded Exp-Comunicatt RDC, her first company and one of the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, which specialized in experiential marketing, allowing international companies access into the African market.
Her career took her on a prestigious climb. In 2012, she was selected to join the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a US State Department program aimed at inspiring and supporting African business leaders. She also became the first woman in the DRC to participate in the Mandela Fellowship, an initiative of former President Barak Obama, which aims to empower young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.
Since 2013, she has been a representative of Congo in the Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance at the G20 summit. In 2016 she released her book – Caravane des Portraits, which is a celebration of the women shaping the Africa of tomorrow. In the same year, she delivered the opening remarks at the prestigious Global Entrepreneur Summit in Silicon Valley, California.
In 2017, she founded Bizzoly Transport & Logistics, a transport and logistics company that employs women drivers in Kinshasa, Congo (RDC). The following year, she partnered with UBA Group to establish the first women’s visa prepaid card in the DRC – to fund women entrepreneurs’ projects through its women’s economic empowerment hub. Three years later she established the first female driver academy to empower women in transportation and logistics and partnered with VISA International to launch the first women’s digital bank. And her journey carries on….
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