Empowered Together: Women Leaders Shaping Africa’s Future.

Monday 16th June 2025

Por inAfrika Reporter

On Friday, June 13, 2025, five outstanding women gathered at King Jada Hotel in Dar es Salaam , directly opposite the Airtel headquarters. The meeting, which began around 9:00 a.m. and ended at 12:30 p.m., brought together Madam Christine of Zen Spa, Madam Francisca Lyimo of Beta Bakery, Madam Emma Kawawa of the Women CEOs Roundtable, Ms. Angela Andrew Kwayu of Ella’s Yogurt and InAfrika Providence Limited, and Madam Kokusima Theonest Mutabingwa of Sima Group ventures.

Christina; The Founder & Director of ZEN Spa. 

Madam Christina, the founder and director of Zen Spa & Cafeteria, is the visionary behind one of Tanzania’s most respected wellness brands. Zen Spa has earned two international awards, making it a globally recognized establishment. The spa prides itself on excellence, with 95% of its staff being Tanzanian. With locations in Masaki and at the Rotana Hotel, Zen Spa offers Thai, Balinese, and Moroccan massages, ozone therapy, advanced facials, and more. Her work contributes to training, employment, and wellness access in ways that blend local roots with global standards.

Fransisca Lyimo; The owner of Beta Bakery and Chairperson of the Tanzania Bakers Association

Madam Fransisca Lyimo, the Managing Director of Beta Bakery, is a key player in Tanzania’s food and enterprise sector. Beta Bakery is celebrated for its artisan bread, premium cakes, and traditional pastries. But Madam Francisca is more than a baker she is a director at GABf Entrepreneurs and proudly serves as the Chairperson of the Tanzania Bakers Association, representing and uplifting professionals in the national baking industry. Her leadership extends from ovens to boardrooms, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and advocating for the future of food production in Tanzania.

Emma Kawawa ; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tanzania Women CEOs Roundtable (TWCR)

Madam Emma Kawawa, the CEO and founder of the Tanzania Women CEOs Roundtable, continues to champion African women’s leadership across industries. She also heads Entango Investments Ltd, chairs the Pan African Women Economic Summit, is Vice Chair of Women Arise Africa, and serves as Tanzania’s Country Director for New Faces New Voices under the Graca Machel Trust. Additionally, she plays influential roles in Leadership Without Borders, the African Business Roundtable, and the Great Lakes Women Entrepreneurs Network, advocating for inclusive economic growth and strategic continental partnerships.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of two major November 2025 conferences: The Global Economic Forum (GEF) in Ghana from 21st to 23rd November and The Pan African Women Economic Summit 2025, including exhibitions and a Zanzibar tour, to be held from 27th to 29th November at Blue Sapphire Hall, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

These conferences will welcome participants from across Africa, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, investment, and global visibility. For more information, call 0759 003 029.

Angela Andrew Kwayu ; CEO and Co-Founder of InAfrika Providence Limited, Founder and Owner of Ella’s Yogurt

Ms. Angela Andrew Kwayu, founder of Ella’s Yogurt and co-founder of InAfrika Providence Limited, shared insights into her dual ventures in food and media. Ella’s Yogurt produces homemade, probiotic-rich regular and Greek yogurt, available in vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors. Loved for its smooth texture and natural taste, the yogurt is made with care, offering a healthy, gut-friendly and is a favorite among health-conscious customers in Tanzania.

InAfrika Providence Limited, which she co-founded, is a full-service media and communications agency offering strategic storytelling, digital content creation, social media management, press release writing, public relations, translations, and now, event organization and coordination. The agency is also EFD-compliant, ensuring full transparency in operations. Whether helping brands gain visibility or hosting well-organized events, Angela uses her platform to amplify African voices through clean, professional, and impactful media.

Kokusima Mutabingwa; CEO of Sima Safari Limited, The Flower Bar, Jerusalem Holy Gifts and Sima Candles

Madam Kokusima Mutabingwa is a dynamic multi-entrepreneur and founder of Sima Safari Limited, offering tailor-made tours across Tanzania’s landscapes and islands. Her passion for self-love, wellness, and giving back to the community is also reflected in her other ventures: Sima Candles, known for its calming, hand-poured, eco-friendly products; Jerusalem Holy Gifts, offering faith-inspired home décor and spiritual keepsakes; and The Flower Bar, which delivers floral artistry in both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Across her businesses, Madam Kokusima encourages reflection, healing, and reconnection with God, nature, and self.

The group also discussed the importance of supporting one another meaningfully. If one woman receives an opportunity beyond her expertise, she should confidently refer a fellow member who is better suited for the role. The vision is collaboration over competition creating a space where each woman thrives through shared advocacy, exposure, and empowerment.

They also took a moment to celebrate Madam Emma’s upcoming birthday in July, and everyone agreed the food, service, and setting at King Jada Hotel made the gathering even more special. The group committed to holding such meetings more frequently. They don’t have to be long, but they must be intentional a space where businesswomen gather to plant, water, and grow together.

This meeting was more than an agenda it was a movement in motion, proving that when African women unite with purpose, there are no ceilings they can’t break through.