As Africa’s urban populations grow and lifestyles change, demand for nutritious, convenient, and sustainable food is rising.
Innovative entrepreneurs are stepping in, turning local crops and superfoods into products that improve diets, reduce waste, and create economic opportunities.
Here are the top 5 African entrepreneurs transforming healthy food products:
— Monica Musonda (Zambia): Founder of Java Foods, Monica creates affordable, fortified meals like eeZee Instant Noodles and Supa Cereal using local ingredients. Her work addresses malnutrition and incorporates recycling initiatives to reduce packaging waste, reaching millions across Zambia.
— Cobi‑Jane Akinrele (Nigeria): Founder of Aké Collective, Cobi‑Jane promotes African superfoods such as fonio and moringa. Her enterprise empowers over 1,000 women farmers in Northern Nigeria and delivers nutrient-dense, gluten-free products that support healthier diets.
— David Foli Ayivor (Ghana): Founder of Agromyx, David works with smallholder farmers to convert surplus crops into freeze-dried cereals and fruit powders. Agromyx reduces food waste, strengthens farmer incomes, and provides vitamin- and mineral-rich foods to urban and rural populations.
— Benedicte Mundele (DR Congo): Founder of Surprise Tropical, Benedicte runs a healthy food canteen in Kinshasa, offering fresh, balanced meals. Her initiative promotes better urban nutrition and provides a replicable model for clean, locally produced food businesses.
— Elizabeth “Liz” Mureithi (Kenya): Founder of Africa’s Own Foods, Liz develops nutrient-fortified snacks from local grains and pulses. Her products provide affordable, health-focused options for schools and urban consumers, expanding access to nutritious foods in Kenya.
These entrepreneurs demonstrate how vision, innovation, and leadership can transform food systems, making nutritious products accessible while creating social and economic impact across Africa.
The entrepreneurs included are founders actively producing nutritious or health-focused food products with measurable impact.
Selection considered leadership, innovation, community empowerment, nutritional value, and contribution to sustainable food systems.
Information was verified from company announcements, industry reports, and credible media sources as of Q4 2025.
Image Credit: Freepik
