Entrepreneurship is often measured by revenue, growth and investment. Yet some of the most important businesses being built today are solving problems that affect millions of people every day. From energy poverty and disability inclusion to healthcare innovation and sustainable manufacturing, ten South African women are proving that business success and social impact can go hand in hand. Their selection for the 2026 Class of 10 Faces Changing Africa (South Africa Women Edition) highlights a new generation of entrepreneurs whose work is creating practical solutions while contributing to Africa’s long-term development.
Led by StArfrica, the initiative celebrates ten South African women whose work is creating solutions in sectors ranging from clean energy and biotechnology to healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture and social development.
Beyond recognition, the initiative aims to create long-term opportunities for the selected entrepreneurs through access to the German innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem. Through networking, partnerships, visibility and collaboration opportunities, the programme is expected to help these business leaders expand their impact while strengthening connections between African and German stakeholders.
The entrepreneurs will also be featured in the upcoming 10 Faces Changing Africa Documentary and Magazine (South Africa Edition), providing an international platform to share their stories and achievements. They will gain access to the growing 10 Faces Network, which already includes entrepreneurs from Kenya and Ghana.
Entrepreneurs Solving Africa’s Challenges Through Innovation
Cwenga Kotu-Rammopo, co-founder of Talitha Together, has dedicated her work to supporting adolescent mothers through education, mental health support, advocacy and economic empowerment. Through her youth-led organisation, she addresses the systemic causes of teen pregnancy while creating opportunities for young mothers to rebuild their lives. Her work combines social impact, digital innovation and storytelling, earning recognition from organisations including Netflix, UN Women, She Leads Africa, Women@Dior and News24.
Dominique Rocher, co-founder of Urobo Biotech and Startup Scout at the Hult Prize Foundation, is tackling one of the world’s growing environmental challenges. Her company develops technologies that help waste management facilities convert bioplastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. By creating sustainable end-of-life solutions for bioplastics, Urobo Biotech is contributing to the development of a circular economy and reducing dependence on conventional plastics.
Refilwe Sebothoma, founder and CEO of Hakem Energies, is working to combat energy poverty in South Africa’s underserved communities. Through innovative community-based LPG distribution systems and flexible payment models, Hakem Energies is making clean cooking fuel more accessible and affordable. Her business addresses both energy access and the broader socio-economic challenges associated with energy poverty.
Gestél Kuyler, CEO and co-founder of Nanosene, leads a deep-tech company developing advanced polymer technologies for membrane protein research and drug discovery. Built on scientific research conducted during her PhD studies, Nanosene is helping researchers overcome major challenges in studying membrane proteins, which are among the most important targets in modern medicine. Her work strengthens South Africa’s growing biotechnology and life sciences sector.
Ziyanda Mtshontshi, co-founder of Ubuntu Inclusive Centre, has become a strong advocate for disability inclusion in healthcare, education and training. Her organisation provides educational opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities and has established a specialised clinic staffed by healthcare professionals. The centre also trains Early Childhood Development practitioners, helping build a more inclusive support system for children living with disabilities.
Building Businesses That Create Social and Economic Value
Lufuno Rasoesoe, founder and CEO of TOSH Detergents, has transformed a small home-based operation into a recognised manufacturing business producing eco-friendly cleaning products. Established in 2021, the company was created to address hygiene challenges while generating employment opportunities. Its locally manufactured products offer affordable and effective solutions for households and businesses while supporting local economic development.
Izane Reyneke, Chief Executive Officer of HOPE Cape Town Association, leads programmes focused on improving the lives of children, youth and families facing health and social challenges. Through partnerships across Africa and Europe, the organisation delivers initiatives in healthcare, early childhood development, youth empowerment, vocational training and community development, contributing to long-term social progress.
Pretty Kubyane, co-founder and Tech Lead of eFama App, is helping modernise Africa’s agricultural sector through technology. She leads the development of digital marketplace solutions that connect farmers directly with buyers, improving transparency, efficiency and quality assurance across agricultural value chains. With extensive expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity and blockchain, she has helped secure support from major organisations in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Amohetsoe Shale, founder and CEO of NAVU, is focused on making prosthetic technology more accessible and affordable. Her company develops innovative prosthetic solutions designed to improve mobility, independence and quality of life for people living with limb loss. By combining engineering, empathy and human-centred design, NAVU is helping redefine accessibility in healthcare technology.
Sibongile Mongadi, founder of Uku’hamba (Pty) Ltd, is using 3D printing technology to provide affordable prosthetic limbs for amputees. Inspired by a personal encounter with an amputee, she built a company that manufactures lightweight, custom-made, water-resistant prosthetics at a fraction of traditional costs. Her work addresses a significant gap between the demand and supply of prosthetic devices while helping restore independence and dignity to people living with disabilities.
Since its launch in 2024, the 10 Faces Changing Africa project has highlighted entrepreneurs who are building resilient businesses and delivering meaningful impact across the continent. Following successful editions in Kenya and Ghana, the South Africa Women Edition demonstrates the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in solving pressing social, economic and environmental challenges.
The initiative is led by StArfrica, a project of the University of Koblenz’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ZIFET) and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. By connecting entrepreneurs to international networks, investment opportunities and global visibility, the programme is expected to strengthen innovation ecosystems while supporting the next generation of African business leaders.
