From the streets of Soweto to homes around the world, Maite Maikogba is reshaping how African children see themselves. As the founder and CEO of Momppy Mpoppy, she is turning playtime into a celebration of African identity, confidence, and culture, one doll at a time.
Born during a challenging era in South Africa, Maite grew up surrounded by resilience, creativity, and the rich storytelling of her community. Her journey from Soweto to the poetic alleys of Phosphorus reflects the heartbeat of a continent.
A trained linguist and former South African Defence Force officer, Maite blends discipline with creativity, proving that structure and imagination can coexist beautifully.
When she noticed the glaring lack of African representation in toys during a baby boom in her family, Maite decided to act. She founded Momppy Mpoppy to fill that void, bringing to life dolls that reflect the diversity and beauty of African children.
These dolls are more than toys, they are ambassadors of black girl magic and afro-fabulousity, capturing attention from Russia to China.
But Maite’s vision doesn’t stop at dolls. She dreams of animated content, affordable toys for rural communities, and a world where every African child can see themselves reflected in the stories they play.
She often says, “Africa has like 50 different faces… you probably need 100 different dolls to tell our story,” showing her commitment to authentic representation.
Her leadership style mirrors her journey: a blend of military precision and creative passion. She demands excellence but inspires loyalty, fostering a culture built on initiative, trust, and purpose. Maite believes deeply that business can, and should, be a vehicle for social change.
Maite’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She was listed as one of Forbes’ Under 40 CEOs, a testament to her influence, vision, and leadership in reshaping African childhoods.
Through Momppy Mpoppy, Maite isn’t just selling dolls. She’s building mirrors for African children, where they can see themselves as strong, beautiful, and heroic.
Image Credit: News 24
