Female entrepreneurs in Nigeria to look out for in 2025 – The Sun Nigeria

The entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria is rapidly evolving, with young leaders exploring new ways to serve a greater purpose, and paving the way for innovation and growth, and women are not left behind. From tech startups to sustainable businesses, these emerging leaders are not only changing the face of Nigerian business but are also having a global impact.

​As of early 2025, Nigeria’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, attracting significant investment despite global economic challenges. In the first quarter of 2025, African startups collectively raised $460 million, with Nigeria securing approximately 24% of this total, equating to around $110 million.

Thus in the view of instilling a culture of nation-building and leadership dynamics, we are celebrating the nuances of young entrepreneurship in Nigeria, who inspired us and many. These are “bold and innovative” successful young female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. (in no particular order).

These female entrepreneurs are ones to watch as they continue to shape industries and inspire the next generation of Nigerian innovators.

1. Maya Horgan
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Maya Horgan Famodu is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, founder of Ingressive, a firm that provides services for firms and businesses expanding into Africa. She also founded Ingressive Capital, a venture capital fund investing in Africa-based technology companies.

Horgan also established a non-profit setup for her firm – Ingressive for Good, which provides micro-scholarships, tech training and talent placement for African youth.

In conversation with Guardian, she speaks about nothing being more important than one’s “ability to do through numbers, experience, expertise (and) intelligence.” She further advices on developing the entrepreneurship value and adds, “Always lead with numbers and the tangible value you offer.”

She co-founded the High Growth Africa Summit, a conference on launching a successful business in Africa, and founded Tech Meets Entertainment Summit, for African celebrities and tech companies to build revenue-generating partnerships.

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2. Chika Madubuko
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Chika Madubuko is the founder of Greymate Care, an Al-driven caregiving platform. An online platform that connects the vulnerable to a professional caregiver, an idea arose from Madubuko’s personal challenges that she faced when looking for a care-giver for her grandmother.

Finding the greatest purpose out of her education, she describes how her course MSC Biotechnology from the University of Hertfordshire “enabled (her) to push herself and provide a comprehensive and practical approach to the industry she wanted to pursue a career in.”

She has now based her service offering around providing trained professionals to care for vulnerable family members.

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3. Gloria Oyouwa

Chinwe Gloria Oyouwa is an entrepreneur, autism awareness advocate, and founder of ‘Crown and Calm’ a sensory-friendly brand that is focused on providing products that support unique sensory needs. She is also a sensory specialist and a marketing graduate from Ladoke Akintola University.

She grew up with an autistic uncle and wants to create an environment in which Nigerians and Africans with invisible disabilities can thrive and succeed, by creating something meaningful that addresses their unique needs.

In a conversation with PM News, she discloses how “Crown and Calm” was inspired by her personal experience growing up with an autistic uncle and her desire to create an inclusive environment for individuals with invisible disabilities.

With a passion for making sensory tools accessible, Gloria’s Crown & Calm offers carefully designed products that bring ease and support to daily life. Her mission is to ensure every child can thrive with tools crafted to bring calm and confidence.

 

4. Princess Adaobi Agwuna

Princess Adaobi Agwuna is the founder and CEO of
Imata Studios, a ready-to-wear and custom clothing brand that celebrates bold self-expression through vibrant colors, statement-making designs, and inclusive sizing.

Adaobi Agwuna’s years in Asia inspired the brand’s establishment, and it infuses rich cultural influences into its pieces, creating garments that are both striking and globally relevant. Sustainability is a core pillar, with a strong focus on upcycling and collaboration with local artisans.

Worn by global supermodel Alaato Jayzper (Chanel, Gucci, Fenty, Tom Ford, Valentino, Saint Laurent) and Nigerian actress/TV host Osas Ighodaro on major stages.
Accepted into the Fashionomics Africa Incubator Program 2024, a prestigious accelerator for emerging fashion entrepreneurs.

The fast-growing brand that has garnered attention for its commitment to inclusivity, promoting the hashtag #curvyconfidence to celebrate all body types. With celebrity endorsements, a strong brand identity, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Imata Studios is not just creating fashion—it’s shaping a movement.

5. Ololade Efosa-Zuwa
Ololade Efosa-Zuwa is an entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of NatalBond, a unified maternal wellness platform that brings together a suite of tools to support women throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early childcare.
Ololade began her career rooted in science, but her perspective shifted after her first pregnancy. The experience highlighted for her the lack of readily available, trustworthy information for first-time pregnant women and new mothers. That insight became the foundation for building NatalBond which launched in 2022.
She holds a degree in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and is currently pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Miva University. With a solid foundation in science and business, she combines analytical thinking with strategic leadership to address real-world health challenges, particularly those affecting women in underserved communities.
NatalBond was born out of the belief that no woman, especially first-time pregnant women and new mums, should go through the motherhood journey without trusted, accessible support. The platform offers 24/7 access to verified medical professionals, live group support sessions, evidence-based educational content, and community engagement, all in one place. Tailored specifically for the realities of African and emerging-market contexts, NatalBond empowers women with the knowledge, care, and companionship they need to navigate motherhood with confidence.
Since its launch, NatalBond has made significant strides in transforming maternal support across Africa and beyond. The platform has answered over 1 million questions from pregnant and postpartum women, supported more than 3,000 births, and reached over 20,000 women across all 36 states in Nigeria and more than 25 countries worldwide. With 24+ months of continuous, round-the-clock support provided by medical experts, coaches, and a growing community, NatalBond continues to expand its impact through a fast-growing mobile app and digital infrastructure designed to serve mothers in real time.

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‍6. Ifeadi Anigbogu
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Ifeadi Anigbogu is a HR leader, keynote speaker, and mostly a management consultant. She is a true example of transforming the role of an HR Strategist to build unique people management practices. She is the founder of HR In Tech, an initiative that brings together HR professionals practicing in the tech/innovation space, and ‘CareerBanters With Ifeadi’ a CSR initiative that helps working professionals align their career goals for professional success.

As a business coach, Ifeadi focuses on the big picture, collaborating with the HR department and consulting with the leadership team to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. She is very passionate about people development. She has led successful initiatives that support talents and businesses across Africa and beyond.

Ifeadi helps working professionals find their voice, build their brands and enjoy fulfilling career life. She is also helping businesses grow and scale with proven human capital strategies and growth principles. She is an International Speaker and Trainer.

She has received local and international recognition for her work. Some of her awards are – Top 150 Global HR Influencer, Top 50 Career Influencer In Africa, 50 Top Personalities on LinkedIn Nigeria, and 11 Top HR Leaders on LinkedIn Nigeria.

 

‍7. Folake Owodunni

Folake Owodunni is an entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa (ERA), a healthcare technology company that is transforming emergency medical care in Nigeria and beyond.

Her work in this space earned her the Global Aurora Tech Award in 2024, recognizing her tireless moves to improve emergency response times and save lives across the country.

ERA, under Folake’s leadership, has created a comprehensive system that integrates web and mobile applications, facilitating communication between first responders, hospitals, and command centres. This innovation has drastically reduced response times, ensuring individuals in medical emergencies receive timely care.

ERA’s work has already gained attention, including a partnership with the Edo State government, aiming to improve public-sector emergency response and save lives in the region.

Beyond her technical achievements, Folake’s advocacy for healthcare innovation and mentorship has earned her accolades like the Rainer Arnhold Fellowship from the Mulago Foundation. Her passion for accessible healthcare stems from personal experiences and an early interest in improving healthcare systems in Africa.

With a background in Global Health & Development and Business Entrepreneurship & Technology, Folake is dedicated to expanding ERA’s reach, working towards a future where emergency medical care is accessible to all Africans in less than 10 minutes.

Her pursuit of this mission, supported by strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors, positions her as one of the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

‍8. Rebecca Adedire

Rebecca Adedire is the founder of Guestsnhost, a cloud-based hospitality SaaS startup connecting guests with hosts for events, experiences, attractions, and rental services. Founded in 2023, the platform provides program hosting features, enabling guests to access all necessary event information before and during the event.

It simplifies the planning process by reducing the need for printed brochures and invitations while eliminating the hassle of constant communication with the host for details such as directions, reservations, accommodations, and travel information. It also offers a ticketing system for selling unique, customisable event tickets.

‍9. Abiri Oluwabusayo Khloe

Abiri Oluwabusayo Khloe, widely known as KokobyKhloe, is a Nigerian media personality, actress, model, and entrepreneur who has carved a unique lane in entertainment and beauty. Rising to fame as a vibrant contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 3, Khloe quickly became a household name, known for her bold personality and unapologetic confidence. Though initially evicted early from the show, her dramatic return and standout moments kept audiences captivated and solidified her place in pop culture.

Beyond reality TV, KokobyKhloe transitioned seamlessly into Nollywood, appearing in films like Pepper Soup and Fate of Alakada. Her style and poise also earned her modeling gigs and red carpet hosting duties, further showcasing her versatility.

In 2020, she expanded her brand by launching KokobyKhloe Beauty, a skincare and wellness line that reflects her passion for self-care and empowerment. Her entrepreneurial journey reached a new high in 2023 when she was named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, celebrating her as one of the continent’s rising business leaders.

With over a million followers across social platforms, Khloe continues to influence conversations around beauty, fashion, wellness, and women’s empowerment in Nigeria. She is not just a reality star — she is a force redefining what it means to be a modern African woman in business and media.

‍10. Modupe Elebute Odunsi

Modupe Elebute Odunsi is the founder of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility offering comprehensive cancer care and specialist treatments. Named in honour of her late mother-in-law, the hospital combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care in a healing environment.

Odunsi graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in 1986 and trained in Internal Medicine and Haemato-Oncology at top institutions in London, including St Bartholomew’s and The Royal Marsden. Awarded a Leukemia Research Fund fellowship, she earned an MD from the University of London for her pioneering research.

In the UK, she served as Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s Hospital, the National Blood Service, and King’s College Hospital, alongside a private practice at Spire and Lister Hospitals. In Nigeria, she worked at Lagoon Hospitals, establishing a pathology lab and a sickle cell clinic. A prolific author, she has contributed extensively to scientific literature.

 

‍11. Omolara Olarerin

Omolara Olarerin is the chief executive officer and co-founder of PocketFood, a Nigerian food management startup transforming the way Africans eat.

Since launching in August 2022, PocketFood has automated the process of healthy eating, making nutritious, affordable meals more accessible through tech-driven delivery solutions. The company has delivered over 350,000 meals, raised critical funding, expanded to three major Nigerian cities, and garnered both local and international recognition with multiple awards.

Driven by a deep passion for innovation and impact, Olalerin believes in the power of technology to solve real-world problems. At the helm of PocketFood, she brings together her technical expertise and her dedication to wellness, building a company that doesn’t just feed people, it empowers them to live better. With a growing customer base and a mission rooted in purpose, Olalerin continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Africa’s food tech space. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and a Master’s Degree from the University of Hertfordshire.