These Six Women Are Redefining Business in South Africa

South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, with women building businesses that tackle some of the country's biggest social and economic challenges. From menstrual health and sustainable manufacturing to artificial intelligence and women's safety, this year's finalists for the 2026 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot reflect a new generation of founders using business as a vehicle for long-term impact.

Now in its fifth year in South Africa, the awards recognise women who have built businesses that challenge convention while creating meaningful economic and social value. Inspired by the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who transformed the champagne house into a global brand in the early 19th century, the programme honours both established entrepreneurs and emerging founders whose businesses are already reshaping their industries.

This year's finalists span sectors including manufacturing, beauty, agritech, education, sustainability and mobility, illustrating how innovation increasingly lies at the intersection of commercial success and solving real-world problems.

Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa

Among the finalists in the Bold Woman Award category is Lindiwe Nkuna-Kgopa, founder of Lindiwe Sanitary Pads, whose company has become Africa's first industrial-scale sanitary pad manufacturer owned and operated entirely by women. Beyond supplying products for South Africa's National Sanitary Dignity Programme, the business also supports women entrepreneurs through white-label manufacturing and distribution opportunities.

Sonto Pooe

Natural haircare entrepreneur Sonto Pooe is also recognised for building Nativechild into one of South Africa's leading Black-owned beauty brands. Starting with products mixed in her own kitchen, the company has expanded into major retailers while championing natural haircare for African consumers.

Xolile Mabuza

Sustainability is represented by Xolile Mabuza, founder of Tendalo Trading, whose business transforms discarded rubber tubing into handcrafted fashion accessories. The company diverts more than a million rubber tubes from landfill each month while creating employment through circular manufacturing.

The Bold Future Award, which recognises businesses less than five years old, highlights founders tackling equally pressing challenges.

Maambele Khosa

Among them is Maambele Khosa, whose women-led e-hailing platform SheCab connects female passengers with female drivers while creating employment opportunities and addressing concerns around women's safety.

Pretty Kubyane

Technology entrepreneur Pretty Kubyane has earned recognition for eFama, a digital platform helping farmers connect with buyers through AI-powered tools and data-driven insights.

Tshaamano Mabuba

Tshaamano Mabuba, founder of Buddy Learning, has developed what the company describes as Africa's first multilingual AI tutoring platform built directly into WhatsApp, making educational support more accessible in low-data environments.

Although the finalists operate in vastly different industries, several common themes emerge. Rather than pursuing innovation for its own sake, many of the businesses are designed around solving everyday challenges, whether improving access to education, creating safer transport, supporting menstrual health, reducing waste or helping African farmers reach new markets.

The shortlist also reflects broader trends shaping entrepreneurship across the continent, where founders increasingly combine commercial growth with measurable social impact. Businesses that once may have been viewed primarily as purpose-driven initiatives are now scaling into nationally recognised brands, attracting investment and expanding into international markets.

The winners of the 2026 Bold Woman Award and Bold Future Award will be announced on 15 July, joining Veuve Clicquot's international network of women entrepreneurs. While only two founders will ultimately receive the top honours, this year's finalists collectively highlight the breadth of innovation emerging from South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growing influence of women in shaping its future.