The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a global initiative launched by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It aims to empower women entrepreneurs around the world by providing them with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses. As of today, it’s being implemented in more than 100 countries.
Launched in 2023, AWE DRC is the DRC chapter of the program. Implemented by Groupe Utalii Kwetu nonprofit, AWE DRC has empowered numerous women to lead businesses that foster economic growth, sustainability, and social development.
From a pool of over 500 applicants, 100 women were selected for the inaugural AWE DRC program. After successfully completing the six-month curriculum, 67 entrepreneurs submitted their business plans. Today, we highlight the top 20 finalists, hailing from Goma, Bukavu, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Kisangani.
These dedicated women are transforming their communities, most of them operate in the agri-business and service sectors. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have earned them a place in the final pitch competition, to be held at the US Embassy in Kinshasa on September 20.
The top 10 from the upcoming pitch competition will have the opportunity to attend a week-long training at Harvard University in early October, with fundraising possibilities.
1. Menemene Mugoli Jeanne-Nicole – Founder, Plastycor
Based in Bukavu, Nicole leads Plastycor, a waste management company. Her initiative has recovered over 100,000 plastic bottles and trained more than 100 individuals in waste recovery techniques, proving that sustainable business can address critical environmental issues.
2. Kahambu Virivuswagha Jeannine – Co-founder, Inua Development
Committed to supporting rural communities in North Kivu, Jeannine focuses on improving fish farming techniques to boost economic growth and food security. Her company provides quality tilapia seed and training to local farmers, enhancing productivity.
3. Adala Virginie – Founder, Action Metanoia Afrika
A geologist and green entrepreneur from Lubumbashi, Virginie runs Action Metanoia Afrika, a waste recycling business that transforms plastic and mining waste into building materials. She champions environmental education and advocates for community-driven solutions.
4. Obula Belamie Rosalie – Co-owner, VBL Ltd
Rosalie co-leads a renewable energy company in Kinshasa. Alongside her husband, she promotes clean energy solutions and volunteers in programs supporting children and individuals living with disabilities, demonstrating her commitment to humanitarian causes.
5. Asifiwe Kulimushi Esther – Founder, Agritech
Esther, based in Bukavu, is a crop production engineer and entrepreneur. Her company produces nutrient-dense food products, and she is dedicated to empowering rural women through agricultural cooperatives and training initiatives.
6. Agnes Ngenda – Founder, Sagel Beauty and Goma Yaourt
Agnes from Goma has successfully launched businesses in both beauty and dairy production. As a makeup artist and entrepreneur, she is passionate about helping women embrace their beauty while also developing her community through local dairy production.
7. Salima Colette Muloba – Founder, COCO Couture
A seamstress and journalist from Bukavu, Salima runs COCO Couture, a fashion workshop providing vulnerable women with sewing skills for financial independence. Her workshop creates traditional wedding outfits, symbolizing empowerment through craftsmanship.
8. Lisette Mbumba – Founder, Ujenzi Services
Lisette, an architect from Goma, is passionate about sustainable construction and promoting gender equality in the architecture industry. Her company, Ujenzi Services, aims to revolutionize adobe brick production and reduce CO2 emissions in the building sector.
9. Esther Pala – Founder, P.Aktion
Esther, based in Kinshasa, runs a yogurt company that uses local fruits to create innovative products. Her leadership has propelled her company to new heights, and she aims to make P.Aktion a Central African leader in the agri-food sector.
10. Londala Bilwa Ruth – Founder, LNS (Londala Nutrition and Health)
Ruth, based in Kinshasa, is dedicated to producing healthy and nutritious food products through her company LNS. A trained nutritionist, she provides valuable health advice and has trained over 150 women in baking and food processing.
11. Carine Byamungu – Co-founder, Kansi Corporation
Carine, based in Goma, is a leader in honey production and women’s empowerment. Her company focuses on sustainable beekeeping and improving the value chain of local crops, making her a key player in the agricultural sector.
12. Bahati Binti Shabani – Co-founder, Green-Eco-Fin Sarl
Bahati from Goma co-founded an agro-food processing company and is an advocate for organic agriculture. Her commitment to environmental protection and entrepreneurship has earned her recognition in prestigious programs like the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
13. Vahighene Kavira Dunoyer – Founder, Eleza Masolo
Kavira, based in Kinshasa, runs Eleza Masolo, a company that uses storytelling to preserve Congolese and African traditions. Her creative approach to cultural preservation has reached thousands of people through online platforms and live performances.
14. Selinah Mwamba – Founder, i-Créaperles
Selinah from Goma combines technology, fashion, and craftsmanship in her company, i-Créaperles, which creates handcrafted bead products. She is passionate about female creativity and entrepreneurship, working to empower women through her innovative business.
15. Clarisse Masika Nzwigha – Founder, Clara Business Services
Clarisse, based in Lubumbashi, is an entrepreneur focused on combating food insecurity through the production of soy-based products. Her goal is to expand her operations and become a leader in agri-food processing in the DRC.
16. Heri Masumbuko Audrey – Co-founder, Ever’Addict
Heri, based in Bukavu, is a fitness coach and co-founder of Ever’Addict, a wellness center offering fitness coaching, healthy meals, and mental health services. Her work has already positively impacted over 300 households in her community.
17. Busoba Louise – Founder, Brightstar
Louise from Kisangani runs Brightstar, a fashion company and an English training center. She is passionate about human development and has trained over 100 people in her community, helping them achieve financial independence. She is the only proud AWE DRC Cohort 1 Top Entrepreneurs representing Kisangani.
18. Itemo Isabella – Founder, ShyGO Ltd
Isabella from Lubumbashi runs a business that produces soap and detergent. Her dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has made her products a household staple in the region.
19. Kahasha Wani Joana – Founder, Epices du Kivu Ltd
Wani from Bukavu is passionate about sustainable spice production. Through her company, Epices du Kivu, she empowers local farmers and promotes regenerative agriculture to enhance food security and economic growth.
20. Chalagala Zani Immaculee – Co-founder, 243 Startups LAB Ltd
Immaculee from Bukavu is a marketing expert and entrepreneur. Her company supports the ideation, incubation, and acceleration of business ideas for young people and women, aiming to foster economic growth and innovation in her community.
These inspiring AWE DRC Cohort 1 Top Entrepreneurs are proof that entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development continues to uplift the DRC and beyond.
