Naomi Nkoyi

South African entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment through microfinance

Naomi Nkoyi (b. 1968) is a South African social entrepreneur and founder of the Women in Business Network, a pioneering organization that has empowered over 500,000 women entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa since its inception in 1994. Growing up in a rural village with limited access to education, Nkoyi recognized early the economic challenges faced by women in marginalized communities. Her groundbreaking work in microfinance and business training programs has transformed small-scale enterprises into sustainable businesses, particularly in the informal sector.

Through her organization's flagship Microfinance Accelerator Program, Nkoyi developed a unique model combining financial literacy with mentorship from established businesswomen. This approach has achieved a 98% repayment rate - significantly higher than traditional microfinance institutions. Her 2003 initiative to establish the first women-only business incubator in Johannesburg created 1,200 jobs within its first three years.

Nkoyi's advocacy led to the 2005 African Union resolution on gender equity in economic policy, influencing national frameworks in seven countries. Her 2010 TED Talk "Why Women Are the Key to Africa's Growth" has over 2 million views. She was awarded the UN Women's Entrepreneurship Prize in 2012 for her work in financial inclusion.