Building Bridges: StArfrica's Exchange Week in Germany strengthens African female founders

Visit to Stabilus with Stefan Ermtraud (3rd from left), Global Innovation Manager at the global company from Koblenz. Image: StArfrica project

Four female entrepreneurs from Kenya and Ghana spent an intensive exchange week at the University of Koblenz in September. The focus was on innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship - linked by the goal of learning from each other and building bridges between Africa and Germany.

When Naom Monari (BenaCare, Kenya), Pamela Wawira Nthiga (FarmBase Feeds, Kenya), Hillary Widanama Adare (Wonfliki, Ghana) and Hannah Hema Akomeah (Hanny's Prime Ventures, Ghana) travelled to Germany, they were expecting more than just a programme of visits. They embarked on a week full of new perspectives - from factory tours and field visits to dialogues with experts from business, academia and the skilled trades.

Their companies cover different sectors: mobile healthcare, animal feed production, data-driven agriculture and the circular economy. But they all share a common goal: sustainable growth through innovation.

Innovation in action - a visit to Stabilus

The programme kicked off at Stabilus in Koblenz. There, the participants experienced how systematic innovation processes work in a globally active company. An accompanying pitch workshop honed their ability to present business ideas convincingly. "We learnt how important it is to translate results into stories - this is the only way to attract investors and partners," summarised one participant.

Agriculture & sustainability - learning from precision

At the Andreas Hermes Academy (Bonn) and a farm in Montabaur, the founders gained practical insights into sustainable agricultural processes. From silage tests to milk quality analyses, they were able to observe how German farmers combine technology and responsibility. Pamela from FarmBase Feeds is now planning to improve the quality assurance of its feed, while Hillary from Wonfliki has found new ways to utilise agricultural data for local decision-making processes.

Health innovation - based on trust

For Naom Monari, the visit to the St. Martin residential home and the Koblenz dialysis centre was particularly memorable. The centre demonstrated how reliability, safety and patient orientation are implemented in the German healthcare system. "Innovation is not just about technology," says Naom. "It's based on trust and continuity - that's exactly what I want to anchor more firmly in Kenya."

Creativity & circular economy - design meets responsibility

Creativity, sustainability and entrepreneurship came together at Moogoo Creative Africa in Frankfurt and the Koblenz Chamber of Crafts (HWK). Hannah Hema Akomeah, who produces high-quality home accessories from waste furniture in Ghana, said: "Upcycling has international potential - quality and storytelling are crucial." The other participants also recognised that structured training and professional standards are crucial for market success.

Bridges between continents

The founders returned with new knowledge, expanded networks and concrete implementation plans. One thing is certain for everyone: the exchange was not a one-off experience, but the beginning of long-term cooperation. As Hillary put it: "It's not about copying what we've seen - it's about rethinking it for Africa. That's where the strength lies." The StArfrica project builds these bridges: it creates spaces for mutual learning and promotes innovations that advance both Africa and Europe.

About StArfrica

The StArfrica - Start-up Germany-Africa project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), is being implemented at the University of Koblenz. The aim is to network African and German start-up teams, promote joint innovation projects and facilitate access to programmes such as the EXIST start-up grant.