5 leading women-led startups from Africa have been selected to pitch their innovative digital platforms, apps and solutions to big business, government, investors and influencers in Berlin on 26 October, thanks to a partnership between Lionesses of Africa and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
According to the Lionesses of Africa, it is often a real challenge for most women in Africa to get access to key global markets. The call for nominations aimed at identifying five inspirational women entrepreneurs to best represent Africa at this unique event was made at the Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference held last month in Johannesburg, attended by over 300 women entrepreneurs from across the continent.
There were some truly innovative digital solutions, apps, platforms and businesses nominated, but eventually, 5 were selected.
“We wanted to identify five women entrepreneurs who could really represent the depth of high impact innovation talent that exists on the African continent, and who could showcase the best of Africa to leading decision-makers and influencers in Germany. These five women have all developed game-changing digital solutions to key challenges that exist not only in Africa but elsewhere in the world. This important platform in Berlin provides each of these women with the opportunity to showcase their innovative work and their businesses in an important global marketplace,” said Melanie Hawken, founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa
The five women set to pitch in Berlin include,
1.Vere Shaba, founder and Director at Shaba & Ramplin Green Building Solutions in South Africa
Shaba & Ramplin Green Building Solutions is an App that can be used remotely by building facilities managers and building owners to monitor, control, report and track green building performance in real time on iOS and Android devices.
2.Brenda Katwesigye, founder of WaziVision in Uganda
The WaziVision App brings quality eye care closer to communities, providing better and more affordable eye care for every school going child between the ages of 6-18 years
3.Josephine Marie Godwyll, founder of Young At Heart GH in Ghana;
Ananse the Teacher App harnesses local folklore to engage Ghanaian children in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
4.Benji Coetezee, founder and CEO of EmptyTrips in South Africa
EmptyTrips is an online trip exchange using smart technology to match and connect spare capacity on a truck, train, plane or ship to those requiring goods transported.
5.Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank in Nigeria.
LifeBank App is an intuitive blood donor database that inspires committed Africans to give blood and save lives in their community. The App helps medical practitioners source for the best blood and blood products that patients need.