Womanhood in business today is no longer a side story. It is becoming central to economic growth across emerging markets. From Lagos to Nairobi, Cairo to São Paulo, women entrepreneurs are building companies that solve real problems and create real value. The UpGreyed Her 2026 initiative by Grey captures this shift by recognising and supporting the women who are leading that change.
The programme is designed to support women-led businesses across emerging markets by providing visibility, resources and financial backing. It focuses on helping founders scale sustainable businesses while also addressing the long-standing funding gap that continues to affect women entrepreneurs globally.
After weeks of reviewing applications and founder journeys, Grey has announced the Top 20 finalists for the 2026 edition. These founders represent a wide range of industries including agriculture, education, healthcare, energy, food production, technology and financial services.
The announcement is more than a shortlist. It reflects a growing movement of women building businesses that are rooted in real community needs while also aiming for global competitiveness. It also highlights how women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping innovation across emerging markets.
Grey positions UpGreyed Her as part of its wider commitment to closing the funding gap for women-led businesses. The company sees the gap not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity for economic growth when more women are given access to capital and infrastructure.
This year, Grey has expanded its support for the initiative by increasing its financial commitment. A total of $10,000 in equity-free grants will be awarded to three founders. The winner will receive $5,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. The structure is designed to give founders flexibility to grow their businesses without giving up ownership.
Equity-free funding remains a key advantage for early-stage founders in emerging markets. It allows entrepreneurs to invest directly into operations, product development, hiring and expansion without losing control of their companies.
Africa’s strong presence in the Top 20
One of the most notable outcomes of this year’s selection is the strong representation of African founders. Fifteen of the 20 finalists are from Africa, showing the depth and diversity of women-led entrepreneurship across the continent.
These founders are building companies that respond directly to local challenges while also creating scalable business models. Their work spans agriculture, education, food systems, clean energy, healthcare and technology. Many of these businesses are focused on improving access to essential services and strengthening community-level development.
Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Egypt are particularly well represented, reflecting the growing strength of startup ecosystems across Africa. These ecosystems are increasingly producing women founders who are not only building innovative companies but also contributing to job creation and economic development.
The visibility provided by programmes like UpGreyed Her also plays an important role. Beyond funding, recognition can help founders attract investors, partnerships and new markets. It also helps strengthen the overall ecosystem by showing what is possible when women are given access to opportunity.
Grey says the initiative forms part of its broader social impact strategy and commitment to supporting meaningful change in the communities it serves. Through programmes like UpGreyed Her, the company aims to contribute to a more balanced and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.
The African founders in the UpGreyed Her 2026 Top 20
Out of the 20 global finalists, 15 are from Africa. These founders represent a wide range of sectors and countries across the continent.
Egypt
- Nouran Farouk, Founder, Dosy
Nigeria
- Darlene Sandra Clarke-Okah, Founder, Femme Avenue
- Adaora Angela Akojoru, Founder, Beta Agric Ventures Ltd
- Omolabake Matthew, Founder, Nutrition4kidsng
- Oluchi Anoruo, Founder, SmartPharm
- Deborah Fadeyi, Founder, Vectar Energy
- Abigail Ogunyemi Ifeoluwa, Founder, Mellopads Enterprises
- Rose Danjuma, Founder, School of Mathematics Nigeria Ltd
- Joy Ayo Chinyere Ekeh, Founder, Transcendence Academy Limited
- Ozioma Onwordi, Founder, Eden-Acres Integrated Organic Farm
- Uchechukwu Okoli, Founder, Lutam Farm
Kenya
- Norah Khamuye, Founder, Gotabet Nurseries Ltd
- Esther Muthoni, Founder, Inua Slice Foods
Ghana
- Mohammed Latifatu, Founder, Kodu Technology
- Violet Awo Amoabeng, Founder, Skin Gourmet Ltd
The strong African presence in this year’s Top 20 reinforces the growing role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the future of business across the continent and beyond.
