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Women scientists and innovators in Africa are at the forefront of bridging the gap between research and market. By applying scientific expertise, they develop innovative biobased products and services that address Africa’s most pressing challenges such as health, food security and nutrition, create jobs, drive economic growth, and contribute to societal transformation.
On this International Women’s Day 2025, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we celebrate three pioneering women scientists and innovators, who have successfully transitioned their biobased innovations from research to market. Dr Sarah Mubiru, Dr Dorothy Nakimbugwe, and Ms. Ginette Karirekinyana are beneficiaries of the BioInnovate Africa phase II (2016 –2022) grant funding and technical support for innovation projects. Their journeys in advancing biobased solutions are marked by determination, creativity, and resilience. Their achievements highlight the role of women-led enterprises in fostering a sustainable bioeconomy in Africa, and inspiring future innovators to accelerate action in their respective fields and communities.
- Dr Sarah Mubiru – Aroma Honey Toffee (AHT) Limited, Uganda
Dr Mubiru’s sweet tooth led her to recognise a gap in the market for healthy confectioneries, which inspired her to establish Aroma Honey Toffee (AHT) Limited in Kampala, Uganda. The company produces sweets (candies) made from 75% honey, eliminating processed sugar, and 25% natural ingredients such as ginger, coconut, groundnuts, and Arabica coffee. These ingredients not only enhance flavor but also provide antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Her innovation caters to health-conscious consumers while also supporting local beekeepers by increasing demand for high-quality honey. With a background in agricultural science, Dr. Mubiru has harnessed research and innovation to develop unique honey-based toffees, successfully scale up production, add value to the honey sector, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the local bioeconomy. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Dr Sarah Mubiru, Founder and Managing Director of Aroma Honey Toffee (AHT) Limited
- Dr Dorothy Nakimbugwe – Nutreal Limited, Uganda
Dr Nakimbugwe, an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition at Makerere University, is a pioneer in advancing insects as alternative protein sources. As the founding director of Nutreal Limited, she focuses on developing nutritious food products enriched with insect-based proteins from grasshoppers and crickets. Her research has focused on unlocking the potential of insects as alternative sources of protein for food and feed, leading to innovations in food products that are affordable and address malnutrition and dietary needs of children and families in urban and peri urban communities. Read her bio here. Watch her video podcast here.
Dr Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Founding Director, Nutreal Limited
- Ginette Karirekinyana – Karire Products Limited, Burundi
In response to the high malaria prevalence in Burundi, Ms. Karirekinyana founded Karire Products Limited. Her company combines traditional knowledge with modern science to develop natural, plant-based mosquito repellents, including soaps, sprays, and lotions. These products utilize essential oils extracted from locally grown plants, providing ecofriendly solutions for malaria prevention. Through community engagement and by contracting smallholder farmers to grow plants like Catnip and Artemisia, Ms. Karirekinyana’s innovation not only addresses a critical health issue but also promotes the use of indigenous knowledge to grow the local bioeconomy. Visit here and here to learn more about this innovation.
Ms. Ginette Karirekinyana, Founder and director of Karire Products Limited Ms Ginette Karirekinyana
