Winners from Nigeria, Kenya, DRC and South Africa (SA), were recognised for building tech-enabled businesses solving real market problems. Pitching their technology at the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, they received equity-free grants totaling over $100,000.
Naspers and Prosus announced the winners on Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, timing the event to coincide with South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the B20 Summit in Johannesburg. The challenge drew 1,163 applications from tech founders across Africa, proving tech talent exists on the African continent.
Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025 and female entrepreneurs remain central to unlocking that growth. Yet, only a small share of venture funding flows to female-led start-ups, highlighting why targeted initiatives such as the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge, matter.
The overall winner, Esther Kimani, brings agricultural innovation through AI-powered pest detection solutions. “The winners represent the next generation of technology leaders building viable businesses which solve real problems across Africa. I can’t wait to witness their growth going forward,” Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, SA CEO and Executive Director of Naspers and Prosus, said in her congratulatory speech.
The Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge addresses the capital access challenge of many entrepreneurs. African female entrepreneurs face a $42 billion funding gap, representing both an economic constraint and an opportunity for GDP growth and job creation across the continent.
“The depth of talent was remarkable,” said Prajna Khanna, Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President at Prosus and Naspers. “These founders are building real businesses with proven models addressing significant market opportunities. The Tech FoundHER Challenge builds on the successful India cohort in May 2025 and we’re committed to expanding this platform to support more exceptional founders across emerging markets,” she said.
Naspers and Prosus developed the Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, a network of 1.8 million women entrepreneurs across the continent. This enabled the Challenge to reach founders across diverse African markets and sectors. Winners receive mentorship from experienced investors and entrepreneurs within the Naspers and Prosus ecosystem, connections to institutional investors and support navigating business development across African markets.
The ten finalists represented SA, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They operate across sectors including agritech, healthtech, climate tech, fintech, AI and sustainable manufacturing.
Main Category Winners
First Place
Esther Kimani, Farmer Lifeline Technologies, Kenya – Farmer Lifeline builds solar-powered, AI-enabled devices and services to detect crop pests and diseases early, helping smallholder farmers reduce yield and post-harvest losses. She has also won the 2024 Engineering Prize.
“Early detection changes everything for smallholder farmers. This recognition accelerates our ability to reach more farmers before pest damage destroys their harvests. This means so much to me and I know what this represents for young women like me. I represent girls who grew up in rural areas who, with access and opportunity, can soar. This is not just a win for me. It shows that young women can dream big. Investing in technology is not cheap and this means a lot. We are going to go far as a company and we will tell this story for years to come.” – Ester Kimani
Second Place
Folayemi Agusto, Tix Africa, Nigeria – Tix Africa provides a self-service ticketing and event-tech platform assisting organizers to manage listings, ticket sales and payments for live and virtual events across Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s events industry needs reliable technology infrastructure. We are building that foundation for organisers across the country. When the judges described the exceptional pitch they selected for second place, I knew it was me. This validation means everything for what we’re building.” – Folayemi Agusto
Joint Third Place Winners
Margaret Wanjiku, Pollen Patrollers, Kenya – Pollen Patrollers develops IoT-enabled smart hive solutions and data services to monitor hive health, support beekeepers and improve pollination outcomes for farms.
“Technology can help us understand and protect pollinator health which directly impacts food security across Africa. This opportunity is not just for me but for my team. It will help us scale from Kenya to Tanzania and Ethiopia.” – Margaret Wanjiku
Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya, Neotex, Democratic Republic of Congo – Neotex builds AI tools for agriculture and livestock, including the Halisi Livestock product, helping smallholder livestock keepers digitize herds, access services and improve productivity.
“Livestock keepers in the DRC lack access to basic digital tools. AI technology can transform productivity when adapted to local contexts. I did not expect this. It is proof that innovation is possible and opens doors for researchers to find meaningful partnerships.” – Jenny Ambukiyenyi Onya
AI for Good Category Winner
Leonora Tim, Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT), South Africa – Gender Rights in Tech builds technology solutions, survivor support systems and data-informed tools to aid victims of gender-based violence. It allows them to access support, report abuse and find justice pathways.
“It is bigger than the money. Being part of this ecosystem means exceptional support. Technology can create safer pathways for survivors to access help and justice. This recognition helps us expand these critical tools to reach more women.” – Leonora Tim
Each founder receives equity-free grant funding, mentorship from senior leaders within the Naspers and Prosus ecosystem and access to investor networks which can accelerate their growth.
