In the Limelight: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Eritrea
#EritreaStrong #WomenInEnterprise #EmpowerWomen #AfricanWomenLeaders #ShePerseveres #WomenSupportingWomen #SheInspires
In the resilient and culturally rich nation of Eritrea, women entrepreneurs are quietly yet powerfully shaping economic and social progress. In the country which was historically nicknamed – Medri Bahri, meaning “Land of the Sea” these inspiring women are proving that innovation & determination thrive even in challenging environments – from bustling informal markets to small hospitality ventures, from traditional handicrafts to rural agriculture. Their businesses may often begin modestly like tea houses, weaving units, small restaurants, vending kiosks, micro-farms – but their impact resonates deeply across families, communities & the national economy.
Women Entrepreneurs in Eritrea – Rising Against All Odds
Eritrean women are the backbone of rural productivity, contributing nearly half of farm labour and more than two-thirds of food production. In cities, they fuel the informal enterprise sector – running small and micro-businesses that sustain livelihoods and generate employment, especially for other women. Many are also heads of households, balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities – an extraordinary testament to their resilience, resourcefulness, and leadership.
However, their journey is not without hurdles. Limited access to finance, gaps in formal business training, heavy domestic workloads, and traditional gender expectations often restrict growth and opportunity. Yet, in the face of these barriers, Eritrea’s women entrepreneurs continue to rise – leveraging community-based savings groups, microfinance networks, skill-sharing, and grassroots support systems. Organizations like the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) and microcredit programs are helping unlock pathways for enterprise, empowerment, and financial independence.
These women are not just earning incomes, but they are building dignity, inspiring change, and redefining the narrative of economic participation in Eritrea. Their stories represent perseverance, progress, and a powerful vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Let us now shine the light on some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Eritrea.
- Nina Sasu Tesfamariam, Founder of Fab African Things
Nina Sasu Tesfamariam is Founder of Fab African Things, a company based in Kigali, Rwanda. They manufacture and distribute natural and organic African skin and hair products.
What is important is that at Fab African Things, they are passionate about promoting the incredible advantages of using African natural products. Their mission is – to spread awareness about the numerous benefits these products offer, and to ensure accessibility by offering a diverse range from various African countries, all at reasonable prices.
https://rw.linkedin.com/in/nina-sasu-tesfamariam-a6168685
- Ruth Negash, CEO of the COMESA
Ruth Negash is from Eritrea and CEO of the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), which is an organization that supports and promotes women’s business activities across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Eritrea.
Tracking her background, she has a significant history of working in various business sectors – like Education, Healthcare and precious ore Mining fields. As a Chief Executive Officer of the COMESA, her leadership role is to manage, strengthen, encourage, promote, network and represent African women in business for the 21 African COMESA member nations.
https://www.comfwb.org/about/ceo
https://zm.linkedin.com/in/ruth-negash-a08408156?
- Bisrat Negassi, Founder, NEGASSI
Bisrat Negassi is a fashion designer who uses her work and poetry for storytelling – meaning, to tell the story of Eritrea’s fight for freedom and the role of women in the country’s history.
NEGASSI is the brand of this fashion designer. She was born in Eritrea, but she grew up in Germany. Worked and studied in Germany, Italy, USA and is now living and working between Hamburg and Paris. In 2004 she started her label for transcultural fashion Negassi.
She is also Co-founder of the non-profit organisation M.Bassy, based in Hamburg, with the goal to promote contemporary African and African-inspired artists and creatives.
https://www.instagram.com/bisratnegassi/?hl=en
https://industry.notjustalabel.com/negassi
- Sara Berkai, Founder, Ambessa Play
Sara Berkai is a designer based in the UK with Eritrean roots, known for designing DIY science kits. She is an Eritrean and British social enterprise founder and STEM educator. She founded the company Ambessa Play. Recognition came her way too, for in 2024, she was named to the BBC’s list of 100 Women
Incidentally, she came up with the idea for Ambessa Play while teaching STEM workshops to displaced children in Ethiopia and Eritrea in 2019.
In 2020, she founded Ambessa Play, a social enterprise that co-designs DIY educational kits for children which support them to learn about STEM through play. For each DIY kit which is purchased, Ambessa Play donates a kit to an out-of-school refugee for free, and by 2023, Ambessa Play had sold over 5,000 kits.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraberkai?original_
- Helena Yohannes, Co-Founder of 2•4•1 Cosmetics
Helena Yohannes is Co-founder of 2•4•1 Cosmetics, a cosmetics brand that has been featured on television in the US.
What is the background? Twin sisters Helena Yohannes and Feven Yohannes were born in a Sudanese refugee camp, raised by parents who modelled courage, resilience and faith. Today, they are the Co-founders of 2•4•1 Cosmetics, a clean beauty brand rooted in empowerment, authenticity nd community.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-yohannes-866a3a85?
https://www.instagram.com/thereal_helena/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/thereal_helena?lang=en
- Adiam Emnay & Anne-Sophie Wass, Co-Founders of DUBARUBA
This company was founded by two passionate and dedicated women entrepreneurs, Aidam Emnay, originally from Eritrea, and her business partner, Anne-Sophie Wass.
The concept behind Dubaruba is a great one, that actually showcases the work of some of Africa’s most talented designers and brands to a discerning European marketplace (and who are often not widely known outside their own countries!).
Among these dedicated women entrepreneurs, Aidam Emnay is originally from Eritrea). And Dubaruba, their startup celebrates the finest in contemporary African design & products.
Shree Lahiri
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
