In celebration of Women’s Day and reflect an inclusive brand-led African renaissance, Brand Africa announced the most admired women-founded brands in South Africa in honour of the women entrepreneurs whobuilding brands that are shaping the country and/or continent’s identity, competitiveness and economy.
ERA by DJ Zinhle, B.Mashilo Designs and Portia M Skin Solutions, the Top 3 trailblazing, women-led and women-founded brands that are redefining excellence in fashion, beauty and lifestyle in South Africa, were recognised as the most admired women-founded brands based Brand Africa’s annual independent, non-commercial and research-based rankings, Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands initiative.
These brands, led by remarkeable women, represent the spirit of African innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural pride. Their recognition in the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands rankings highlights not only their reputation and commercial success, but also their contribution to shaping a uniquely African narrative, branding and industrialisation.
- ERA by DJ Zinhle, founded by renowned South African DJ and businesswoman Zinhle Jiyane, is more than just a jewellery and accessories brand; it is a movement that celebrates feminine confidence, modern style, and African boldness. ERA has carved out a space in the fashion world by offering stylish, accessible pieces that resonate deeply with women across the continent.
- B.Mashilo Designs, led by designer and entrepreneur Bonolo Mashilo, merges cultural heritage and contemporary design to tell meaningful African fashion stories. Through collections such as Representation, A Village Dream and Pelo Ya Phiri: Living the Legacy, Mashilo celebrates African identity and self-expression through fashion that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.
- Portia M Skin Solutions, founded by Portia Mngomezulu, began in 2011 with a single product and has grown into one of Africa’s leading skincare brands, offering over 40 products in more than 2,000 retail outlets across the continent. The brand uses locally sourced ingredients, such as marula oil, to create products tailored for African skin, earning widespread recognition for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“These women-founded and led brands are a testament to what is possible when African creativity, resilience, and purpose come together – and when women participate meaningfully and equally in the economy,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. “These brands are a. They don’t just sell products, they tell stories, challenge norms, and build legacies,” adds Ikalafeng.
As we celebrate Women’s Day and the spirit of the remarkable 20,000 women who South Africa commemorates Women’s Month in August as a tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of the Pass Laws to women, this recognition re-affirms Brand Africa’s commitment to championing inclusive, representative economy that reflects the rich diversity and excellence in our continent.
Since its inception in 2011, the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands has grown to become the most comprehensive barometer of consumer brand preference in Africa, covering 31 countries representing over 85% of the continent’s population and GDP; research-based rankings conducted by independent and globally respected research partners including GeoPoll and Kantar, supported by regional partners; and brand-neutral methodology with no commercial influence ensuring trusted and credible results.
For Information on the Brand Africa agenda, initiatives and partners, and specifically the Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands Rankings visit www.brand.africa and follow the results on #BrandAfrica100 and #AfricasBestBrands.
