Uganda's Maxima Nsimenta Advances to Final Round of Jack Ma-funded Africa's Business Heroes

Ugandan entrepreneur Maxima Nsimenta, founder of Livara, a company that produces natural beauty and organic products, has advanced to the final round of Africa's Business Heroes, an initiative established by China's wealthiest man, Jack Ma.

According to the initiative's website, nearly 20,000 applicants from across Africa submitted their entries.

"The Top 20 Business Heroes will gather in person in Cairo, Egypt, to showcase their impactful businesses and compete for a spot in the 2024 Africa's Business Heroes Grand Finale," the website states. The top 10 finalists who make it to the finale are guaranteed a share of $1.5 million USD.

Nsimenta, taking to LinkedIn, shared the inspiration behind her business. She founded Livara after being refused service at three upscale salons in Pointe-Noire and struggling to find readily available, internationally competitive African-made products suited for Afro hair.

"My disappointment drove me to start Livara Natural Organics," she revealed.

"Livara is on a mission to make natural haircare and skincare easy and accessible while empowering Africans."