The inaugural She’s Next Kenya grant competition has highlighted the remarkable achievements of women-led SMEs pioneering innovation across various sectors. With over 2,300 local SMEs vying for recognition, the competition underscored the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in Kenya.
Busu Naturals, specializing in local emollients for sensitive African skin, clinched the top spot in this prestigious competition. Founded by Emma Omany, a marketer and digital strategist, Busu Naturals plans to expand its reach beyond e-commerce. Omany’s strategic vision aims to tap into the growing atopic dermatitis market, projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2032 with an 8.3% CAGR.
Jean James, leading Timao Group, has transformed plastic waste into crushable pellets for building bricks, navigating a market valued at $40 billion in 2021. By partnering with women-led community-based organizations (CBOs), James not only tackles environmental challenges but also empowers local communities.
Renice Owino’s Code With Kids secured third place, focusing on digital literacy from Kibera to Lodwar. Owino’s initiative aims to bridge Kenya’s digital divide by teaching coding skills to children and fostering gender equality in tech education.
Crafts With Meaning, spearheaded by CEO Caroline Ng’ang’a, promotes African heritage through home decor and lifestyle accessories, collaborating with artisans from Kenya and Uganda. Meanwhile, Cladfy, founded by Ebby Gatamu, addresses the credit gap in Sub-Saharan Africa’s informal economy, supporting micro-lenders and small businesses.
Eva Ngigi-Sarwari, Visa Kenya Country Manager, praised the winners for their resilience and vision, highlighting the impact of the She’s Next program in fostering economic growth and gender equality in Kenya.
As these women-led businesses continue to innovate and expand, their success stories inspire future generations and demonstrate the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey and the evolving landscape of women-led tech start-ups in Kenya. Together, let’s celebrate their achievements and support their ongoing efforts to drive positive change.
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