The Future is Female Mentorship Programme, a public relations and communications training initiative dedicated to female founders, has announced the 20 finalists for its fifth cohort.

These finalists were selected from a large pool of applications submitted across Africa before the July 31 deadline. The chosen participants represent early-stage startups in sectors such as healthtech, AI, cleantech, agritech, and logistics, each bringing innovative solutions to their respective markets.

Launched in 2020 by Claudine Moore—Africa’s Managing Director at PR firm Allison and the founder of C. Moore Media—the annual program partners with media, communications firms, and investors focused on female-led businesses to provide essential PR training for women entrepreneurs.

This year’s edition is backed by key partners, including Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund—the impact investment arm of Salesforce—alongside TechCabal, Africa Communications Week, and startup database platform F6S.

“In the past five years, we’ve supported hundreds of African female tech founders and are grateful for the continued support of our long-term partners. Our mission remains focused on expanding this initiative to empower more women entrepreneurs,” said Moore.

As part of the program, Claudine Moore will lead the first masterclass, joined by Africa Communications Week co-founders Annie Mutumba and Eniola Harrison. TechCabal will conduct training sessions on media engagement, while Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund will cover topics related to securing venture capital funding.

The 20 selected finalists for the 2024 cohort come from various African countries, including:

Morocco

• Adjayi Cyrus (My Steps): A healthtech app that incentivizes users to maintain daily wellness routines through eco-friendly mobility rewards.
• Nassima Ben (Feizhoucom): A startup developing tech products, software solutions, and mobile apps for Moroccan startups.

Rwanda

• Aline Nicole Uwamariya (Geuza): A company that repurposes electronic plastic waste using 3D technology to create prosthetics and crutches for individuals with disabilities.

Kenya

• Becky Kirima (INVA Solution): A virtual assistance platform tailored for individuals with attention deficit disorder (ADD).
• Maureen Macharia (Cluzar): An AI-powered customer feedback and market research startup helping businesses connect with and understand consumer behavior.

Nigeria

• Kieva Chris-Amusan (Fertitude): A digital platform providing women with on-demand, stigma-free access to reproductive health resources, services, and products.
• Folashade Adegbite (Harmonics): A company that builds software, mobile applications, and other tech products for startups.
• Omolola Solagbade (Zendit): A logistics tech platform that connects businesses with affordable courier options.
• Kikelomo Owoyale (SheFoundry): A gender-focused technology company dedicated to closing financial and fundraising gaps for female founders.
• Tolu Ajibola (HerSynergyTribe): A network designed to support mid-level women in tech across EMEA, offering mentorship, career resources, and networking opportunities.
• Roddiyyat Nasirudeen (OpenHealth): A healthtech platform leveraging AI to improve accessibility and quality of healthcare.
• Omowumi Omidiji (SouqOS): A B2B cross-border supply chain management platform simplifying trade between Africa and the diaspora through sourcing, logistics, warehousing, escrow, and embedded finance solutions.

South Africa

• Vwanganji Amatende-Bowa (Tsehla Holdings): A startup focused on climate-smart agriculture using hydroponic farming techniques.

Zimbabwe

• Priscilla Chigariro (The Driven Group): A lifestyle startup that curates exclusive events, restaurants, hotels, and experiences for Zimbabwean consumers.

Ghana

• Ruth Nduta (Africa HackNest): An edtech startup that utilizes AI to provide capacity-building training for organizations.
• Ama Dadson (Akoobooks): A platform dedicated to transforming African literature into immersive audiobooks accessible via mobile devices.
• Roxanne Oduro (Merdeo): A cloud-based agritech platform using data analytics to optimize restaurant operations while linking farmers to new markets.

Ethiopia

• Begashaw Meberate (Bfarm-Tech): A digital service offering rental threshing equipment to assist smallholder farmers.
• Beamlak Alemayehu (Medanit): A healthcare platform providing medication delivery, doctor appointment scheduling, telemedicine, mental health services, and Ethiopia’s first all-in-one medical directory.

Tunisia

• Nada Ghammem (Bionic Soul): A company specializing in advanced bionic prosthetics designed to improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for amputees.

By equipping female entrepreneurs with essential PR and communications skills, The Future is Female Mentorship Programme continues to foster growth, visibility, and success for women-led startups across Africa