What does it mean to be bold in Africa today? For a rising generation of African female entrepreneurs, boldness goes beyond business success. It’s about reclaiming power, leading with purpose, and creating new possibilities for others to rise.
The 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is an iconic global initiative that’s rooted in authentic leadership, cultural heritage, and collaborative impact, and it continues to celebrate bold leadership in South Africa and Nigeria.
South Africa: Heritage Meets Innovation
Returning for its fourth year, the 2025 Bold Woman Award in South Africa was presented to Retang Phaahla, Co-Founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters – a brand that revives indigenous ingredients while uplifting rural communities in Limpopo. Her story exemplifies innovation anchored in cultural preservation. “Boldness is choosing to lead with purpose, even when the path is uncharted,” says Retang. “For me, success means showing up fully in my truth and creating space for others to do the same. I see myself as a builder of ecosystems, creating platforms where women and youth in rural areas can thrive and be seen and own their narratives.”
With 92 percent of her leadership team made up of women, Retang creates platforms that enable rural women and youth to feel empowered, visible, and valued. “I’ve embraced the opportunity to lead authentically. I don’t aspire to lead like a man – that would strip away the heart, intuition, and flair that comes with leading like a woman.”
Also recognised was Dr Phindile Cebekhulu-Msomi, CEO of Hazile Group and recipient of the 2025 Bold Future Award. She reflected on the resilience required to forge ahead: “I’ve learnt not to internalise criticism. I stay grounded by remembering who I’m building for: myself, my children, the women I represent, and the communities I serve. Being bold is building even when the odds are stacked against you and rising anyway – not just for yourself, but for the generation of women behind you.”
“Everything is richer when built with collective intelligence, shared insights, and collective passion”
Nigeria: Science, Beauty, and Leadership
In Lagos, the Nigerian edition of the awards, also returning for its fourth year, celebrated innovation, legacy, and leadership. Remi Martins-Johnson, Founder of Texture Science Lab, received the 2025 Bold Woman Award for her pioneering work developing science-led beauty solutions for African skin and hair.
Through Texture Science Lab, Remi’s not only revolutionising the beauty industry but also opening doors for women in STEM and innovation. “Boldness is standing firm in your vision, even when the odds seem insurmountable,” Remi says. “It’s about leading with purpose and creating a pathway for others to follow.”
The Bold Future Award was presented to Co-Founders Teniola Tunde-Oni and Funmilola Aderemi of PharmaRun – further proof that young women in Nigeria are disrupting industries and setting new standards. “The Bold Woman Award is not just about celebrating achievement – it’s about recognising women who are leading change, building legacies and shaping the future of business in Nigeria and beyond,” said Leye Adeniji, General Manager, Moët Hennessy Nigeria.
Ivory Coast: Conversation, Connection, and Courage
In Abidjan, more than 100 female entrepreneurs gathered for Bold Conversations 2025, a vibrant forum hosted by Veuve Clicquot to spark dialogue and connection.
A key theme was risk-taking. According to the Bold Barometer, only 30 percent of women in Ivory Coast perceive entrepreneurial risks to outweigh the benefits – compared to 37 percent of men. “Risk is part of our lives; it even follows us in our sleep,” said panellist Vanessa Kuyo, CEO of KUYO Pipeline.
The importance of visible female role models emerged as another key topic. While many women are inspired by those who’ve gone before them, they often have fewer visible role models than men. “You don’t choose to be a role model – you become one through your choices,” says guest Anne-Emmanuelle Soumah-Yace. “But my ambition is not to be called that, rather to succeed and inspire those who follow me.”
This was supported by Laëtitia N’CHO: “What matters is not speaking the most or being a role model, but knowing your worth and being respected for your work. My success is the pride of my family. I value my values and my integrity more than the speed of success.”
The Legacy of Madame Clicquot
The Bold Woman Award honours one of history’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, Madame Clicquot, who took the helm of the champagne house in 1805 at a time when women couldn’t legally own or run businesses. She revolutionised the industry and left a lasting legacy. In 1972, Veuve Clicquot launched the Bold Woman Award in her honour, followed by the Bold Future Award in 2014. Since then, more than 450 women in 27 countries have been celebrated. In 2025, with every bold toast raised across Africa, her story continues.
No doubt, Madame Clicquot would be proud.
The Bold Open Database
Created as part of the Maison’s Bold by Veuve Clicquot initiative, Bold Open Database is the first global, open-access platform dedicated to showcasing female entrepreneurs from around the world. It allows users to discover and connect with female founders across industries and geographies, breaking down cultural, technological, and geographic barriers. The platform is both a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and a practical tool for building networks, sharing stories, and inspiring future generations of women leaders.
Brune Failliot, the Global Communication and Digital Director at Veuve Clicquot, highlights the importance of supporting female entrepreneurship. “It’s about independence, economic empowerment, and breaking down barriers. Making women entrepreneurs visible shows girls everywhere that anything is possible – that they too can change the world,” says Brune.
And the focus is indeed a global one. “With a presence in more than 20 countries – from Berlin to Tokyo and expanding into Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Brazil – Bold is committed to making a real, global impact,” adds Brune.
The database reflects Veuve Clicquot’s long-standing commitment to audacity and innovation, echoing the legacy of Madame Clicquot herself.
A Call to Courage
If you’re a female entrepreneur or you know one who deserves recognition, join the movement at boldopendatabase.com.
