HERfrica Class of 2026
HERfrica Fellows, led by purpose, are continuously transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into enterprises. With every bold step, they are breaking barriers and blazing trails—building a world where women are rising, leading, and leaving a legacy for generations to come.
MEET OUR FELLOWS
Utibe is the founder of Utytrends Global Ventures Limited, an agribusiness and food processing company transforming locally sourced maize and cassava into nutritious, affordable food products, including Unikmilky Custard and Garri Mix. By reducing post-harvest losses, creating value-added products, and partnering with smallholder farmers, she is improving food security while increasing rural incomes. Through her work, Utibe is building a business that proves locally grown crops can become accessible, healthy solutions for Nigerian households.
Ukpono is the founder of Danni Agro Limited, an agribusiness dedicated to sourcing, processing, packaging, and distributing premium, eco-friendly palm oil for households, industries, and export markets. Working directly with smallholder farmers, she ensures fair pricing, reliable market access, and sustainable agricultural practices that improve both productivity and livelihoods. Her vision extends beyond food production to building stronger farming communities through empowerment and long-term economic opportunity.
Dr. Maryam is the founder of The Empath Mind and Body Clinic, a holistic wellness center committed to caring for the whole person—mind, body, and emotional wellbeing. Through an integrated, patient-centered approach, she helps individuals achieve healthier, more balanced lives while advocating for accessible, compassionate healthcare. Her work reflects a belief that true wellness begins when every aspect of a person's health is intentionally nurtured.
Zaynab is the founder of Zaysparkle Hub, a company producing high-quality cleaning and personal care products that make hygiene affordable and accessible. Beyond manufacturing, she is passionate about empowering women and young people through skills development and entrepreneurship, equipping them with practical tools to build sustainable livelihoods. Her business combines social impact with quality products that improve everyday living.
Oluwatoyin is the founder of Royal Sapphire Foods Nig. Ltd., a food processing and packaging company producing healthy, natural, and premium-quality food products for Nigerian families. By promoting nutritious food choices while sourcing from local agricultural value chains, she is helping improve food quality, support local producers, and strengthen Nigeria's food system. Her mission is to make wholesome nutrition more accessible through locally produced foods.
Onyinyechi is the founder of Chizla Global Enterprises, a nutrition-focused food processing company dedicated to improving child and family nutrition through affordable, locally produced food solutions. By transforming grains, legumes, fruits, and nuts into nutritious shelf-stable products, she addresses malnutrition, reduces food waste, and creates sustainable income opportunities for smallholder farmers. Her work demonstrates how locally sourced nutrition can improve lives while strengthening agricultural communities.