African-WIB is a dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all sectors and with chapters across all regions in the African continent. With far-reaching clout and impact, African-WIB is a one-stop resource for propelling women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.
Manned by a very strong and diverse Executive Team and Directors from the Head Office in South Africa and across all regions in Africa, recognized in their respective industries being thought leaders on women’s business issues, and joined with corporate partners and other non-profit organizations who share our mission and expand our influence, African-WIB is the continent’s premier women’s business organization.
With the Implementation of the AfCFTA in 2021 SADC Women in Business decided to extend its reach and focus on the rest of Africa changing the name to African Women in Business to ensure alignment with the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) 2018-2028 adopted at the 31st Summit of Heads of State and Government in 2018 and launched in 2019 in Addis Ababa, which forms part of article 4L of the Constitutive Act of the Union to ensure that women are economically empowered and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic development. African Women in Business focuses on Pillar 1 of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), outcome 1.2 Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion.
Prisca Soko
Chairperson
about Prisca
She has extensive experience in the financial, auditing and business development work. Her 24 year career in business, finance, auditing and business development consulting has seen her serve articles at Deloitte, work as a Chief Financial Officer at the Mpumalanga Parks Board, run her own businesses in the Oil & Gas, Electrical Engineering and Manufacturing sectors both in South Africa and Zimbabwe. She served in various audit committees and boards both in the public and private sectors.
Prisca has been an active member and shareholder of Women in Oil and Energy of South Africa since its inception, and from June 2014 has been the Group Business Development Executive for WOESA Group.
In June 2019 she has been appointed Chairperson of SADC-WIB (Women In Business), an organisation with a mission to establish a strong network of businesswomen and an investment portfolio in key sectors in the SADC Region.
Prisca is the current Chairperson of African Women In Business organisation.
On outstanding recognition in 2017 she received a special award – “Women In Energy Leadership” from the Minister of Energy SA and in 2007 she was awarded “Technology Women In Business 2007 Business Woman of the Year” by the Department of Minerals and Energy in South Africa.
Shiphra Chisha
President
about Shiphra
Her previous roles include the Global Executive Head at The BRICS Institute, Chief Executive Officer at the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust, Chairperson and Trustee of the Anglo American Inyosi Coal Community Trust, Non Executive Director of Anglo American Inyosi Coal and Inyosi Coal, Non Executive Director of Continental Coal Limited and Arkein Capital.
Ms Chisha the member of the South African BRICS Skills Working Group, the principal consultant at MKT Investments, a consulting firm established just over 13 years ago that collaborates with its network of mining communities, mining companies, government and other partners to shape an impartial and sustainable continent. She cultivates sustainable community and corporate strategy solutions through consulting, workshops and sustainable development programmes. She strives to be the catalyst between corporates and mining communities in building economically stable initiatives that benefit both parties. Her mission is to build together with businesses and governments a fair and sustainable continent that uplifts impoverished communities and the people who live in them. She pictures a continent in which everyone can maintain a thriving and noble existence within the borders of the continent’s rich resources.
Kim Murray-Eedes
Director
about Kim
As a young adult in Johannesburg her early work experience was through the banking industry; as aircrew with our national carrier during the 80s; marketing and sales in her early twenties.
Client Service Director in the advertising industry overseeing blue chip clients, followed. She founded 3 startups in PR, Entertainment Management and a below-the-line Agency in the 90s. And then headed up the sales team during the introduction of mega fitness gym centres in KZN known today as the Virgin Group.
Kim furthered her studies in banking and financial management in forex; aviation medicine; 25 years in health & nutrition and recently completed an advanced english certificate with focus on mediating and guiding foreigners in english business negotiations.
And her experience, while being a single mom to her now grown two young adults, has included project management in bio-energy, funding, technology, ecommerce initiatives and as a networker, bringing people to the negotiating table.
She currently consults with her Swedish business partner on opportunities between Africa and the Nordic countries and has an eCommerce business in the UK.
Kim was sponsorship advisor on the Brics Business Council Agriculture Working Group during 2018, while South Africa played host country.
Kim has travelled extensively: played golf, badly in Hawaii and had yak fat in Tibet, swum with dolphins in Cuba and skied in Europe.
Life is for living and her philosophy is that age is about attitude and that we ‘level up’ we don’t age per say
Advocate Ebenezer Iheanyi
Director
about Ebenezer
Ebenezer owns companies and holds directorships in those business ventures. She is a legal eagle who is called to the Bar. In June 2019 she became one of the founding directors of SADC-WIB (Women In Business) now African (Women In Business) organisation, an organisation with a mission to establish a strong network of businesswomen and an investment portfolio in key sectors in Africa.
The maximum number of the Advisory Council Membership shall be 10 women.
The Advisory Council shall meet once every year.
Ms Nicole Sulu
DRC
about Nicole
The Business network woman of Central Africa
Nicole Sulu Tshiyoyo was born in 1974 in the Democratic Republic of Congo where she lives with her husband and two children. After studying speech therapy in Brussels which she completes with a degree in business management, this leading woman who has, has always had faith in the future of the DRC at its core, and has returned to the country by 2001. She first managed the Hospital branch of the family group, the Sulu Group, then took over the management of the hotel business
in 2012 and became Group CEO. In 2014, Nicole Sulu founded Sultani Makutano, the “Fair Business Network for Congo Empowerment” and the first independent Congolese “Think and Do Tank”. In addition to the feat of regularly bringing together, over the past 5 years, sector managers public and private around sectoral themes or business issues Sultani Makutano brings together investors and CEOs every year to discuss specific issues. Congolese, African and international at the Sultani Makutano Forum. Its 5th edition focused on innovative development and growth levers in the DRC will be held on September 6 and 7 at the Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo in Kinshasa. Today more than ever, Nicole Sulu is convinced that the country is a land of unparalleled opportunities that opens up to the world with a rare energy. “Nothing was achieved until a few months ago and the democratic transition we have experienced is a significant step forward for our young democracy. Lamenting around the half empty glass cannot be an option. Be proactive, positive, create trust, share experiences, build technical and financial partnerships in order to create an industrial fabric in phase with the challenges of tomorrow has never been as much as possible as it is today”, she continues to hammer. Apolitical, in fierce struggle against Africa’s tribal clans, Nicole Sulu knew bring together the new generation of Congolese economic elite, determined to change the way we live, both in the majority and in the parliamentary opposition. In five years, is has become the key contact for the Congolese public authorities, the chancelleries present in Kinshasa, the national or consular economic chambers and international organizations on economic issues and opportunities in DRC. Close to the pan-African circles, it challenges many clichés about “Africa to Daddy”, and in particular the position of the businesswoman in Africa or the brain drain, which, according to her, is just waiting to return.
Dr Chiara Chiumya
Zambia
about Chiara
HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Over 25 years professional experience, the last 6 years as an independent consultant in the financial sector, approximately
15 years with the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), 2 years with the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Microfinance, one year as an
Audit Senior at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and one year as a Management Trainee at Meridien BIAO Bank Zambia
Limited
Ms Charmain Mabuza
Advisory Counncil Member SA
about Charmain
Charmaine co-founded the Eric and Charmaine Mabuza Scholarship Foundation that affords tertiary bursaries to youths from previously marginalised backgrounds. She has been recognised and awarded the Vision 2030 Top Woman in Education award for her role in afforcing access to education for disadvantaged youths through the foundation. Early in 2020 Charmaine was awarded the Forbes Africa Social Impact Award, for the philanthropic work that she performs through the Foundation and the Zamani Group of Companies. Charmaine holds business interests in various industries and continues to maintain excellence in her multifaceted roles.
Ms Elaine Bannerman
Ghana / England
about Elaine
Elaine Bannerman is an entrepreneur and the founder of Pan-African Tech Foundation. Elaine has a passion for technology and innovation in Africa and mentors and advises African technology start-ups (including Fintech and Agritech start-ups) on strategy and capital raising. Elaine maintains a keen focus on socio-economic development in Africa. Elaine is thorough in implementing and achieving strategic and tactical goals and maintains an environment built on integrity, operational excellence and uncompromising ethics. Elaine has over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer in capital markets and she is a barrister of England and Wales. Elaine is also the founder of Infini Digital Consulting (InfiniDNA), a platform where start-up entrepreneurs are matched with start-up service providers to achieve mutual enrichment and empowerment in the business relationship as they “Start-up to Succeed”. Elaine is a member of the board of the Comprehensive and Interactive Platform of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) a specialised organisation of the African Union.
Mmantlha Sankoloba
Chapter Country Head - Botswana
about Mmantlha
Sankoloba serves in the following national committees; Export Development Apex Team, SADC National Committee, SADC Trade Related Facilities Steering Committee, Sectoral High Level Consultative Committee, Market Access Technical Committee, National Committee on Empowerment of Women in Trade , Economic Diversification Reference Group, AGOA Reference Group, Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI) Sub Committee. Ms Sankoloba also functions in various platforms at Regional level on Trade (Bilateral/Multilateral) where she is identified and greatly respected by peers and valued by clients for her fantastic, pragmatic advice in the business-corporate leadership and strategy evidenced by invitations as well as high demand for participation in various business and community oriented projects, Corporate Social Responsibility projects, corporate project execution and participation in panel discussions on various issues of national/regional interest. Sankoloba is a National Champion for Friends of the Agenda 2063 club in Botswana.
Clara Mkandawire
Chapter Country Head - Malawi
about Clara
PERSORNAL PROFILE STATEMENT
Clara Zione Chetama Mkandawire
Clara Chetama Mkandawire is a very dedicated and passionate woman, an entrepreneur who has a clear, logical mind with a practical approach and a drive to see things through to completion. Clara has more than 12 years of experience in managing and leading teams across multiple sectors as she has served and still serving as Chief Executive Officer for Towers Investments and a managing partner for Echo Holdings. Towers Investments deals with the supply of Protective & Safety Wear, Medical and Stationery Supplies.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. She has vast knowledge in entrepreneurship having been in business for 12 years. Clara has also served as an executive member for Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Central Region Chapter) and holds different leadership positions in other different sectors. Because of her passion for business, she has inspired and mentored a lot of young women who do not have the courage to venture into business. Clara believes that Entrepreneurs are made and any woman if given the right skills and training they will be economically empowered and run sustainable businesses thereby contribute more to the economic development of the society at large. Through her entrepreneurial journey, she has been in different high profile meetings and panel discussions hosted by different organizations like SADC, UNECA etc.
Sizakele Hlatswayo
Chapter Country Head – Eswatini
about Sizakele
Sizakele Hlatshwayo, SADC Women in Business Country Head Eswatini. Sizakele is a SADC Gender Champion, a Project Development Specialist and Personal Development & Empowerment Strategist with training in law and human rights. She has an experience of 20 years providing strategic leadership and oversight role in the area of gender and development at national, regional and international level. Her expertise and competencies are in project design, implementation, managing multilateral grants, research, policy review/development, advocacy, facilitation, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder mobilization and conference hosting & documentation.
She is the Founder and CEO of The Daughters of Zion Initiative (DAZION) which is providing mentorship programme to women’s personal development and building their capacity on running Agricultural Businesses as a collective in order to be economically stable and independent.
Irene Kiwia
Chapter Country Head – Tanzania
about Irene
Professional Affiliations: • Founder and CEO of Frontline Media Africa – A Tech driven Pan African Media and Communications Company. • Founder and President of Twaa – An AI Learning and Mentoring platform for women and girls, from Africa to the World. • Founder of eCobba – An AI driven FinTech company designed to integrate underserved financially excluded populations in Africa into the financial ecosystems through community savings and lending platforms. • Director and Partner – Afya Rekod – an AI driven consumer-based health platform for Africa. • Co-Founder – Ada Lab – An East African Tech hub designed to support impact driven solutions for Africa.
• Founder and President of The Women of Achievement – A Not for Profit organization that works to support women and girls achieve social and economic transformation in East Africa and beyond.
Irene takes a vision and makes it a reality through sound strategy development. She intuitively sees the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, helps others extend their thinking, and drives implementation to impact advantage.
She is an inspirational leader who tells stories that inspire action while at the same time is grounded in the reality of resources that levers progress. Respected as a credible voice in decision making; a champion in finding strategic partners; and a visionary in how she perceives the future. Irene is a master at integrating innovation in all that she does and has earned a seat at the table wherever she serves. Currently, as CEO of Frontline Media (FM), a privately-held, Pan African media and communication company she founded 14 years ago, Irene is overseeing the expansion of the company in 25 countries to ultimately become one of the largest media groups on the continent.
As founder of FM, Irene led the business to evolve into a world class organization serving local and global companies across Africa. During this time, she drove the partnership of FM with Porter Novelli, a leading global communication company with presence in over 80 countries; a partnership which propelled Frontline into a credible market player in the media and communication industry in Africa. She also led successful transformational programs for women and girls in Tanzania through her organization The Women of Achievement, which she then transitioned to incorporate technology. Irene is now spearheading major impact tech platforms that integrates finance, trade, health, communication and capacity building aimed at empowering young people, women and girls in Africa who lack access and minimum resources to ultimate financial freedom.
Irene who is a mom of three, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Dar es Salaam, and an MBA in Marketing from the same institution..
Some of Irene’s accolades include:
§ 2010 Fortune/State Department Global Woman Leader § 2014 Global Health and Diplomacy Fellow § 2015 Woman of The Year Africa by Africa Reconnect § 2018 Obama Africa Leader § 2018 African Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) – Empowerment Award finalist § 2017 – 2020 – Women In Africa (WIA) Tanzanian Ambassador § 2019 – Invest To Impact Tanzanian Ambassador (An initiative by Findev Canada, OPIC, CDC Investment Works, Proparco and Mastercard Foundation)
Ms Yvonne Kusuamina
Chapter Country Head – DRC
about Yvonne
Achievment:
Ms Inutu Zaloumis
Chapter Country Head – Zambia
about Inutu
a property development company developing a 102 acre mixed use, master planned urban node in Nairobi, Kenya. Two Rivers is home to the largest mall in Sub-Saharan Africa (outside South Africa). In her role she developed the initial 7 year strategic plan for the Development with a focus on development of third party residential development joint venture structures to embark on the commencement of the establishment of a resident populous within Two River; as well as onward develop commercial property assets to complete the urban node; lead negotiator for Joint Venture developments; established the framework and systems for the commercialisation for Two Rivers to be positioned as an urban development node.
Serving as Managing Director of Pam Golding Properties Zambia a company she co-founded in 2008. In this position she was responsible for the operations, including strategy, marketing, finance and real estate consultancy services. During her leadership Pam Golding Properties Zambia became and remains the leading real estate services company in Zambia and received many accolades from the Pam Golding Properties Group including the Top Africa Franchise, Marketing Excellence Award. As Managing Director of Pam Golding Properties Zambia, Zaloumis-Kalumba was instrumental in shaping the residential, commercial and mixed use real estate landscape in Zambia. She was lead property specialist in the development of Roma Park, the first mixed use residential development in Lusaka, Zambia providing
real estate consultancy and sales services for Afritec the developers of Roma Park. She was also the lead property consultant for Society House Business Park a US$200 million development (developed by National Pension Scheme Authority) comprising of retail, commercial and hospitality development anchored by Hilton Garden in Lusaka. She also was lead real estate consultant on the Longacres Mixed Use Development, a US$130 million project anchored by Park Inn by Radisson, developed by the Public Service Pensions Fund. She has led her team to having successfully in leased over 100,000 square metres of residential, retail and commercial leasing and sales values in excess of US$50 million. Pam Golding Properties under her leadership is recognised as the leading real estate services company in Zambia offering services across all sectors of the real estate market. Before founding Pam Golding Properties Zambia, Zaloumis-Kalumba was General Manager of Platinum Gold Equity a property development company involved in the development of retail and commercial developments. She was responsible for business development, sales and leasing. She was part of the top management team responsible for the development and onward sale of Falls Park Mall in Livingstone, Zambia and the acquisition of the Freedom Park site in Kitwe which has since been developed into the largest commercial business node in the Copperbelt, Zambia. In addition to being Managing Director of Two Rivers she serves as a member of the working group and a member of the Africa List – a select group of the top 100 CEOs in Zambia who are playing a role in driving
economic growth. She also serves as a founding member of the Zambia Green Building Council, and a
member of the Finance Advisory Council for the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Catholic Church. In addition, during
her time in Kenya, she was a member of the Regulatory Bodies Working Group for the Kenya Property Developers Association. She also continues as a Director for Pam Golding Properties Zambia. She has recently been appointed as a Non Executive Director for Sanlam Life Insurance Zambia and serves as a member of the Investments Committee. In 2018, she was named one of the top 10 female influential business leaders in Zambia. She holds a Bachelors in Business Administration from the Copperbelt University, a Post Graduate Certificate in Mechanics of Real Estate Finance from Middlesex University, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in
Business Administration with the African Leadership University. She is married with three children.
Ms Chipo Mabota
Chapter Country Head – Zimbabwe
about Chipo
Chipo Mabota is the Founder and Managing Director of Cooper and Jones Global Logistics, a company specializing in customs and port clearance for both imports and exports, shipping and inland transportation. Chipo is a qualified and experienced supply chain executive with an eye for detail and a culture of excellence. She has over 20 years in the logistics field and progressive working experience spanning from junior to senior management, and eventually owning a business. She has managed to offer customs clearing and forwarding services to diverse clients in different sectors of the economy, i.e. agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, just to mention but a few. Chipo is a holder of a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Wales with expert knowledge in the logistics of supply chains and a holder of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply UK (CIPS) Graduate Diploma as well as a Member of the Institute (MCIPS). Having being a board member for CIPS Zimbabwe Chapter, instituting policies and procedures, leading and motivating teams is her stronghold. She has also worked within the NGO sector and enhanced her knowledge of procurement, warehousing and distribution which was of paramount importance during the Cholera pandemic. Chipo is an inaugural grant recipient for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) 2020 program under the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). She was the 2022 winner in the WOMEN IN LOGISTICS CATEGORY under the FFI-MEA Female Founders Initiative- Middle East and Africa (FFI-MEA). This award was endorsed by the UN Women. Chipo was also recognized among the 100 Most Influential African Women in Supply Chain: 2022. She made history in Zimbabwe in 2022 by leading her company, Cooper and Jones Global Logistics, as the 1st wholly female- owned business to clear a whole vessel at the port, offer customs clearance and provide the transportation of the cargo right up to final destination! She is at the forefront in the fight to make sure that every girl has a chance at a good education because she knows that education provides a bedrock upon which women can realize their dreams.
Eva Ndamono Shitaatala
Chapter Country Head – Namibia
about Eva Ndamono Shitaatala
Eva Ndamono Shitaatala is the founder of Zadeava Fishery Products –a female founded and youthful company that promotes accessibility of fresh fish and processed food products in Namibia and across Africa. She poses a Bachelor in Environmental Health Sciences as well as Masters in Environmental Engineering. Currently, she’s an EIT Food Masters in Food System Scholar at University of Warsaw, Poland.
To date Ms. Shitaatala poses 10 years of working experience in environmental consulting covering environmental management, assessment, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, climate resilient, environmental legislation, waste management, energy efficiency and cleaner production and related research. In her role as consultant she has contributed to the national building in the implementation of Minamata and Basel Convention in Namibia as well as co-authored in several publication in pollution control and African youth engagement in agribusiness.
Beyond her professional lifestyle, she is a travel enthusiast, a foodie and a culturalist. She enjoys spending time with family, sharing her amazing recipes, laughter with friends or enjoying a nice read. Spontaneously, she will grove with some good music.
Being food enthusiast; Ms Shitaatala is dedicated to improving food system in Africa. She committed to building a sustainable resource management. In her capacity, Ms Shitaatala is responsible for advocacy & community cutreach. Therefore, she is committed to advocating for aggressive youth engagement in climate resilient activities in Africa and beyond and raising awareness in communities. Her desire is to contribute to a resilient and economical Africa, informed by innovation, culture and research.
Bonnie Ramaila
Chapter Country Head – South Africa
about Bonnie
Bonnie Ramaila is a seasoned communication and marketing expert and professional with over 20 years’ experience in the communication, public relations, media liaison, advertising, branding, eventing, marketing, reputation management, business development, and stakeholder relations and management in both the private and public sectors. She previously worked in reputable market research; marketing; public relations; advertising and media companies in South Africa and the UK, as well as national government viz; Government Communications (GCIS) and The Presidency. She has a broad understanding of issues in the socio-economic and political environment in the continent and experience in handling and managing political offices.
She runs her own business and communication consultancy, offering bespoke communication solutions to clients’ needs in international organisations, the private and public sectors, and individual clients.
Sofia Dias Cassimo
Chapter Country Head – Mozambique
about Sofia
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Gabrielle Lemaire
Chapter Country Head – Côte D'Ivoire
about Gabrielle
The Ivorian-Belgium entrepreneur Gabrielle Lemaire was born in Abidjan. She went to high school in her birth country until 10th grade. After that, she moved to Belgium where she successfully pass a French Baccalaureat in Social Economics (BAC ES);
With her baccalaureat, Gabrielle entered at l’Universite Libre de Bruxelles where she obtained a BA in Law. This passionate of Marketing and Communication majored in these 2 fields at the European Communication School of Bruxelles. She then moved to London and gratuated with a Master-MA in Communication, Marketing and political crisis management from Westminster University.
Gabrielle’s rich academical background led her to work within companies such as GDF Suez in Bruxelles ( in the marketing department), D8 news ( as the person in charge of writing and developing the media’s main TV show).
In 2012, Mrs Lemaire became the head of the communication’ department in Ivorian antenna of the french bank BNP Paribas, covering 5 countries within the ECOWAS region.
Ready to take new challenges, Gabrielle decides to create her own communication agency: Barons.
Barons has led lot of projects in different Ivorian ministries: transport, oil & energy, water & forest, just name a few”.
Actively present in the political ecosystem within the Ivorian and European “Patronat”, as an active member of the European Chamber of Commerce, Gabrielle Lemaire is also very engaged in African, Middle East and European ‘lobbys.
Her multicultural background allows her to navigate through both words with ease. Her engagement for women in general has made her a strategic asset for the development of women entrepreneurship.
